# How to Know When to Replace Ductwork or Just Have It Cleaned > Knowing when it's time to clean or replace ductwork is crucial for maintaining healthy indoor air and excellent HVAC comfort. [![clean or replace ductwork](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ductwork3-300x225.jpg)](http://shutterstock.com)Have you taken a look at your home's [ductwork](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/duct-sealing-benefits.html) lately? If you're having problems with this easily neglected aspect of the HVAC system, chances are it may be time for a cleaning or, in some severe cases, it may need to be replaced. Knowing when it's time to clean or replace ductwork is crucial for maintaining healthy indoor air and excellent HVAC comfort. [![clean or replace ductwork](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ductwork3-300x225.jpg)](http://shutterstock.com) ## The Perils of Poor Duct Maintenance Think of the ducts as your home’s respiratory system. The HVAC system takes in indoor air and recirculates it throughout your home as conditioned air. It’s not unusual for ducts to gather a thin coating of dust. However, large amounts of [dust](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/top-tips-keeping-pollen-massachusetts-home.html) and other airborne debris should be removed and the source of the dust found and fixed. Mold spores can also travel through the HVAC ducts. If these spores encounter pockets of moisture within the ducts, these spores can blossom into full-grown mold and mildew, making it much harder to clean the ductwork. ## To Clean or Replace? Knowing when to [replace ductwork](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/signs-ductwork-updated.html) or when it should be cleaned depends on the type of duct, the material it’s made from and whether or not there’s severe mold growth within: - **Metal ducts -** The easiest of the three to clean, especially without an interior lining. Mold can also be cleaned relatively easy. - **Fiber board ducts -** Not as easy to clean as metal ducts, as the stiff brushes commonly used can damage the underlying fiberglass. Entire sections must also be replaced at the sign of mold growth. - **Flex ducts -** Special tools are usually required to clean flex ducts, as the interior lining can easily tear. These ducts must also be replaced if there’s any mold growth detected. For help determining if you need to replace ductwork, or for other home comfort concerns, contact the pros at [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html). We're proud to serve homeowners throughout the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. *Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://Shutterstock.com)* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/know-replace-ductwork-just-cleaned.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/know-replace-ductwork-just-cleaned.html)