If you or your loved ones are prone to allergies or illness, you may wonder if your air ducts are to blame.

According to the EPA, cleaning out air duct contaminants has never proven to prevent health problems. However, they do recommend air duct cleaning by a professional in the following situations:

• Insect or rodent infestation
• Ducts clogged with dust or debris that is being forced through the registers
• Visible mold in the ducts or surrounding any elements of the heating or cooling systems

It is also a great idea to have your ducts professionally cleaned when you first move into a home, if you notice excessive amounts of debris.