We have been talking about having it done at our place.  What could it hurt? 

I "get" changing the filters but not the duct cleaning aspect

I keep all my vents clean and do it every year, including my dryer vent, which can cause fires. I don't know how much it helps, but I figure it can't hurt and the cost is negligible.

Good morning Aimee. We have our system cleaned every two years. Many of the companies that offer the service are sharks, find a reputable company.

We change the filters on a regular basis but have never had the ducts cleaned. I, too, am interested in seeing the answers you receive.

Unless the home has metal ductwork and few do, this activity can cause serious issues with the integrity of the ductwork and result in a breach of the insulating barrier and cause condensation to form...then mold. Not worth it!

Aimee, usually have it done every other year with a company I trust!

 Good Wednesday morning Aimee. I would strongly advise it especially if you have a crawlspace system. It makes a huge difference.

I'm not a professional on HVAC, but I do believe that maintaining and cleaning well any appliances is cheaper. 

my answer is it depends.  In my house it's a true must annually.  We have pets, LOTS of pets and we use a wood burning stove in winter and dust, dander and fur settle in the vents.  We spring clean them.  No pets, no fireplace, maybe every 5 years.

It has to be done Aimee. The vents collect dust and you need to do this every decade or so.

Aimee,
There are a lot of variables in this decision. Climate, duct construction, pets, etc. You need an HVAC pro you can trust.

My HVAC dude (also a client) says it is important, so I try and get this done yearly.  Even more important to change the filter.

I would think every few years it might be a good idea, but not as standard yearly maintenance.

Aimee Schmitt 

I hose off leaves with water on the radiator.   Inside the duct I have a shop vac that can be inserted inside to get the falling crap out.  I visually inspect the wiring for loose connectors and grounding..... Nothing to it. 

Every so many years, I crawl under my house inside looking for duct integrity, insulation wrapper falling off, coupling leaks with a foiled tape...

Looking for termite, leaves. 

You got a Mr Fix it at your house?

Anyone with health issues should have it done regularily

Useful - but not to excess.

if the ductwork is also used for heating, I'd have it cleaned....I have baseboard forced hot water heat, and my central air systems are separate, so air conditioning is the only thing going through the ducts... and I have the system serviced every season....filters replaced.... 

Ours is done every five years because of the pets.

Aimee Schmitt When we first purchased our home, we had it done after a couple of years. You wouldn't believe what they pulled out of the duct work. Everything from wood pieces, sawdust, bread wrappers, etc. I've also heard that accumulated dirt will restrict the air flow of the system. I would say it is a good idea to have it done.

I highly recommend it as you stay on top of your equipment and can make sure they are working most efficiently. We have never had to replace a unit in a house we lived in and only had a couple of minor repairs. It also helps keep your utility bills in check when your units are running as they should be.

It is a good idea to get the ducting system cleaned when purchasing new and used properties, after renovations are completed and periodically at other times (once every few years).  If you have certain types of pets, it should be done more often.

Thank you for the question. I have been thinking of getting ducst cleaned.

If someone hiree a vent system cleaning company,  they should stand by their side as they complete every task. The consumer will know, at the conclusion whether they got ripped off. 

If the owner keeps a clean house, changes those filters, perhaps has an electrostatic cleaner...the chances are such a service is much to do about nothing.  If you see black streaks by those vents, the onwer is NOT one of those maintainers.

It rarely comes up in my area, but I think it would be a good thing to do just as any kind of maintenance is. 

Most important to have your filters replaced often.

I think it's a good thing Aimee Schmitt ...I have ours cleaned and serviced once a year.

Great question!

Yes, if it is a preowned home, you never know what may be in the dust that keeps circulating

Everything should be maintained periodically.