Duct cleaning involves removing dust, pollen, and debris from your HVAC system — mainly your air ducts. In some cases, cleaning your ducts (in addition to performing other maintenance tasks) may improve your air quality and help ensure your HVAC system is working as efficiently as possible. 

Air duct cleaning can be impactful if your ducts have a substantial amount of “mold growth, pests or vermin,” states the Environmental Protection Agency. You should also consider cleaning your ducts if they “are clogged with substantial deposits of dust or debris.”

On average, air duct cleaning costs $241-$563* in the U.S. Prices can fluctuate depending on your home’s size and the number of vents you have. 

Get a quote from a local duct cleaning specialist for more accurate pricing. 

*Please note that all pricing represents the national average cost of duct and vent cleaning services for a home and is subject to change at any time. Request a quote from a local professional to receive a personalized cost estimate.

It’s generally recommended that you get your air ducts cleaned every 3-5 years or when necessary. For example, too much mold, pollen, dust, and pet hair in your ducts may trigger allergic reactions. Cleaning your ducts may help alleviate your symptoms. 

Consider cleaning all your HVAC components (not just the ducts) to remove all contaminants. Cleaning your entire system can also help ensure it’s working as efficiently as possible. 

Not sure if it’s time to clean your ducts? Hire a reputable HVAC technician or duct cleaning service provider to inspect them.

Use these tips to find a reputable and reliable duct cleaning service provider: 

1. Choose a professional with credentials. For example, stick with professionals with contractor’s licenses in your state. You should also check to see if they have any certifications from reputable organizations, like the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).

2. Pay attention to customer testimonials. When reading reviews, look for red flags. For example, avoid service providers with reviews that mention poor quality work or unfair pricing. 

3. Get multiple price quotes. You can avoid being overcharged for duct cleaning services by getting estimates from several pros.

4. Ask for references. Some pros may be able to give you their customers’ contact information. If so, contact their past clients and ask about the pro’s quality of work.

5. Find out if they offer guarantees. Guarantees can help protect your investment and give you peace of mind. Try to choose a pro that offers to clean your ducts if you experience contaminant growth soon after your initial cleaning.

Here’s what to expect when you hire a professional duct cleaning service:

• Inspecting your ducts. They’ll need to know where your HVAC equipment and vents are located. The pro may also start to identify areas that may require special attention. 

• Accessing your ducts. Next, they will remove the vent grates to gain access to your duct system. 

• Cleaning with special equipment. Your technician will likely use a specialized vacuum, negative pressure, and compressed air to remove the dirt and debris. 

• Noise. You’ll hear the vacuum and possibly light banging and brushing during the cleaning.

• Minor repairs. Sometimes, pros will notice air leaks or other problems. If they have the expertise, they may perform the repair themselves. Or, they may suggest that you hire an HVAC technician.

• Completion in a few hours. Duct cleaning typically requires just a few hours. But the more vents you have, the longer the process will take. 

Here are a few signs that indicate it’s time to get your ducts professionally cleaned: 

• You visibly see pests or vermin in your ducts and vents.

• Your ducts are heavily clogged with dirt, debris, pollen, pet hair, or dust. 

• You visibly see mold growth in your ducts, vents, and even your interior walls. 

Duct cleaning is worth considering if you notice your allergies are flaring up more than usual and you don’t know why. Also, did you recently renovate your home? Dust may accumulate during a renovation and build up in your duct system. 

When in doubt, consult a professional to help you determine if it’s time to clean out your air ducts — and perhaps your entire HVAC system.

Many duct cleaning service providers guarantee their work to ensure your satisfaction. Some guarantees may cover the cost of removing mold, mildew, and other contaminants within a specific timeframe. 

Before hiring a professional, always ask about their guarantees and confirm all the details. 

Generally, professionals will use the following duct cleaning equipment:

• Air compressors

• Antimicrobial chemicals (to treat mold)

• Mechanical brushes

• Specialized vacuums (truck-mounted or portable)

Duct cleaning typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on these factors:

• Number of vents and system size

• The system’s complexity

• Whether your pro will also clean your other HVAC components

For a more accurate timeline, ask your pro to estimate how long it will take to clean the ducts in your home.

Always ask these critical questions when hiring a duct cleaning service:

1. How much do you charge for a service call, and will you waive the fee if I hire you to clean my ducts?

2. What is the estimated cost to clean my duct system, including labor and equipment?

3. Are you also able to clean all of my other HVAC components? If so, how much will that cost?

4. Are you also qualified to perform repairs on my ducts or HVAC components?

5. Do you have a license in this state?

6. Do you have any certifications from reputable associations (like the National Air Duct Cleaners Association)?

7. Do you offer a guarantee or warranty? If so, what are the details?

8. How long will it take to clean my duct or HVAC system?