Did you know that cleaning your ducts and vents can help airflow and increase energy efficiency? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), keeping your air ducts and vents clear can increase energy efficiency and indoor air quality. While the cost to clean ducts and vents might sound high, the benefits to homeownersespecially those sensitive to allergensis worth considering.
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Average Cleaning Cost
Cleaning ducts and vents generally costs between $263 and $472, but as with many services, the bigger and dirtier the project, the more you'll need to pay. When a professional comes to assess the needs of your system, they will consider:
- The size of your ductwork
- The degree to which it is contaminated
- The ease with which they can reach various parts of the system
Residential vs Commercial
The average cost of keeping your residential ductwork orderly is going to vary greatly from that of a commercial building. This is because commercial air ducts are often larger and more extensive. Residential cleanings can cost an average of about $20-$30 per vent. For commercial buildings, service providers must do an estimate of your space before they can provide an accurate quote. Before factoring in the materials and the number A/C and furnace units, you can expect a commercial project to cost at least $35-$50 per hour.
Mold and Mildew Removal
The amount of debris or mold present in your system could certainly ratchet up the overall price. The cost of mildew removal is around $0.07-0.08 per square foot, on top of your initial cost, according to Blue Book. Removing these elements involves added time, special equipment and even special chemicals. In fact, you may be referred to a specialist if mildew and mold is too severe.
Custom Designed Ducts
Most residential air duct systems are installed in a predictable fashion or are easy to figure out. However, you can expect a higher quote if your system has been custom-designed, involves extra components and has features which are difficult to access. This is due to the added work and time which will have to be put into the project.
Commercial systems are often customized to fit the building they serve. They are almost guaranteed to feature added components, and will need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The more difficult the construction is to maneuver, the more you can expect to pay.
Dryer Vent Cleaning $130
While you consider having your air ducts cleaned, it is a good idea to take a look at your dryer vent. If your dryer vent is clogged, you could be losing energy efficiency. Worse yet, you could be increasing the risk of a house fire. Having your dryer vent professionally cared for costs about $130 on average, and could save you a bit of money and a lot of headaches in the future. For more information on the benefits and cost of having your dryer vent cleaned, take a look at our comprehensive cost guide.
Return To TopAverage AC & Furnace Cleaning Costs
Ductwork cleaning involves more components than just the ducts themselves. The air conditioning unit and/or furnace must be addressed during the task. Maintaining these components is key to improving efficiency. The following are average costs of cleaning the various kinds of AC and furnace units.
| Type of A/C | Cost Per Unit |
|---|---|
| Central Unit (ext) | $7 - $13 |
| Central Unit (int/ext) | $28 - $60 |
| Swamp Cooler (int) | $30 - $100 |
| Swamp Cooler (ext) | $12 - $30 |
| Wall Mount (ext) | $6 - $20 |
| Wall Mount (ext/int) | $20 - $45 |
| Window Mount | $5 - $20 |
| Window Mount (ext/int) | $20 - $45 |
| Type of Furnace | Cost Per Unit |
|---|---|
| Floor | $17 - $40 |
| Forced Air | $12 - $30 |
| Overhead | $19 - $45 |
| Wall | $9 - $30 |
Your cleaning service should involve all aspects of your duct work to maximize energy efficiency and air quality. This includes attending to the heat exchanger, blower, drain pan, plenum and coils as well. In the process, your service provider may find that you're facing larger issues than debris and build-up. The professional may recommend having your furnace repaired if they notice, for example, damage to your heat exchanger or blower motor. Generally, a furnace repair costs between $130 and $500. They may also find that an A/C coil needs to be replaced rather than cleaned and would then recommend A/C repair.
Evaporator & Condenser Coils - $100 - $400
Having evaporator and condenser coils cleaned could cost between $100 and $400. If your coils can be accessed in-place, you'll be looking at a lower service cost. If your technician needs to remove the them first, the cost should be around $400. Having the evaporator and condenser coils cleaned can have a significant impact on the efficiency of your system. If your coils are excessively dirty, they won't be able to do their job and your system will have to work harder. Keeping up with the hygiene of these components can save you money in both the short and long-term. For example, replacing evaporator coils can cost anywhere from $650 to $1200.
Call a Pro to Clean Your Ducts & Vents
Price Estimates by Service
The final cost of this service is best determined after a professional inspection. Many air duct cleaning companies build their prices based on individual services, while others offer package pricing which includes such components as the air conditioning and furnace. The following estimates can give you an idea of prices to expect for various services.
Sears
| Service by # of Vents | Cost |
|---|---|
| 8 | $150 - $225 |
| 10 | $250 - $300 |
| 20 | $400 - $525 |
| Extra Vent | $20 - $25 per |
| Dryer Vent | $130 - $200 |
Stanley Steemer
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Average Home | $420 - $495 |
| Average Home (+ Dryer Vent) | $570 - $645 |
| Two Furnace Home | $990 |
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 Vents | $397 - $420 |
| Dryer Vent | $100 - $185 |
What Is Air Duct & Vent Cleaning?
When a professional cleaner comes into your home to clean ducts and vents, that means they will clean all the different elements in the HVAC system, including the supply and return ducts, grilles, diffusers, exchangers, heating units & cooling systems, drip pans, fans and the air handling unit.
When these aren't properly maintained and sanitized, they can build up dust, pollen, and even mold. This means when the air conditioner or heater turns on, the spores are released into the air for you to inhale. While some are less harmful, people who have allergies or sensitivity to certain spores will react negatively. Plus, mold is dangerous for anyone to ingest and should be avoided by regular maintenance.
Do They Need Cleaning?
In most modern homes with up-to-date heating and air conditioning systems, filters are changed regularly through the year, so you may not even need to hire a professional. However, keep your eyes open for the accumulation of dust, dirt, dander and mold. If you see it despite regularly changing your filters it could be an indication you need a high-pressure cleaning.
One of the best ways to know if your ducts or vents need to be cleaned is to just check them. Your eyes will be able to check for indications of mold, dust or pollen buildup. You might also be able to smell the presence of mold, which would be a clear indicator. Ductwork will have some buildup of dust, since the return registrars pull air back in. However, this doesn't mean your ducts have too much debris, and you can easily clean them with a duster or vacuum.
If you do have children or spouses who suffer from allergies or reactions to the air turning on, it might be an indication there is something in there making them react. They should speak with their doctors and then get a heating and cooling contractor out if it is recommended that airborne pathogens are the cause of their reaction.
Here are some clear signs that you need to call a pro:
- You have insulated ducts that are hard to access
- Recurring mold growth
- Rats or other vermin are crawling in them, or presence of their droppings
- Dust or debris can be seen in the air due to a clogging
- Visible mold
- Recent construction
Call a Pro to Clean Your Ducts & Vents
The jury is out on whether or not cleaning your air ducts and vents has a significant enough impact to be necessary. A proven connection between immaculate duct systems and air quality in the home has not been made. However, if your vents display any of the signs listed above, cleaning would certainly be in your best interest. Allowing mold, debris and bacteria to fester could create bigger problems down the line. If having your system disinfected is within your budget, you may prefer to take care of these issues rather than ignore them.
Tips for Decreasing the Need for Cleanings
Your system can be treated with a sealant. These sealants prevent dirt and dust from getting sent back into the air. Sanitizer chemicals can also be added to prevent the growth of mold and other allergens. This is a possible solution for saving on fewer A/C cleanings in the future.
Can You Do It Yourself?
A do-it-yourself approach will only scratch the surface because it is hard to reach some of the ventilation running underneath the floor or into the wall. Although it may help in clearing some of the dust and debris, you really need a professional to guarantee your system is truly spotless. The proper procedure involves the use of a powerful vacuum system with multi-brush attachments designed to loosen debris and feed into the suction. Particles are then blown outside of the house or passed through a HEPA filter inside.
If you want to get some of the dust and debris out of your ventilation system, you can mix household cleaners like bleach with water, dip a cloth in the mix and then the wipe out the system. This will remove a layer of the spores, which could increase the quality of air a bit and help with the flow of air throughout the house until a pro can come out.
What Does Professional Cleaning Entail?
Professional cleaning involves getting the dust and debris outside, so they use outdoor ventilation equipment. It is so important that homeowners make sure the professional contractor is using good equipment then, as they could otherwise spread the spores into the home and further agitate sensitive family members. In the case of mold, a cleaner will only be able to tell you it is there, followed by needing an additional mold professional to come out and test or remove the mold. Air duct cleaning industries do not require state licensing, so make sure to check for a company with references.
Removing dust and debris from ventilation might require you to hire a professional to get down on the floor if you have floor vents, so be sure to speak with them about your furniture and other valuables near the vents to avoid any damages or problems.
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