How Much Does Air Duct & Vent Cleaning Cost?

Average Cost of Air Duct Cleaning

Factors That Impact Air Duct Cleaning Prices

Quite a few factors impact the price range of $100 to $1,000 for duct cleaning. It’ll vary depending on:

• Size and type of ductwork.

• Level of contamination.

• Accessibility.

• Number of crew members your pro needs.

• Duct repairs.

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Vent Cleaning Cost

Vent cleaning costs $25 to $50 per vent. Count your ducts and multiply by $35 to find the average price you’ll pay. Why figure the cost this way? Each of your vents connects the central system to each room via ducts.

Expect quotes to follow one of these four pricing structures:

1. Flat fee plus per vent: Some pros charge a package price for the first few then add an additional fee per vent.

2. Per Vent: Some simply charge you for each vent.

3. Trip fee plus per vent: Others charge a flat rate for the trip to cover overhead and then add on each vent separately.

4. Per Square foot: Some professionals prefer to use the overall square feet of your home to determine price.

Cost of Home Duct Cleaning vs Commercial

Residential duct cleaning costs less than commercial. While you might pay $20 to $40 per vent for residential work, commercial projects come in at least 30% higher and at least $35 to $50 per hour. Since businesses vary, you’ll need to get a quote to know exactly how much you’ll pay.

Commercial projects:

• Almost always have custom ductwork.

• Typically are much larger and harder to clean than residential ducts.

• Have much larger furnaces, blowers and AC units.

Number of Furnaces and AC Units

The number of furnaces you have increases costs. Expect to pay $400 on average for each additional furnace and ductwork setup. Although this isn’t common, you’ll usually find this in homes with additions where the original furnace just wasn’t up to the task of heating the addition too.

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Rats & Mice

Rodents only add to the cost. Take special note of signs of vermin as they can cause respiratory illness. If you notice any droppings, make sure to call an exterminator first. Rat extermination costs $150 to $500 on top of duct cleaning.

Accessibility

Most homes have basements or utility rooms that provide easy access to your central air handler. But if you have hard to reach areas, such as tight crawl spaces or attics, you might end up paying a little more. How much more varies by project, location and contractor.

HVAC Mold and Mildew Removal

In addition to the standard cost of cleaning ducts, add professional mold removal costs of $600 to $2,000. 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

You’ll pay 25-30% more to clean custom ducts compared to their stock counterparts if they cause the job to take longer. Stock parts make the job predictable. When your pro runs into something they don’t expect, it might mean taking more time to make sure it’s done right and even requiring different tools or techniques.

Duct and Vent Cleaning Prices by Location

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HVAC Duct Cleaning Prices by Service

While you’ll end up spending anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more on HVAC cleaning, service pros commonly break down the prices three ways, including:

1. Flat rate.

2. Per vent.

3. Square feet.

Many air duct cleaning companies build their prices based on individual services, while others offer package pricing based on number of vents or square feet. The following estimates can give you an idea of prices to expect for various services.

Sears

Sears charges anywhere from $150 to $1,000 depending on the package you choose. They also provide water damage restoration and clean all types of flooring and upholstery.

COIT Cleaning & Restoration

COIT charges $400 or more for duct cleaning. They offer nationwide NADCA certified services for both residential and commercial properties. They also clean carpets, floors, tile, furniture and drapes.

Stanley Steemer

Stanley Steemer states on their website that most jobs cost at least $500. They train all technicians in-house with many holding an Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). They also offer carpet, rug, tile, upholstery and stone cleaning services for both homes and businesses. They also provide water restoration services.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Cleaning a dryer vent costs $100 to $170. If you get it included with an overall ductwork service, you'll probably spend $100 or less. With a clogged vent, you're probably losing energy efficiency (longer time to dry clothes) and increasing the risk of a house fire.

Average AC & Furnace Cleaning Costs

Inspecting and cleaning just the furnace costs $100 to $300 or up to $500 if you include an AC unit. Cleaning an AC unit alone runs $50 to $200. Duct cleaning services include any parts of these that air passes over, including the blower, fan and heat exchanger.

Evaporator & Condenser Coil Cleaning

Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils costs $100 and $400. Most professionals include the evaporator coil as part of the cost of duct cleaning. However, you'll probably pay more for a system that has AC components.

Cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils significantly impacts the efficiency of your system. Dirty coils work harder and use more energy. Cleaning them saves you money in both the short and long-term. You'll save money on your monthly bills and extend the life of the unit. Replacing evaporator coils costs anywhere from $600 to $2,000.

DIY vs. Professional AC Duct Cleaning Service

A professional cleans all the elements in the HVAC system. This includes the supply and return ducts, grilles, diffusers, exchangers, drip pans, fans and the air handling unit. This takes time and specialized equipment to do properly without actually making the air quality worse.

• Improperly cleaning your ducts can stir up pollen, dust, construction debris and other allergens into your home's air, making things worse, not better.

• Inexperienced DIYers can often harm components of the HVAC system.

For a complete job you can trust, hire a prescreened professional duct cleaner near you today.

Here are some clear signs that you need to call a pro:

• You have insulated ducts that are hard to access

• Recurring mold growth

• Dust or debris can be seen in the air due to a clogging

• Visible mold

• Recent construction

• Rodent droppings

Air Duct Cleaning Licensing Requirements

Few, if any, licensing requirements exist in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that all duct cleaners adhere to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association standards for assessment, cleaning & restoration. When asking for quotes, get at least three and always check references and NADCA certifications.

Cheap & Quick Duct Cleaning Costs

Be wary of any company offering $50 "deals."Cheap deals aren't actually cheap. You might end up paying more with addons. Or, you might just get amateur work that damages your ducts and adds harmful chemicals to your air. Both simply add repair bills to already poor work.

Some claims even mention the job taking only 1 or 2 hours. That's a huge red flag. A typical home takes anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to clean completely.

FAQs

Is cleaning air ducts worth it?

Air duct cleaning is worth it. Dust and dirt make systems work harder. You'll lower your monthly costs and increase the lifespan of your system. If there's dust and pollen in your ducts, it makes sense that it's in the air you breathe too.

How often should you get your air ducts cleaned?

Get your ducts cleaned at least every 5 to 7 years. It's also a good idea to get newly purchased homes done or right after a remodel.

How do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned?

You'll know if your air ducts need to be cleaned by visually checking them for accumulations of dirt, dust or mold. You might also be able to smell the presence of mold. But if you see a little dust, don't worry, it's normal. Ducts change your whole home's air out multiple times a day, so some dust accumulation is perfectly normal.

Can air duct cleaning cause damage?

Yes, air duct cleaning can cause damage. This happens most frequently with DIY attempts or uncertified cut rate companies.

Does duct cleaning remove mold?

Normal duct cleaning does not remove mold. If your cleaner finds mold, they'll have it tested. If necessary, they'll bring in mold remediation specialists.

How can I decrease the need for cleanings?

You can stretch out the time between cleanings by installing a high-quality furnace air filter for $20 to $30 and change it every month. Some companies offer sealants and chemical biocides. However, there aren't any chemical biocides registered with the EPA. The EPA warns that in most cases they aren't needed nor has research demonstrated that they're very effective in decreasing the need for cleanings.