How Much Does Air Duct & Vent Cleaning Cost?

Factors That Impact Air Duct Cleaning Prices

The average U.S. homeowner might spend $100 to clean a dryer vent or $1,000 to clean a two-furnace home. Costs vary depending on:

• Size and type of ductwork

• Level of contamination

• Accessibility

• Number of crew members your pro needs

• Duct repairs

Vents 

Vent cleaning costs $25 to $50 per vent, or $35 per vent on average. To estimate your project, count your ducts and multiply by $35, as each of your vents connects back to the central system via ducts.

Expect quotes to follow one of these four pricing structures:

1. Flat fee plus per vent

2. Per vent

3. Trip fee plus per vent

4. Per square foot

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 more than one furnace in homes with additions where the original furnace just wasn’t up to the task of heating the addition too.

Rats & Mice

If you've got a rodent infestation, you'll need to hire a local exterminator before cleaning the ducts. Rat extermination costs $150 to $500on top of duct cleaning. 

Rats and mice can carry a number of pathogens—hantavirus and leptospirosis are potentially harmful if transferred to humans. If you suspect you have a pest infestation, call a professional right away.

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 the contractor you hire.

Mold and Mildew

Add another $600 to $2,000 to account for professional mold remediation costs if you have signs of mold and mildew in the vents. Removing these elements involves added time, special equipment, and even special chemicals.

Custom-Designed Ducts

You’ll pay 25% to 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. But if your home had a tricky layout or you added features to address poor energy efficiency, your pro might charge more to clean custom ductwork.

Level of Contamination

It makes sense that the higher the level of contamination in the ductwork, the longer it takes to clean, and the more you'll pay. Aside from dust, removing pollen, dander, dust mites, bacteria, rodent waste, mold, and mildew might increase your final costs.

Size and Type of Ductwork

The longer the vent, the more it costs to clean. Many contractors charge by the square foot— particularly for non-standard setups and larger properties. The cost per square foot is between $0.15 and $0.25. The standard price for cleaning ducts in a 1,500-square-foot property averages $225 to $375. 

Foamboard and fiberglass ducts cost less to clean because they don't require special equipment. Most pros can clean debris in these vents using a vacuum, air hose, or power brush. Rigid vents are easier to clean, too, unlike flex ducts, which require specialist equipment.

Asbestos Removal

If your contractor spots asbestos in the duct system, you'll need to hire a local asbestos removal pro to get rid of it for you. Asbestos is dangerous, particularly if airborne, so having it in your ducts is a serious health risk. Asbestos removal costs $5 to $20 per square foot.

Repairs

If your pro finds damage to your system during cleaning, you'll need to pay for repair or replacement. 

• Duct repair or replacement costs $450 to $2,000, depending on the repair type

• Furnace repair costs $130 to $500, on average

• AC repair costs $160 to $600

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Cleaning a dryer vent costs $100 to $170. If you include it with a ductwork service, you'll probably spend $100 or less. Clogged vents decrease energy efficiency and are a fire risk.

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.

Duct and Vent Cleaning Prices by Location

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 their services into set packages. Many air duct cleaning companies build their prices based on individual services, while others offer package pricing based on the number of vents or square feet. 

Take a look at some popular brands, their services, and their typical pricing. 

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 from $50 to $200. Duct cleaning services include any parts of these that air passes over, including the blower, fan, and heat exchanger.

Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils cost $100 and $400, although this is usually included in the duct cleaning cost.

Cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils significantly impacts the efficiency of your system. Dirty coils use more energy and need replacing sooner. Replacing evaporator coils costs anywhere from $600 to $2,000. Plus, dirty coils work harder so cost more to run. Therefore, keeping them clean makes good financial sense.

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

• 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

• You have recurring mold growth

• You can see dust or debris can be seen in the air

• You have visible mold

• Your home underwent recent construction

• You see 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" that drastically beat any competitor price. You might pay more with add-ons, or hire a less experienced pro that could damage your ducts. In either case, you’ll spend more to repair the damage done.

A pro that can complete a job under two hours should be considered a red flag. Most air duct cleaning projects take four to eight hours.

FAQs

Is cleaning air ducts worth it?

Yes, air duct cleaning is almost always 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 probably also in the air you breathe.

How often should you get your air ducts cleaned?

Get your ducts cleaned at least every five to seven years. It's also a good idea to clean the ducts after you purchase a new home or complete a remodel.

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

A quick visual inspection is enough to spot dirt, dust, or mold. You might also be able to smell the presence of mold. A little dust is normal, but a clogged air filters, poor airflow, and smelly ducts indicate it’s time for a cleaning.

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 alone does not remove mold. If your cleaner finds mold, they'll have it tested. If necessary, they'll bring in mold remediation specialists to eliminate the problem at the source.

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 few months. Some companies offer sealants and chemical biocides, but they aren’t usually 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.