How Much Does Duct Cleaning Cost? 2024 Cost Guide
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Many homeowners are concerned about indoor air quality, and for good reason. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, we spend about 90% of our time indoors.[1]
Some suspect that dirt, dust, mildew, mold, and other pollutants reside in the ducts in our homes. Duct cleaning can be an excellent way to reduce pollutants in our homes.
In addition, many ducts aren't cleaned out after installation or after any home renovation or construction project, meaning that they may be full of debris, dust, and other hazards. Cleaning helps not only remove them, but may also remove blockages that can help make your system run more efficiently.
Keep reading to learn more about the cost of duct cleaning services.
2024 Duct Cleaning Costs
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| Typical Price Range | $450 - $1,000 |
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What is the Average Price for Duct Cleaning?
Many homeowners want to know how much they should spend to get their ducts cleaned and how often. The national average for duct cleaning is $450 to $1,000.
We should note that the EPA suggests there is little evidence to suggest that duct cleaning will have a significant impact on indoor air quality unless there is substantial dust buildup, mold growth, or vermin living in them. However, they also point out that there is no harm from cleaning them either.[2]
There are a few factors that impact the cost of duct cleaning.
Duct Cleaning Credentials
Like any other home improvement task, duct cleaning is a haven for scams. Many maid services and handyman outfits are using “blow and go” scams to fool homeowners. These services may be more affordable, but they might not be effective or properly clean the ductwork.
Before agreeing to allow any service to clean your HVAC ducts, check to make sure they have a National Air Duct Cleaning Association certification and a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of A or A+ in your area.[3]
What Should Get Cleaned?
According to the EPA, each component of your HVAC, heat pump, furnace, or central air system should be cleaned. If any part of the system gets ignored, it could re-contaminate the rest of the system. What’s more, a well-maintained system runs better and uses less energy to operate.[2]
Many heating and air services will package a thorough cleaning for one price, while others might charge for every component.
For instance, some contractors might charge $25 to $50 per vent and an additional $150 to clean the dryer vent. Note, cleaning the dryer vent is essential to prevent fire.
Other contractors might charge a flat rate for the home, and some charge around $750 for an average-sized home.
Some cleaning services charge $150 to $500 to clean the condenser coil and evaporator in the furnace. However, it is very important to get these components serviced to keep your system running at peak performance. Proper maintenance saves money on energy and repair bills. Replacing those parts could cost as much as $1,500.
The best method is to schedule a thorough annual cleaning and service during non-peak times. Schedule air conditioning during fall and winter and heating in the spring/summer timeframe to get the best price.
Although a furnace cleaning is more affordable than the cost of a furnace repair or replacement, cleaning the internal components is not guaranteed to prolong the life of the equipment. However, if it’s especially dirty, a cleaning can help improve air quality.
Additional Steps
One way you can help keep your ducts clean and keep your system working properly is to change your air filter at least once a quarter. Use the best quality air filter for your situation that you can.
For example, if you have pets, use a filter that is designed for pet hair. If you are unsure whether or not the filter needs to be changed, hold it up to the light; if you cannot see through the filter, change it for a new one.
You can also use a vacuum hose to clean around and inside the top of most vents. This will free up things like built-up dust and hair before it can get deeper into the ducts.
Keep in mind, though, that these practices can only help maintain your ducts and don’t reach deeper into the system.
Hire a Professional for Duct Cleaning
How much you pay to clean the HVAC system and ducts depends on a variety of variables. These factors might include the size of the system, the number of vents, the extent of contamination, and how many people it takes to complete.
You should get a system inspection from at least three cleaning contractors before accepting that something needs to get replaced. Always examine the statement of work or contract before a final decision. The statement of work should include how long it will take and when they will start, and what they will do.
All pricing information on this page is based on average industry costs, and is subject to variance for project-specific materials, labor rates, and requirements.
References
- Consumer Product Safety Commission, The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality, https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/Home/The-Inside-Story-A-Guide-to-Indoor-Air-Quality
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned
- Better Business Bureau, Category: Air Duct Cleaning, https://www.bbb.org/us/category/air-duct-cleaning