How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost?
Average Cost, Labor, Square Footage Considerations, and More
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Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Your home's air ducts work hard to heat and cool the house throughout the year, but the cost of air duct cleaning can vary when issues arise. Dirt, dust, pollen, bacteria, pet hair, mold spores, and even spider webs or pests can build up inside your air ducts. Cleaning the air ducts rids your HVAC system of unwanted solid matter, returning the ducts to like-new condition.
Some air duct companies recommend that you clean your ducts every five to seven years, but both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the trade agency National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) advise duct-cleaning only on an as-needed basis.
How Much Does It Cost to Clean Air Ducts?
Depending on where you live and on the size of your home and its HVAC system, air duct cleaning costs $379 at the low end and ranges up to $775 or more. The average cost of air duct cleaning is between $268 and $492.
Air Duct Cleaning Cost Averages
To determine the cost of having your air ducts cleaned, you'll have to consider the cost per square foot (which is between $0.15 and $0.25) and the number of vents (which is an average cost of $35 per vent). Some companies have a flat fee as a base rate and will increase the price depending on this information as well.
Average Cost of Air Duct Cleaning
Average Cost | $379 |
Low Cost | $268 and $492 |
High Cost | $775+ |
Source HomeAdvisor |
Square Footage
Square Footage | Average Cost |
1,200 | $180 to $300 |
1,500 | $225 to $375 |
2,000 | $300 to $500 |
2,500 | $375 to $625 |
3,000 | $450 to $750 |
Number of Vents/Cost
Number of Vents | Cost |
8 | $280 |
12 | $420 |
16 | $560 |
20 | $700 |
Additional Air Duct Cleaning Costs
Extra Registers (Vents): Cleaning usually includes a set number of registers. Beyond that number may cost from $20 to $25 per register.
Video Inspection: Running a remote video camera through the ducts for inspection typically costs from $200 to $500.
Air Duct Sealing: Sealing air ducts with a special coating that plugs up leaks costs anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 per treatment. Sealant is misted into the air ducts, covering all interior duct surfaces.
Mold Remediation: Hiring a separate mold remediation company to eliminate mold from the air ducts costs between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the spread and damage caused.
When to Clean Your Air Ducts
Since it's not necessary to regularly schedule air duct cleaning, you will need to keep an eye on the system. Clues that it's time to clean your air ducts include:
System Blows Dust From Registers
After a period of long inactivity, the system may initially blow out dust. But generally, the grilles and supply registers in room ceilings and floors should always pump out clean air.
Evidence of Vermin or Insects
Droppings from rats or mice or large infestations of insects will require air duct cleaning after the vermin or insects have been eliminated.
Visible Mold Growth
Mold in the air ducts can actively shed mold spores. When the air blows into the rooms, it carries the mold spores.
Residents Have Unusual Allergies or Illnesses
If you or your family are experiencing sudden allergies or illnesses, it could be that the contaminants in the duct system are causing reactions or symptoms.
Unusual Odors or Noises
A moldy, musty smell isn't the only unusual odor that can emanate from your ducts. You may smell other foul odors that can indicate leaks, plumbing issues, or building material decay, for example. If you hear odd noises, like buzzing, snapping, or rattling sounds, there could be clogged and trapped debris in your duct system.
Considerations for Frequent Cleaning
You may want to clean your air ducts more frequently if your home has specific conditions or situations, which can include:
Tobacco or other recreational smoking
Wood-burning fireplace
Long-haired pets
Pets with dander
After major home remodeling
After drywall or indoor carpentry work
Residents who have respiratory conditions
Ductwork that experiences internal moisture contamination
After a home fire or wildfires
Tip
Though professionals may make broad claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning, the EPA notes that no studies have found cleaning to significantly improve the health of residents.
What Happens During Air Duct Cleaning
Air duct cleaning is usually completed within one day. Most of the indoor work is completed within two or four hours.
Visual inspection of ducts and registers
Optional video inspection of ducts
Attach a portable or truck-mounted vacuum collection device to a duct near the air handler
Seal all registers
Turn on the vacuum collection device
Open each register individually and agitate dust in the ductwork
Clean each register and grille
Clean blower motor, evaporator coil, and drain pan
How to Keep Your Air Ducts Clean and Maintained
Total system air duct cleaning is not a do-it-yourself job. The tools are specialized and cannot be duplicated with home tools. But you can—and should—maintain and partially clean your air ducts regularly.
Clean the registers and especially the air return grille with the brush attachment of a shop vacuum. Equip the vacuum with a HEPA air filter. You can even remove the registers and clean the end foot or two of the ductwork.
Regularly replace your furnace's air filter. To help the filter stay cleaner longer, convert your wood-burning fireplace to a ventless gas version, or remove it entirely.
Damp-mop the floor near the return register regularly to prevent floor debris from being pulled into the system.
When to Replace Air Ducts
Air ducts should last for about 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced. However, if you notice poor air quality, unusual sounds, an increase in your energy bills, and issues cooling or heating your home, it might be time to assess and replace your air ducts.
How to Choose a Duct Cleaning Professional
To pick an air duct cleaning company, begin by making sure that they are in good standing with NADCA. The organization's Find a NADCA Professional page lists companies or individuals in your area, number of employees, how long they have been in business, and full contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth it to get air ducts cleaned?
Yes. Getting your air ducts cleaned can save you money in the long run. A good cleaning can eliminate any future problems that can arise with your air ducts, such as the need to replace the ducts if they are not maintained properly.
What are the benefits of getting air ducts cleaned?
Having clean airflow throughout your home is one of the many benefits of getting air ducts cleaned. A good cleaning also reduces allergens, improves airflow, can remove unpleasant odors, and helps with pet dander.
How often should air ducts get cleaned if the HVAC is new?
If your HVAC system is brand new, it is recommended by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) that you clean your air ducts every 3 to 5 years. If you have pets, have recently done work on your house, or have someone with allergies living in the home, you may want to clean your air ducts more frequently.
What happens if you don't clean your air ducts?
Failure to clean your air ducts and maintain your HVAC system can be very dangerous, as it can allow dust, debris, and dander to accumulate in your home. Dirty air ducts can also prevent proper airflow, making for uncomfortable breathing conditions, especially for those with allergies.
Not cleaning your air ducts can also affect other areas of your home, namely your furnace and air conditioner. The EPA recommends that if your home has a fuel-burning furnace, stove, or fireplace, these items be inspected for proper functioning to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Read the original article on The Spruce.
