How Much is Air Duct Cleaning?

air duct cleaning

If you want to keep the air in your house as clean as possible, you should consider having your air ducts cleaned. The average cost of an air duct cleaning can range from $269 to $486, with most homeowners paying around $373.

Air duct cleaning can improve air quality by reducing allergens and contaminants that grow inside air ducts, such as mold and bacteria. For those who suffer from respiratory problems like asthma or COPD, air duct cleaning is essential because it reduces the number of irritants in the air. 

According to a U.S. EPA study, households with smokers can reduce their chances of lung cancer by 81 percent if they remove all but one air vent and close off the return air vents with HVAC sealing foam. If air ducts are not kept clean, air conditioners and furnaces can lose efficiency. 

Why Should I Have My Air Ducts Cleaned?

Consumers might choose to have air ducts cleaned after a renovation or after installing a central heating system. The average cost for duct cleaning is typically estimated beforehand, and an exact rate applies if no additional services need to be performed in between cleanings. The average price per square foot varies considerably based on where you live. In general, a typical air duct cleaning company will charge about $80 per hour for labor along with travel expenses and equipment costs, though some companies like ours use a flat rate of $35/vent to make things easy for you to calculate ahead of time. Some service providers may charge from $140 to $280 for air duct cleaning and an additional charge of $40 to $75 for air handler cleaning.

In particular, air duct cleaning companies also charge a call-out fee (typically around $50) and an hourly rate (about $95). If the duct cleaning company offers additional services such as air conditioning system inspection or tune-ups, it may justify higher costs. However, not all air duct cleaners perform thorough inspections. For example, only 43 percent of homeowners felt that their air duct cleaner had identified all problem areas in their house during a professional cleaning service, and about 19 percent believed that the technicians found no problems after their technicians performed the cleaning. Some homeowners even reported a proposal without any pricing information.

So What Factors Drive Up the Cost of Cleaning Air Ducts?

The cost of air duct cleaning varies depending on several factors, which include:

– Methods / Equipment Used

– Experience Level

– Your Location

Homeowners in Washington, DC, pay the highest air duct cleaning costs at $476. They are closely followed by air duct cleaners in New York ($454), Hawaii ($448), Alaska ($443), and California ($429). On the other hand, air conditioning service companies in South Dakota charge just $289 for air duct cleaning. You can see how big of a factor your location is to the actual cost of having your air ducts cleaned. 

The duct cleaning company you hire should provide a written estimate that specifies all services provided. A clear breakdown of parts and systems that need to be serviced helps homeowners determine whether or not additional charges will apply. Make sure price quotes do not include high service fees for unnecessary add-ons such as immediately available discounts or other incentives.

Before you hire any air duct cleaning company to clean your home air ducts, make sure the duct cleaning company: 

  • Will not recommend unnecessary services, such as air conditioning system inspection or tune-up.
  • Offers a written quote that specifies cleaning and labor costs for cleaning. 

Your quote should include:

  • Travel time and expenses (if applicable).
  • Equipment costs (vacuum, air pump / truck-mounted, brushes).
  • Explains which air duct systems will be serviced.

Additional Considerations for Getting Your Ducts Cleaned

A flexible air duct cleaning schedule is also an essential factor to consider. Some companies offer same-day service, while others allow customers to choose times outside of regular business hours. When scheduling duct cleaning services, homeowners may want to avoid peak seasons, which can increase the overall cost of air duct cleaning.

If an air duct cleaning company refuses to provide an estimate or cannot explain the systems you will need to have cleaned; it might be best to look for other cleaning companies.

In addition, air duct cleaners should never push homeowners into signing a contract that locks them into an extended agreement. It is best if air duct cleaning contracts allow customers to opt-out of the service within three days. Before hiring an air duct cleaning service provider, make sure they offer quality work and guaranteed services so you won’t have to pay extra for any unnecessary add-ons down the line.

To ensure you will receive a thorough cleaning, air ducts should be vacuumed before any duct cleaning begins. The vacuuming process removes debris and allergens from air ducts, which otherwise may get stirred up during air conditioning system cleaning. In addition, air duct air cleaners should always perform a thorough air duct cleaning on any connected air cooling equipment before and after air duct cleaning. This will help to prevent airborne allergens from getting into your home.

In the end, homeowners who want to keep their air systems running efficiently should have them serviced by an air duct cleaning company at least once per year. Cleaning an air conditioner’s evaporator coil regularly will also help improve its efficiency. Not only can regular air duct cleanings reduce energy consumption, but they will help you avoid future HVAC repair costs.

Let’s Sum it All Up:

– Air duct cleaning for an entire home usually runs between $269 and $486 (typically dependent on the size of the house or the number of air ducts).

– Duct cleaning costs will vary depending on several factors.

– Air duct cleaners should never push homeowners into signing a contract that locks them into an extended agreement.

– Air duct cleaning service contracts allow customers to opt-out of the service within three days.

– Air duct air cleaners should perform a thorough air duct cleaning on air cooling equipment before and after air duct cleaning.

Want to learn more about air duct cleaning costs? Visit this helpful guide.

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