How do professionals sanitize air ducts?

Author: Mr. Monroe Hansen Sr.  |  Last update: Monday, October 27, 2025

Your technician will spray the inside of your air ducts with an antimicrobial cleaning solution that kills bacteria and mold. Depending on their air duct cleaning process, your technician may use more than one disinfectant to kill mold and bacteria and eliminate odor.

Is sanitizing air ducts worth it?

Unless you've had water or vermin in your ducts, there is never a reason to have duct cleaning performed. It is a complete waste of money and does nothing to improve the air quality in your home.

What do they use to sanitize air ducts?

To sanitize and disinfect your air ducts, our techs use an EPA-registered disinfectant solution that's called Sporicidin. This is fragrance-free, low-toxic treatment that's presently used in hospitals, medical offices and other healthcare facility environments.

How do professionals clean AC ducts?

The most effective method of cleaning an HVAC system and ductwork is through source removal — the process of removing built-up dirt and debris. This requires a professional contractor to place the entire system under continuous negative pressure using a specialized, powerful vacuum.

What is the difference between air duct cleaning and air duct sanitizing?

Duct cleaning involves removing dust, dirt, and other solid materials. Air duct sanitizing goes even further to eliminate bacteria, mold, and some viruses.

Our Duct Cleaning Process from Start to Finish

What are the drawbacks of duct cleaning?

Cons:
  • It's Not a Permanent Solution: Air duct cleaning is not a permanent solution to the problems in your ductwork. ...
  • It Can Be Expensive: Air duct cleaning can be expensive, especially if you have a large home with multiple ductwork systems. ...
  • It's a Mess: Air duct cleaning can be a messy process.

What is the risk of air duct cleaning?

While the debate about the value of periodic duct cleaning continues, no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental, provided that it is done properly. On the other hand, if a service provider fails to follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause indoor air problems.

How often should air ducts be professionally cleaned?

Just like any other HVAC system, air ducts require regular maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency. As a general rule of thumb, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends air duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years. With certain methods, that cleaning recommendation can be extended to 6 to 8 years.

What is the best system for cleaning air ducts?

What Is the Best Air Duct Cleaning Method?
  • Negative pressure (the best)
  • Air sweep or whip method.
  • High-pressure air washing.
  • Mechanical agitation or rotary brushing.
  • Chemical cleaning.

Is it OK to spray Lysol in air ducts?

Lysol has a high ethanol alcohol concentration, which means it is highly flammable. When you spray this disinfectant into your HVAC system, it could come into contact with the electric motor and create a flash explosion that could damage your home's ductwork and even create a fire.

What does duct cleaning cost?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average cost for properly cleaning an entire air duct system in an average-sized home ranges from $450 to $1,000.

Can I spray microban in my air ducts?

It will not stain or bleach materials or fabrics and will not harm or damage HVAC system components. MICROBAN DISINFECTANT SPRAY PLUS is formulated for use in all kinds of ducts and HVAC components including: • Unlined sheet metal.

How much does Stanley Steemer air duct cleaning cost?

The offer price is most likely per vent pricing and does not factor in the cost of the entire cleaning. While it may seem like a money-saving deal, the final price tag will probably be closer to that $450-$1000 range.

Can you sanitize your own air ducts?

Yes, you can clean your own ductwork.

At On Time Home Services, we recommend scheduling regular air duct cleaning services from a professional HVAC technician to keep your system in the best possible shape, but in between professional maintenance visits you can clean them yourself.

Why is duct cleaning so expensive?

Factors Influencing Air Duct Cleaning Costs

Size of Home/HVAC System: Larger homes with more ductwork naturally require more time and effort to clean, leading to higher costs.

Is Stanley Steemer air duct cleaning worth it?

Clean ducts ensure smoother airflow, reducing energy costs. Extended System Life: Regular cleaning minimizes wear and tear on your HVAC system, potentially saving you substantial money on future repairs or the need for early replacement.

How do professionals clean ducts?

Professional cleaning companies use vacuums to remove any dirt and debris. The vacuums suck out the debris and dust from the ducts by creating pressure. Scrubbing industrial brushes are used to clean ventilation pipes. The cleaning process involves a rotating brush that removes dust, dirt, and grime from the pipe.

Is it OK to never clean air ducts?

EPA does not recommend that the air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only as needed. EPA does, however, recommend that if you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, they be inspected for proper functioning and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Is it a waste of money to have your air ducts cleaned?

It's absolutely not a waste of money, as long as it's not performed too frequently. Homeowners usually only need to consider air duct cleaning when visible signs of dust buildup are present, if they've noticed a change in respiratory or allergy symptoms, or if it's been several years since the last duct cleaning.

Why is Stanley Steemer so expensive?

One factor that greatly impacts the cost of a professional cleaning is the specialized equipment and products being used during the process. These tools are more advanced than your average household vacuum or floor mop—here are some ways they differ: Degree of Cleaning: Professional cleaning processes may vary (ie.

How much does Stanley Steemer cost?

Stanley Steemer typically charges around $50-$75 per room for areas exceeding 400 square feet. The cost may increase depending on the level of dirt or stains present. It's important to note that these prices are estimates and can vary depending on your location and specific requirements.

How much does it cost to clean your air ducts?

For residential properties, air duct cleaning costs typically range from $300 to $500. Commercial properties, due to their larger size and more complex HVAC systems, can expect to pay anywhere from $450 to $1,000 or more.

What can go wrong with duct cleaning?

Moisture accumulation: If moisture is introduced into the ductwork during cleaning and not properly removed, it can lead to mold growth, which poses health risks and can further deteriorate the ductwork.

Do I have to move furniture for duct cleaning?

First and foremost, you should clear away any obstructions in or around your ducts that might make it difficult for us to access them. This includes things like moving furniture away from vents, removing any items stored near the registers themselves, and more.

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