How long does it take to clean air ducts in a house?

Author: Sim Lowe  |  Last update: Thursday, March 20, 2025

How Long Does Air Duct Cleaning Service Take? Air duct cleaning takes anywhere between an hour and a full day (or more, in commercial HVAC systems cleaning). A standard air duct cleaning would be two to three hours and would cover the HVAC unit, the main return, the vents in the rooms and the air ducts themselves.

How long does duct cleaning typically take?

According to our expert air duct cleaning technicians, it takes three to five hours to properly clean your air duct system. This includes the return side, supply side, blower compartment, blower wheel, and return drop. The exact amount of time it takes to clean air ducts will depend on the size of your HVAC system.

Will my house be dusty after duct cleaning?

No. Ducts are part of sealed system and there should be minimal dust in them if you've been keeping with your filter. Even if there is dust in them, it's plated out on the ducts and inert. In other words, it's not moving. When you clean your ducts...

What is the average cost for duct cleaning?

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.

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.

How long does it take to clean air ducts?

Should you leave the house during duct cleaning?

Yes, you can remain at home during professional duct cleaning service. However, you should be prepared for noise from the cleaning equipment, and you may need to avoid areas where cleaning is actively happening. Air duct cleaning involves cleaning the entire air duct system.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What are the symptoms of a dirty air duct?

12 Signs Your Air Duct Needs Cleaning
  • Dusty Grills. The "grill" is your window into an air duct from the wall. ...
  • Mold. Mold or mildew is a sure sign that it is time for an AC cleaning. ...
  • Allergies Are Worse Than Usual. ...
  • High Energy Bill. ...
  • Poor Respiratory Health. ...
  • Poor Air Flow. ...
  • Insect Infestation. ...
  • 8. Rat Infestation.

Why is my house so dusty all the time?

If you notice a lot of dust in your house, it's likely due to a combination of factors affecting air quality and ventilation. Dust particles from outside can enter through open windows or doors, while indoor sources like pet dander, dead skin cells, and fibers from textiles contribute to the buildup.

Can I clean my ducts myself?

Use a brush to loosen any buildup of dust in the ductwork. Lift register and insert vacuum hose as far into the piping as it can go. Turn the vacuum on to capture as much dust as possible that the fan is pushing through the ductwork.

What time of the year is best for duct cleaning?

The best times to have your ducts cleaned is either in the spring or in the early fall, after you have stopped using your HVAC system to cool or heat your property and before you need to start using it again. You have likely experienced that dusty or musty smell when turning on your HVAC system.

Does cleaning air ducts really make a difference?

Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. This is because much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space.

How long does it take a company to clean air ducts?

How Long Does Air Duct Cleaning Service Take? Air duct cleaning takes anywhere between an hour and a full day (or more, in commercial HVAC systems cleaning). A standard air duct cleaning would be two to three hours and would cover the HVAC unit, the main return, the vents in the rooms and the air ducts themselves.

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.

How do I know if my ductwork needs to be cleaned?

5 Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning
  1. Mold. While we all know how dust can negatively affect our health, mold is a whole different ballgame! ...
  2. Dust. ...
  3. Ducts are Infested with Rodents or Insects. ...
  4. Your Home was Just Built or has Undergone a Major Renovation. ...
  5. Rising Energy Costs.

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.

What can go wrong with duct cleaning?

On the other hand, if a service provider fails to follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause indoor air problems. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if you had left the ducts alone.

How not to get scammed by duct cleaning?

4 Tips to Help You Spot Duct Cleaning Scams
  1. Tip #1: Duct Cleaning Scammers Will Claim Specific Certifications. ...
  2. Tip #2: Duct Cleaning Scammers Typically Offer Extremely Low Discounts (For a Reason) ...
  3. Tip #3: Duct Cleaning Won't Immediately Improve Indoor Air Quality or Stop Health Issues.

How much does it cost to remove mold from air ducts?

Removing mold infestation from air ducts requires the use of professional techniques and tools. The project may cost somewhere between $550 to $2,200, as the cleaners have to be thorough to ensure that no spores are left behind.

How much does 4 seasons duct cleaning cost?

Four Seasons Air Duct Cleaning

If you choose to go with Four Seasons duct cleaning services, you will pay between $600 and $750. This varies depending on the number of ducts that need to be cleaned, the square footage of your home, whether it is a basic cleaning or mold remediation is required, and other factors.

Do I tip air duct cleaners?

It's not necessary to tip your air duct cleaner. You can show appreciation in other ways, like offering a cold bottled water. If you're happy with the job, leaving a positive online review for the company is always nice. You can also share referrals with friends and neighbors looking to have their air ducts cleaned.

Does Stanley Steemer give free estimates?

To start, we always provide a free on-site estimate to evaluate the scale and needs of your store. This allows us to give the most accurate quote with no obligation to you. If you're looking to schedule an estimate, you can contact us 24/7 by phone at 1-800-STEEMER to coordinate a date to meet at your storefront.

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