How much does it cost to start a duct cleaning business?

Author: Andrew Morissette  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 19, 2025

With an initial investment of less than $10,000, it's within reach even if you're on a tight budget. This low cost of entry makes it an attractive option for many new entrepreneurs. Typically, the initial investment covers the cost of essential equipment, training, and initial marketing.

Is duct cleaning a profitable business?

Starting an air duct cleaning business can be a lucrative venture for those willing to put in the effort. As we've navigated through the essentials of launching this type of business, it's clear that success hinges on a solid foundation, accurate market assessment, and strategic execution.

How much does it cost to start an air duct cleaning business?

Typical new business franchises have start up costs and fees that can easily reach over a $100,000 investment, but with a RamAir air duct cleaning system, you can get started for less than a $5,000 investment. An average air duct cleaning job pays bills about $500 and takes about an hour and a half to complete.

Do you need a license to clean air ducts?

Yes, you likely will need a license if you are planning on doing air duct cleaning as a business.

How to start a duct cleaning business?

Get Training
  1. Take Advantage of Training Programs. Proper training is crucial for the success of your air duct cleaning business. ...
  2. Learn to Use Your Equipment. ...
  3. Develop Effective Cleaning Techniques. ...
  4. Marketing and Pricing Strategies. ...
  5. Ongoing Support. ...
  6. Certification and Credibility. ...
  7. Build a Website. ...
  8. Utilize Social Media.

How to Start a Profitable Plastic Granules Manufacturing Business from Waste

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 duct cleaning considered HVAC?

Having our HVAC technician check for other potential sources of indoor air pollution, such as mold or mildew growth, is a good idea. HVAC and air duct cleaning are not the same things. While both processes are essential to keeping your home comfortable and safe, they have different purposes.

Can I clean my own air ducts?

Vacuum-clean the Ducts

Attach a hose and a brush extension to your vacuum cleaner. Insert the hose into the ducts and move around to reach as many parts of the duct as possible. This will help you suction up the dust and debris you previously loosened with the brush. Repeat the process with all ducts.

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.

How do you calculate duct cleaning cost?

Some local air duct cleaners base their price on the property's square footage, based on the theory that the larger your home is, the more ductwork you'll have. The cost of cleaning ductwork is $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot. So, to clean vents in a typical 1,500-square-foot house, expect to pay between $180 and $360.

What are the cons 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.

How much is a duct job?

We'll look at a few of these below: Home Size: Installing ductwork in a small 1,000-square-foot home can cost as little as $1,400. In a 2,000- to 3,000-square-foot home, it can cost from $2,800 to $6,700, while the same project in a 4,000-square-foot home can cost as much as $9,000. ¹

Why is duct work so expensive?

Ductwork costs are largely determined by the size and complexity of your system—but material choices, labor costs, and permitting requirements also play a significant role.

How to sell duct cleaning?

Here are seven ways to grow your air duct cleaning business:
  1. Recruit and train the right people. ...
  2. Create a digital marketing strategy. ...
  3. Invest in customer experience. ...
  4. Leverage offline marketing. ...
  5. Build partnerships with other local businesses. ...
  6. List your business in relevant directories. ...
  7. Create a referral program.

How messy is duct cleaning?

Duct cleaning can make a mess if not done professionally. Remember, cleaning your ducts involves removing the dirt from the ductwork and directing it to another place for safe disposal. If the process is done professionally, air pollutants accumulated in your air ducts will be disposed of properly.

Do you need a license to clean ductwork?

In short, the answer is yes. If you're cleaning air ducts as a business (you will receive money for the job), you need a license.

How often should ducts be cleaned?

Experts advise having your air ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years to prevent many maintenance and health problems before they start. However, homes with pets or children with allergies should have their air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than the recommended average.

Can you rent air duct cleaning equipment?

Air Duct Cleaning Machine Rentals Can Cost $100 To $500 Per Day, depending on the equipment size and complexity. Keep This In Mind: without the right experience or know-how, it can be unnecessarily difficult.

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.

Do it yourself duct cleaning?

How to Clean Your Air Ducts
  1. Turn Your System Off. Turn off the thermostat to your system. ...
  2. Remove and Clean the Grilles. ...
  3. Loosen the Debris in the Supply Duct. ...
  4. Vacuum Out the Ducts. ...
  5. Replace Your Air Filters. ...
  6. Replace the Grilles and Vent Covers. ...
  7. Reset the Thermostat.

Do you tip 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.

How much can you charge for duct cleaning?

A good price for air duct cleaning services can range from $300 to $500 for a residential home. However, remember that the most important factor is not just the cost but also the quality of service provided.

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.

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