Is air duct cleaning a good business to start?

Author: Chelsea Wehner  |  Last update: Saturday, December 6, 2025

Starting an air duct cleaning business is a rewarding venture with significant growth potential. With low startup costs, high demand, and comprehensive support from Air-Care, you can be your own boss and build a profitable business.

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.

Is duct cleaning a good career?

Skilled labor is not a fallback position, and air duct cleaning is a great career choice, with good pay and ample opportunities.

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 does it cost to clean your air ducts?

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.

Start an Air Duct Cleaning Business Best Equipment Package

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.

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 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.

Is duct work difficult?

Just how hard is it to replace ductwork? In short, the project requires meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of HVAC systems. That's why Blue Frost stresses the importance of professional installation.

How much do vent cleaners get paid?

Average Air Duct Cleaning hourly pay ranges from approximately $17.97 per hour for Customer Service Representative to $24.82 per hour for Mechanic.

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

Starting an air duct cleaning business can cost between $62 and $35,923.

How long does a duct cleaning take?

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.

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 a homeowner clean their own air ducts?

Getting into the ductwork of your home can be dangerous to you and your HVAC system. This process should only be handled by professionals. Expert cleaning companies have the knowledge and equipment to pull dust, debris and allergens from the entirety of your HVAC system.

Is ductwork considered HVAC?

Air Ducts Are Essential To Your HVAC System

Even though air ducts are not the same as an HVAC unit, they are still important and play a key part in ensuring your central air system works. With regular upkeep, you can ensure this component is properly maintained.

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.

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.

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.

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 do you quote duct cleaning?

Pricing by square footage

The average per-square-foot cost for duct cleaning is $0.20 to $0.40. Using this standard, a 1,200-square-foot house could run from $240 to $500, while a 3,000-square-foot one could range from $600 to $1,200.

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

Does EPA recommend duct cleaning?

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.

What type of air duct cleaning is best?

The source removal method is the best air duct cleaning method. It involves mechanical cleaning to eliminate dirt and debris from HVAC components. Using vacuuming, brushing, and contact cleaning, experts loosen and extract debris from air duct walls.

Previous article
How do I know if I need a new dryer?
Next article
How long to air out a room after cleaning mold?