What to ask for air duct cleaning?

Author: Carmen Kautzer  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

After discussing the ac duct cleaning process, you should ask what equipment the technicians will use to clean your duct system. You can usually expect a technician to use types of duct brushes, vacuum collection devices, and disinfectant foggers.

Is air duct cleaning really worth the money?

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.

What should I look for in a duct cleaning?

10 SOS Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning
  1. Your Health is not as Good as it should be. The first clue that your air ducts are congested might sometimes be seen in your respiratory system. ...
  2. Dust. ...
  3. Odor. ...
  4. Mold or Mildew. ...
  5. Visible Debris. ...
  6. Inconsistent Airflow. ...
  7. No Previous Evidence of Air Duct Cleaning.

What should I expect to pay for air duct cleaning?

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 should be included in air duct cleaning?

Professional duct cleaning services use blowers, vacuum cleaners and specialized brushes to clean the supply, intake and return ducts throughout your home. Duct cleaning should also involve thorough cleaning of air conditioning, logs, grids, fans, motors, housings and coils in the HVAC system.

Ask Dale: What do I need to ask before I hire an air duct cleaning company? What will it cost?

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.

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.

How do I prepare my home for air duct cleaning?

Preparing Your Home for Upcoming Air Duct Cleaning
  1. Removing Any Duct Obstructions. ...
  2. Cleaning the Area Around Vents and Registers. ...
  3. Turning Off Nearby Electronics. ...
  4. Cutting Power. ...
  5. Keep Pets and Kids Out of the Way. ...
  6. Clearing a Path.

How much does it cost to check air ducts?

Your ductwork carries your household's air, so you want to ensure they're in excellent shape by routinely inspecting them. An air duct inspection costs $230 on average, though it can range between $140 and $380 depending on the type of test a pro runs and the amount of ductwork you have.

How often should you get air ducts 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.

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.

How do I choose a duct cleaning service?

See if the company has been in business long enough to have adequate experience. Get proof that the company is properly licensed and adequately insured. Make sure that the company is going to clean and visually inspect all of the air ducts and related system components.

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.

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.

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.

Is it better to clean ducts or dirty ducts?

Even if your ducts are dirty, cleaning them probably won't provide any measurable benefits. In fact, the little independent research performed on duct cleaning indicates that the process stirs up so much dust that it creates a bigger problem than it solves.

Does homeowners insurance cover air ducts?

Ventilation and Ductwork

As long as they're built into your home, ducts, vents and other parts of your home's ventilation system are also usually covered from damage caused by the same perils as the rest of your HVAC is.

What is the average cost of 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.

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.

Do I need to move furniture for duct cleaning?

Before the technicians arrive, ensure that all vents, ducts, and returns are easily accessible. Move any furniture, rugs, or large items that may block their way. By clearing these areas, the cleaning professionals can quickly get to work without needing to move things themselves.

What is included in air duct cleaning?

Air duct cleaning means having all your duct system, including the supply, intake and return vents cleaned using professional air duct cleaning equipment. In addition, air duct cleaning may also include cleaning the registers, grills, fans, the HVAC unit and cleaning the furnace if you have one.

What to do with pets during duct cleaning?

Most air duct cleanings take 3 to 5 hours to complete for a 1 system home. If you are worried your pet will escape, please have them in a secure area that they won't be able to escape. A door to the home will be open for those 3 to 5 hours.

Is duct cleaning really worth it?

Generally, duct cleaning is not worth the money except for a few rare and extenuating circumstances, such as: Substantial mold is visibly growing in your ducts. Vermin or rodents have infested your vents. Ducts are clogged to the point that debris and dust particles are being released into your home.

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.

Previous article
Is it normal for AC line to freeze?
Next article
How do I get my home blueprints online for free?