What to expect during duct cleaning?

Author: Isadore Herman Jr.  |  Last update: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Your technician will use a special vacuum for cleaning. You also might hear light banging as they use mechanical brushes in the ductwork. Your cleaner will take all of your vent grates off to access the ductwork. They will also clean the vent grates – they have tools to remove and put them back safely.

How do I prepare for a scheduled duct cleaning?

How to Prepare for Air Duct Cleaning
  1. Clear Access to Vents and Ducts.
  2. Protect Valuables and Fragile Items.
  3. Consider Pets and Children.
  4. Know What to Expect During the Cleaning Process.
  5. Turn Off HVAC Systems Before Cleaning.

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.

What do they do during a duct cleaning?

The Steps of Air Duct Cleaning
  1. Step one: Inspect the ducts. The first step involves performing a thorough visual inspection of the air ducts leading to the return and supply registers. ...
  2. Step two: Create a negative pressure. ...
  3. Step three: Agitate the dust and debris. ...
  4. Step four: Clean the rest of the system.

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.

Our Duct Cleaning Process from Start to Finish

Will my house be dusty after duct cleaning?

Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts or go down after cleaning. This is because much of the dirt that may accumulate inside air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space.

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.

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.

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.

Do you tip for duct cleaning?

It's not necessary to tip your air duct cleaner.

How long does 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 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 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.

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.

How loud is duct cleaning?

Duct cleaning can produce moderate noise levels, akin to everyday household sounds like vacuuming. The noise level during duct cleaning typically ranges between 60 and 80 decibels (dB), which is not considered excessively loud or intrusive.

Should I vacuum before or after duct cleaning?

We recommend unscrewing the vents, vacuuming them off thoroughly and pushing the hose into the duct as far as it will allow in order to suck any loose dust or dirt. This is an important first step, so make sure that you use a vacuum before getting into the details of cleaning.

How long does Stanley Steemer take per room?

How long will it take to clean my carpets? On average, it will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes per room. This time can vary greatly depending on the amount of furniture to be moved, how soiled the carpet is, and any necessary spot removal treatments.

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.

Does air duct cleaning include dryer vent?

What to Expect from a Professional Dryer Vent & Air Duct Cleaning. A professional air duct and dryer vent cleaning includes the cleaning of all the nooks and crannies of the ductwork and dryer hose from inside and outside the house with the right equipment and expertise.

Is your house dusty after duct cleaning?

Provided the job's done right, duct cleaning should not blow dust into your living space, and there is no evidence to suggest that a professional duct cleaning is detrimental to your indoor air quality.

What does duct cleaning cost?

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.

Do you need to move furniture for air 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.

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.

How long does it take to get air ducts cleaned?

The time it takes to clean air ducts will vary depending on the size of your home, the type of ventilation system you have, and how dirty the ducts are. However, on average, it usually takes between two and four hours to clean all the air ducts in a typical home.

How much does Stanley Steemer cost for a couch?

Upholstery cleaning

Stanley Steemer charges $125 to $440 to clean a couch, loveseat, or other type of furniture. You can add their Protect stain preventer or their Deodorize solution for $17 to $110 each, depending on the furniture size.

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