How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost in 2025?
Air duct cleaning costs an average of $388
Average air duct cleaning costs range from $270 to $506.
Price shifts with duct size and type, how dirty the system is, how easy it is to reach, any repairs needed, and local labor rates.
Most homes use foamboard, fiberglass, or rigid metal ducts, each of which cleans up a little differently.
You may be due for cleaning if ducts are hard to reach, mold keeps coming back, dust is visible in the airflow, you’ve just wrapped up construction, or you spot rodent droppings.
A qualified pro cleans every part of the HVAC system, protects the equipment, and keeps allergens from becoming airborne.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, most homeowners pay between $270 and $506 on air duct cleaning costs, but bills can hit $800 or more for larger or heavily contaminated systems. Plan to clean every three to five years to keep the HVAC running smoothly. Your final price hinges on duct size, vent count, contamination level, and how easily the tech can reach the ducts.
Because ducts move every bit of air your family breathes, buildup inside them drags down HVAC performance and indoor air quality. Clearing that dust every few years lets your furnace and AC work easier—and helps everyone breathe easier, too.
Air Duct Cleaning Cost Factors
How much you’ll pay for air duct cleaning is based on a variety of factors. Your total price tag depends on:
Size and type of ductwork
Level of contamination
Accessibility
Number of crew members your pro needs
Labor costs
Duct repairs
Labor Costs
Most ductwork cleaning pros charge by the hour for their services. Budget for a cost of $90 to $125 per hour for duct cleaning.
Vents
On average, cleaning vents costs $35 per vent, ranging from $25 to $50 each. To estimate your project cost, count the number of vents in your home and multiply by $35.
Expect quotes to follow one of these four pricing structures:
Flat fee plus per vent
Per vent
Trip fee plus per vent
Per square foot
Pest Removal
If you have a rodent infestation, hire a local exterminator before cleaning the ducts. Rat extermination costs $200 to $1,200 in addition to duct cleaning expenses.
Rats and mice can carry a number of pathogens, including hantavirus and leptospirosis, which can be potentially harmful if transferred to humans. If you suspect you have a pest infestation, call a professional right away.
Accessibility
If your ducts are in hard-to-reach areas like tight crawl spaces or attics, you may pay more for cleaning due to increased labor time. The additional cost varies based on your project's specifics and your contractor's rates.
Mold and Mildew Removal
Add another $1,100 to $3,400 to account for professional mold remediation costs if you have signs of mold and mildew in the vents. Removing these elements involves added time, special equipment, and even special chemicals.
Level of Contamination
A higher level of contamination means longer cleaning times and higher costs. Removing additional contaminants like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, bacteria, rodent waste, mold, and mildew can increase your overall expenses.
Size and Type of Ductwork
The longer the vent, the more it costs to clean. Many contractors charge by the square foot, particularly for non-standard setups and larger properties. The cost per square foot for air duct cleaning is between $0.15 and $0.30. The standard price for cleaning ducts in a 1,500-square-foot property averages $225 to $450.
Foamboard and fiberglass ducts cost less to clean because they don't require special equipment. Most pros can clean debris in these vents using a vacuum, air hose, or power brush. Rigid vents are easier to clean, too, unlike flex ducts, which require specialist equipment.
Asbestos Removal
If your contractor discovers asbestos in your ducts, you must hire a local asbestos removal professional. Asbestos removal costs $5 to $20 per square foot and is crucial for your safety since airborne asbestos poses serious health risks.
Repairs
If your pro finds damage to your system during cleaning, you'll need to pay for repair or replacement.
Duct repair or replacement costs $200 to $800, depending on the repair type.
Furnace repair costs $130 to $500, on average.
AC repairs cost $350 on average, but major part replacements can cost thousands.
Fixing a leak will cost between $220 and $1,600.
Air handler replacement costs as much as $5,600.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Incorporating dryer vent cleaning with air duct cleaning costs $100, and as a standalone service, it costs between $100 and $170. Clogged vents decrease energy efficiency and are a fire risk.
AC and Furnace Cleaning
Inspecting and cleaning just the furnace costs $60 to $150 per furnace or up to $500 if you include an AC unit. Cleaning an AC unit alone runs from $75 to $200. Duct cleaning services include any parts of these that air passes over, including the blower, fan, and heat exchanger.
Budgeting for Air Duct Cleaning
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your air duct cleaning project more wallet-friendly:
Change your air filters every three to four months to make duct cleaning quicker and more affordable.
Use an air purifier system in your home to reduce the contaminants that enter your air ducts.
Get detailed quotes from at least three local duct cleaning pros to ensure competitive pricing.
DIY vs. Professional AC Duct Cleaning Service
Professional duct cleaners service all components of your HVAC system, including supply and return ducts, grilles, diffusers, heat exchangers, drip pans, fans, and the air handling unit. This requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure proper cleaning without compromising air quality.
Attempting to clean ducts yourself can:
Stir up allergens like pollen, dust, and debris, worsening indoor air quality.
Damage HVAC components, leading to costly repairs.
Here are some clear signs that you need to call a pro:
You have insulated ducts that are hard to access.
You have recurring mold growth.
You can see dust or debris in the air.
You have visible mold.
Your home underwent recent construction.
You see rodent droppings.
Connect with a qualified HVAC professional to ensure thorough, efficient cleaning.
Air Duct Cleaning Licensing Requirements
Air duct cleaners should adhere to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) standards for assessment, cleaning, and restoration. When seeking quotes, obtain at least three estimates and verify each contractor's references and NADCA certifications.
Exercise caution with unusually low-priced offers, as they may indicate subpar service or hidden costs. Opting for such deals may result in additional expenses due to hidden fees or potential damage from inexperienced technicians.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that air duct cleaning is not required unless visible issues such as mold buildup, rodent droppings, or excessive dust are present. When such conditions exist, cleaning becomes essential to protect indoor air quality and maintain HVAC efficiency. This approach minimizes potential health risks and extends the system’s life.
Air ducts must be cleaned every three to five years as required by NADCA to preserve system efficiency and indoor air quality. The EPA insists that cleaning is necessary only when significant issues such as mold, pest infestations, or heavy dust accumulation are evident. Annual inspections by a certified professional promptly address any emerging concerns.
The ideal seasons for air duct cleaning are spring and fall. Cleaning during these periods prepares your HVAC system for the demands of both winter heating and summer cooling. These seasons provide moderate weather conditions that enable efficient service completion while minimizing disruption, ensuring your system performs at its peak.
Professional air duct cleaning takes a fixed duration of two to five hours, depending on the home’s size and the complexity of the duct system. Smaller residences with standard ductwork complete the service in two hours, while larger homes with extensive ducts require up to five hours. Additional repairs may extend this duration.
To prepare for professional air duct cleaning, ensure all vents are unobstructed by moving nearby furniture and clearing pathways. Secure any pets in a safe area and confirm that your HVAC system units are easily accessible for technician inspection. Proper preparation contributes to a higher quality service outcome and prevents delays, allowing the cleaning process to proceed efficiently.
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