How Much Does Air Duct & Vent Cleaning Cost?
This project can cost anywhere from $150 to $800, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
Hiring a pro ensures thorough cleaning of all HVAC system elements, prevents damage, and avoids stirring up allergens.
The average cost for cleaning ducts in a 1,500-square-foot property is $225 to $450.
The cost of air duct cleaning is influenced by size and type of ductwork, level of contamination, accessibility, required duct repairs, and labor costs.
Foamboard, fiberglass, and rigid vents are common materials for air ducts.
Signs you need an air duct cleaning include hard-to-access insulated ducts, recurring mold growth, visible dust or debris in the air, recent construction, or rodent droppings.
Air duct cleaning improves system efficiency, extends its life span, and improves air quality by removing dust and pollen.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, duct cleaning costs $388, or between $270 and $506. Larger homes, or those with more ducts or contamination, might pay as much as $800. Homeowners should clean their ducts every three to five years or as needed to help improve system efficiency. The size of your ductwork, number of vents, degree of contamination, and ease of access all affect the price.
Air ducts play a crucial role in your home's air quality and HVAC system efficiency. Over time, dust and dirt accumulate within your ducts, affecting the performance of your furnace and air conditioner. Regular air duct cleaning can improve system efficiency and contribute to healthier indoor air.
Factors That Impact Air Duct Cleaning Prices
The average U.S. homeowner will spend $100 to clean a dryer vent or $1,000 to clean a two-furnace home. Costs vary depending on:
Size and type of ductwork
Level of contamination
Accessibility
Number of crew members your pro needs
Labor costs
Duct repairs
Labor Costs
Professionals typically charge between $90 and $125 per hour for air duct cleaning services. Labor costs depend on factors like the size and complexity of your ductwork, the level of contamination, and how accessible your ducts are.
Vents
Cleaning vents costs $35 per vent on average, typically 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
Number of Furnaces and AC Units
The number of furnaces you have increases costs. Expect to pay $400 on average for each additional furnace and ductwork setup. Although this isn't common, you'll usually find more than one furnace in homes with additions where the original furnace just wasn't up to the task of heating the addition too.
Rats and Mice
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—hantavirus and leptospirosis are 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
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.
Custom-Designed Ducts
You’ll pay 25% to 30% more to clean custom ducts compared to their stock counterparts if they cause the job to take longer. Stock parts make the job predictable. But if your home had a tricky layout or you added features to address poor energy efficiency, your pro might charge more to clean custom ductwork.
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 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.
Replacing the air handler can cost as much as $5,600.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Incorporating dryer vent cleaning with air duct cleaning costs about $100, and as a standalone service, it costs between $100 and $170. Clogged vents decrease energy efficiency and are a fire risk.
Cost of Home Duct Cleaning vs. Commercial
Residential duct cleaning typically costs less than commercial services. For residential jobs, expect to pay $20 to $40 per vent, whereas commercial projects are at least 30% higher, with rates of $35 to $50 per hour. Commercial costs vary widely, so it's best to get a customized quote.
Commercial projects:
Almost always have custom ductwork.
Typically are much larger and harder to clean than residential ducts.
Have much larger furnaces, blowers, and AC units.
Duct and Vent Cleaning Prices by Location
| City | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Denver | $240 – $400 |
| Atlanta | $240 – $460 |
| Phoenix | $320 – $480 |
| Oklahoma City | $220 – $410 |
| Jacksonville | $260 – $510 |
| Des Moines | $550 – $800 |
HVAC Duct Cleaning Prices by Service
While you’ll end up spending anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more on HVAC cleaning, service pros commonly break down their services into set packages. Many air duct cleaning companies build their prices based on individual services, while others offer package pricing based on the number of vents or square feet.
Take a look at some popular brands, their services, and their typical pricing.
| Brand | Service | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sears | 8 vents + access panel, main and return | $200 |
| Sears | 8 vents + main, return A-coil, deodorize, electrostatic filter and mold test | $700 |
| Sears | Extra vent | $20+ each |
| Sears | Dryer vent | $100 – $200 |
| COIT Cleaning and Restoration | 10 vents | $400 – $500 |
| COIT Cleaning and Restoration | Dryer vent | $100 – $185 |
| Stanley Steemer | Average Home | $500+ |
| Stanley Steemer | Average Home (+Dryer Vent) | $600+ |
| Stanley Steemer | Two Furnace Home | $1,000+ |
Average AC and Furnace Cleaning Costs
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.
Cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils significantly impacts the efficiency of your system. Dirty coils use more energy and need replacing sooner. Replacing evaporator coils costs anywhere from $600 to $2,000. Plus, dirty coils work harder so cost more to run. Therefore, keeping them clean makes good financial sense.
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.
For thorough and safe air duct cleaning, consider hiring a professional duct cleaner near you.
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.
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.
Cheap and Quick Duct Cleaning Costs
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
Yes, cleaning air ducts is worth it because it improves your HVAC system's efficiency and extends its lifespan. Dust and dirt accumulation force the system to work harder, increasing energy costs. By removing contaminants from your ducts, you enhance indoor air quality and create a healthier environment for your household.
You should get your air ducts cleaned at least every three to five years to maintain optimal indoor air quality and system efficiency. Additionally, consider scheduling a cleaning after purchasing a new home, completing a remodeling project, or if you notice signs of mold, pests, or excessive dust. Regular cleanings help prevent allergens from circulating and keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
You can tell your air ducts need to be cleaned if you notice visible mold growth inside ducts or on other HVAC components, excessive dust or debris blowing out of vents, or musty odors when the system is running. Other signs include unexplained allergy symptoms, inconsistent airflow, increased energy bills, or evidence of rodent or insect infestations in your ductwork.
Yes, air duct cleaning can cause damage if not performed correctly. DIY efforts or hiring uncertified companies may lead to damaged ductwork, loosened connections, or punctures that reduce system efficiency. Professional duct cleaners use specialized equipment and follow industry standards to ensure thorough cleaning without harming your ducts, so it's important to hire qualified professionals.
No, standard duct cleaning does not remove mold. While cleaning can remove visible dust and debris, mold requires specialized remediation. If a professional cleaner discovers mold in your air ducts, they will have it tested to identify the type and extent. Then, a certified mold remediation specialist should address the issue to eliminate mold from your ducts and prevent it from returning.
You can decrease the need for frequent air duct cleanings by regularly changing your HVAC filters every one to three months, using high-quality filters that trap more dust and allergens. Keeping your home clean by vacuuming and dusting regularly reduces the amount of debris entering the ducts. Sealing any gaps in your ductwork can prevent dust accumulation, and maintaining your HVAC system with regular professional inspections helps ensure optimal performance.
