Written by
Sarah Noel
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Air duct cleaning cost
Air duct cleaning costs $300 to $700 on average or up to $1,000 for larger homes or ducts with more contamination. Duct and vent cleaning costs$25 to $45 per ventor$0.15 to $0.25 per square foot. Air duct sanitizing costs$70 to $150 moreto prevent mold growth.
An air duct inspection costs$80 to $180.
Cleaning the HVAC system costs $60 to $370 more for a furnace or AC unit.
| National average cost | $500 |
| Minimum cost | $200 |
| Maximum cost | $1,000 |
| Average range | $300 to $700 |
*Based on 1,934 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Air duct cleaning takes 2 to 4 hours on average.
Pros suggest cleaning ductwork every 3 to 7 years to improve system efficiency.
Air duct cleaning should include cleaning the supply and return air ducts, grills, plenum, register vent covers, and the furnace or AC blower.
Prices depend on the ductwork size, number of vents, contamination level, climatic region, and vent accessibility.
TheEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)and theNational Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)say the average cost of duct cleaning is$450 to $1,000.
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Average cost of air duct cleaning
The average cost of duct cleaning is$300 to $700 per system. Duct cleaners either charge per system, per vent, or per square footage of the home.
| Pricing type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Per system | $300 – $700 |
| Per vent | $25 – $45 |
| Per square foot | $0.15 – $0.25 |
Vent cleaning cost
Vent cleaning costs$25 to $45 per supply ventand$40 to $75 per return vent. Duct cleaners often charge by the total number of ducts inside the home.
| Number of vents | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 5 – 10 | $125 – $450 |
| 10 – 15 | $250 – $675 |
| 15 – 20 | $375 – $900 |
Duct cleaning cost per square foot
Air duct cleaning costs$0.15 to $0.25 per square footof living space. Cleaning ducts for a typical 1,500- to 2,500-square-foot home costs$225 to $625on average.
| Home size (square feet) | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 – 1,500 | $150 – $375 |
| 1,500 – 2,000 | $225 – $500 |
| 2,000 – 2,500 | $300 – $625 |
| 2,500 – 3,000 | $375 – $750 |
| 3,000 – 3,500 | $450 – $875 |
| 3,500 – 4,000 | $525 – $1,000 |
Air duct cleaning prices and factors
Air duct cleaning prices depend on the home’s size, HVAC system size, ductwork size, number of vents, contamination level, climatic region, and vent accessibility.
| Add-on services | Average prices |
|---|---|
| Mold inspection & testing | $200 – $650 |
| Mold removal | $450 – $6,000 |
| Sanitizing | $70 – $150 |
| Air duct inspection | $80 – $180 |
| Dryer vent cleaning | $80 – $185 |
Additional cost factors include:
Ductwork condition – Repairing ductwork costs $200 to $700 on average. Air duct replacement costs $25 to $55 per linear foot.
Infestations – Pest control costs $250 to $400 on average to remove rats, mice, and other rodents.
Air filters – Costs for buying and changing new filters vary significantly according to HVAC system type & size.
Ductwork type – Various tools and cleaning methods apply for flex, rigid, or foam-board ducts.
Ductwork configuration – Custom ductwork or hard-to-access areas like crawlspaces or attics increase labor.
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Residential home vs. commercial air duct cleaning cost
Commercial air duct cleaning costs$75 to $150 per hour,or30% to 60% morethan residential duct cleaning. Labor time increases in commercial buildings with hard-to-access custom ductwork, larger HVAC systems, and higher system usage.
Air duct sanitizing and mold removal cost
Mold removal in air ducts costs$2,000 to $10,000on average, depending on the contamination level.
Air duct sanitizing costs$70 to $150, which prevents further mold and mildew growth.
Most duct cleaning doesn’t remove all mold, and severe cases requiremold remediation specialists.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Mold inspection & testing | $200 – $650 |
| Mold removal | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Sanitizing | $70 – $150 |
Duct sanitizing includes spraying an antibacterial disinfectant into the ductwork. However, air duct pros, insulation experts, and the EPA agree that no moisture should go inside fiberglass-lined ducts.
Air duct inspection cost
Anair duct inspection costs$80 to $180on average. Inspections typically use a video camera inside the ductwork to check for damage, pests, insulation issues, mold, debris, and dust buildup.
Part of the cost applies towards duct cleaning if using the same company.
Dryer vent cleaning
Dryer vent cleaning costs$80 to $185on average, or$40 to $100 extrawith whole-house duct cleaning. Cleaning a roof-exit dryer vent costs$165 to $250. Cleaning dryer vents makes the dryer last longer and run more efficiently with less fire risk.
| Vent location | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Basem*nt / first floor vent | $80 – $150 |
| Second floor vent | $110 – $185 |
| Roof vent | $150 – $250 |
Ductwork and vent cleaning cost by location
The following table shows average ductwork cleaning costs by location:
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| City, State | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $325 – $775 |
| Boston, MA | $400 – $950 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $325 – $750 |
| Chicago, IL | $350 – $800 |
| Columbus, OH | $325 – $750 |
| Denver, CO | $325 – $750 |
| Detroit, MI | $325 – $750 |
| Houston, TX | $375 – $875 |
| Honolulu, HI | $350 – $850 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $300 – $725 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $300 – $700 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $325 – $750 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $350 – $800 |
| Nashville, TN | $300 – $725 |
| Newark, NJ | $325 – $775 |
| New York, NY | $400 – $925 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $300 – $700 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $325 – $775 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $300 – $725 |
| Portland, OR | $325 – $775 |
| Seattle, WA | $325 – $775 |
| Tulsa, OK | $300 – $700 |
| Washington, D.C. | $325 – $775 |
HVAC duct cleaning costs by service
HVAC duct cleaning services cost$200 to $800on average. Stanley Steemer and Sears charge per vent, while COIT, Duct Doctor, and Zerorez charge a flat rate per HVAC system.
| Company | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Stanley Steemer | $400 – $650 |
| COIT | $400 – $600 |
| Zerorez | $350 – $500 |
| Duct Doctor | $500 – $700 |
| Servpro | $200 – $800 |
| Sears | $200 – $500 |
| Four Seasons | $600 – $750 |
Stanley Steemer duct cleaning cost
Stanley Steemer air duct cleaning costs$400 to $650on average. Stanley Steemer dryer vent cleaning costs$50 to $150.
Stanley Steemer has NADCA-certified technicians that use HEPA-filtered vacuums to clean the ductwork, furnace evaporator coil, and blower and vent covers.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Duct cleaning (10 – 15 vents) | $400 – $525 |
| Duct cleaning (15 – 20 vents) | $525 – $650 |
| Dryer vent cleaning | $50 – $150 |
Sears air duct cleaning cost
Sears duct cleaning costs$200 to $500on average, depending on the number of vents. Dryer vent cleaning costs$90when combined with duct cleaning or$190as a standalone service. Sears offers free system inspections and uses HEPA-filtered vacuums.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Duct cleaning (up to 10 vents) | $100 – $300 |
| Duct cleaning (up to 14 vents) | $140 – $350 |
| Duct cleaning (up to 18 vents) | $180 – $400 |
| Duct cleaning (up to 20 vents) | $200 – $450 |
| Dryer vent cleaning | $90 – $190 |
COIT duct cleaning prices
COIT duct cleaning prices are$400 to $600on average. Dryer vent cleaning costs$140 to $160. COIT follows NADCA standards and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee to reclean, fix, or refund purchases.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Duct cleaning | $400 – $600 |
| Dryer vent cleaning | $140 – $160 |
Zerorez air duct cleaning cost
Zerorez air duct cleaning costs$350 to $500on average. Dryer vent cleaning costs$100 to $150 per vent, depending on if it’s a standalone service or combined with duct cleaning.
Zerorez uses a powerful whip-line cleaning system and provides camera footage before and after cleaning.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Duct cleaning (per attached HVAC unit) | $350 – $500 |
| Dryer vent cleaning (per vent) | $100 – $150 |
Duct Doctor cost
Duct doctor costs$500 to $700on average for ductwork cleaning, depending on the number of HVAC units. Dryer vent cleaning costs$160 to $180 per vent. Duct doctor offers residential and commercial duct cleaning services with NADCA certified technicians.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Duct cleaning | $500 – $700 |
| Dryer vent cleaning | $160 – $180 |
Servpro air duct cleaning cost
Servpro air duct cleaning costs$200 to $800on average. Servpro offers both residential and commercial cleaning services nationwide, including professional mold removal and water damage restoration.
Four Seasons air duct cleaning cost
Four Seasons air duct cleaning costs$600 to $750 per systemon average. All their duct cleaners are NADCA certified, use a 3-stage HEPA-filtration vacuum system, and have upfront pricing with free in-home estimates.
Four Seasons serves Chicago and Indiana and offers 24/7 service.
Furnace and AC cleaning costs
Extra duct cleaning costs apply depending on how many central air conditioning units or furnaces an HVAC system has.
| HVAC part | Average cost to clean |
|---|---|
| Furnace | $60 – $200 |
| Heat pump | $80 – $300 |
| Air handler | $70 – $175 |
| AC condenser & evaporator coils | $80 – $370 |
Heating system cleaning cost
Furnace and heating system cleaning costs$70 to $300, depending on the fuel type. Heat pump cleaning costs$80 to $300on average.
Pros recommended cleaning central heating systems annually.
A tune-up includes vacuuming the internal housing, cleaning the blower, and changing filters.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Furnace cleaning | $70 – $300 |
| Heat pump cleaning | $80 – $300 |
*Prices don’t include cleaning attached ducts.
Air handler cleaning cost
Air handler cleaning costs$75 to $400on average. Servicing the air handler typically involves cleaning coils, blower parts, duct connections, flushing out the condensation drain pan, and changing the filters. Additional charges apply for hard-to-reach air handlers in attics.
Condenser and evaporator coil cleaning cost
Cleaning condenser and evaporator coils costs$80 to $370extra, depending on the AC unit’s size and accessibility. Contractors typically offer discounts when combining coil cleaning with duct cleaning.
Benefits of cleaning AC coils:
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Extend the lifespan of the parts.
Prevent mold growth on the evaporator coils.
Lower utility bills by improving the unit’s energy efficiency.
Replacing an evaporator coil costs$675 to $1,300, while replacing a condenser coil costs$1,900 to $2,900.
Is air duct cleaning worth it?
Air duct cleaning is worth it to save10% to 30%on utility bills when maintenance includes changing filters, servicing all attached HVAC units, and eliminating contaminant sources.
Cleaning air ducts also helps HVAC systems last longer and purify air better to reduce allergy symptoms.
What is duct cleaning?
Air duct cleaning removes all dirt, debris, pollutants, and hazardous materials from the entire ductwork ventilation system and all its heating and cooling system components.
Professionals clean air ducts through these steps:
Inspecting ducts to check for hazardous materials
Spreading out drop cloths to protect home areas near vents while cleaning
Attaching a high-powered HEPA-filtered vacuum and blower to ducts
Dislodging debris inside the ducts
Extracting all dust and debris through the vacuum hose into an outside truck
Cleaning all supply and return vents
How often should you clean air ducts?
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) advises cleaning air ducts every3 to 5 years.
Other HVAC pros suggest cleaning every5 to 7 yearswith well-sealed ducts.
Cleaning frequency depends on duct conditions, climate, system usage, number of residents, and if people have respiratory issues.
Is air duct cleaning necessary?
Air duct cleaning is necessary and not a waste of money when excess dust or debris blocks the airflow, or when mold, mildew, or pest infestations are inside ducts. Cleaning ducts also effectively helps remove smells in homes with pets or smokers.
How long does air duct cleaning take?
Air duct cleaning takes2 to 4 hourson average for a 2-person crew to clean one complete system. Larger or older homes take3 to 6 hours.
Cleaning times increase for homes with pets, complex HVAC systems, or contamination issues with mold, pests, or asbestos.
Do you tip vent cleaners?
You don’t need to tip vent cleaners, and some company policies don’t allow HVAC cleaners to accept tips. Most people offer workers drinks and restroom access. If the duct cleaning company performed an outstanding service, they appreciate a $10 to $20 tip.
How to tell if air ducts need cleaning
Air ducts need cleaning if these signs appear:
Mold growth around vent covers
Excess dust in the home
Visible dust blowing out of the vents
Rodent droppings or chewed areas around ducts
Abnormally high utility bills
Air filters clog up in less than a month
Debris and dust collect near supply vents or in registers
Inconsistent airflow in each vent
Increased respiratory problems
Unusual sounds when the HVAC blower runs
Dust buildup on the furnace blower fan, furnace motor, or AC coils
Musty smells in air vents
Does duct cleaning reduce household dust?
Duct cleaning does reduce household dust, but only if it came from leaky ductwork without air filters. Dust inside well-sealed and filtered air ducts shouldn’t enter home interiors. The EPA hasn’t proven that duct cleaning reduces health problems.
Reduce household dust effectively by:
Installing a whole-house air purifier costs $400 to $4,000.
Using a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air filter, or HEPA filter
Installing high-quality HVAC air filters on return vents
Fixing all leaky ducts that take in attic or basem*nt dust
Putting screens on open windows and doors
Can air duct cleaning cause damage?
Air duct cleaning causes damages and lowers air quality when cleaners don’t use proper tools or methods.
Damages caused by poor cleaning include:
Tearing holes in flex-duct walls
Loose duct connections that leak air
Mold growth inside ducts from using wet sponges
Releasing pollen, dust, and allergens into the home's air
Ripping off insulation inside ducts
Broken seals around vent openings
Fiberglass fibers from damaged liner spreading to contaminate indoor air
Can you clean air ducts yourself?
A licensed professional with high-power vacuums, rotary brushes, and other special equipment is necessary to clean air ducts thoroughly. Improper DIY duct cleaning damages the ducts, insulation, lining, and all connections in the HVAC system.
Decrease the need for duct cleanings by:
Vacuuming around registers, duct openings, vent grills, and furnaces regularly
Changing fiberglass air duct filters every 1 to 3 months
Replacing pleated air filters every 3 to 6 months
Removing metal vent covers for cleaning every 3 to 6 months
Using a home air-purifier system
Keeping air vents open as much as possible
Checking ducts for leaks annually
Cleaning AC coils annually
Sealing ducts during renovations to keep out dust
Getting air duct cleaning cost estimates
Hiring a professional air duct cleaning service is necessary to prevent duct damage and improper cleaning that can worsen things.
Use this checklist when getting air duct cleaning cost estimates:
Compare three or more bids from experienced vent cleaners.
Choose air vent cleaning companies satisfying these licensing requirements:
Air conditioners license, required in some states
Certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)
Mechanical contractors license
Select licensed, insured, and bonded air duct cleaning service providers.
Review their ratings on HomeGuide and Google.
Verify the estimates include material, labor, and equipment costs.
Never pay in full upfront.
Beware of scams or cheap and quick bids that signal low-quality cleaning.
Cheap air duct cleaning scams
Warning signs of a duct-cleaning scam:
Cheap air duct cleaning ads of $49 to $99 for a whole house, with hidden add-on costs
False “EPA-certified” claims when the EPA doesn’t certify anyone
Guarantees to finish cleaning within 1 to 2 hours
Charging extra for mold removal without showing evidence of mold
Contractors without licensing proof or NADCA certification
Questions to ask duct cleaners
How long have you been cleaning ducts?
Can I see a list of your references?
Do you inspect ducts with a video camera to show conditions before and after cleaning?
Does your initial inspection include checking for asbestos and mold?
Will you make additional duct-access points besides register and grate openings? If so, how will you seal them after cleaning?
Do you use a vacuum designed specifically for ductwork cleaning?
How do you ensure that your equipment doesn’t damage ducts?
Will you use a vacuum truck to collect all debris outside?
How will you clean debris caked onto the interior duct walls?
Do you use disinfectants after cleaning, and are they non-toxic?
Can you use drop cloths and plastic guards to keep my home clean?
Do you offer a labor guarantee, and what does it include?
Can I see proof of your liability insurance, licenses, and bond guarantees?
What extra costs may apply?
Do you charge per vent or offer flat rates?
Are all cleanup costs and debris disposals included in my estimate?
Will you clean my entire ductwork system, the furnace, AC vents, and registers?
When can you start and how long will the job take?
How do you handle unexpected delays?
Do you maintain negative pressure in ducts to prevent spreading dust in my home?
Will you encapsulate mold or asbestos inside ducts?
Can you provide a copy of the contract before starting?
