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How much does it cost to clean air ducts?
As heating and cooling systems are used in a house, debris and pollutants build up in the air ducts, leading to systems that don’t work properly or that add harmful allergens to your home’s air. Air duct cleaning is recommended every three to five years to reset the system and keep things safe, clean, and energy efficient. Your air ducts probably need cleaning if the filters or air returns are dusty and dirty or if you remove a vent cover and can see lots of dirt and debris inside the vent.
The average cost for air duct cleaning service is $300-$500 for a 1500 square foot home.
Cost breakdown
Professional air duct cleaners clean and disinfect the vent returns and filters, as well as use high-pressure “vacuums” to remove dirt and debris from the ducts themselves. Most air duct cleaning or HVAC services charge a flat fee instead of an hourly rate. A 1,500 square foot home typically costs $300-$500 for the standard cleaning, which includes using powerful equipment to vacuum out the dirt and dust and using pressurized air to make things incredibly clean. Larger homes can range from $400-$650.
Enhancement and improvement costs
- Most companies cover a standard number of vents and add an extra fee if your house has additional vents, typically $20-$35. Most standard prices cover 20-30 vents in a 1,500 square foot home.
- Duct cleaning is also a good time for dryer vent cleaning service, which typically costs $120-$200.
Additional considerations and costs
- Although DIY-ers can clean some parts of their air ducts, it is recommended to have professionals clean the entire system because many of their methods and supplies can’t be replicated by typical homeowners.
- A disinfectant fog can be added to your treatment for around $50-$100 and is another way to give your air ducts a deep clean.
- Although the official recommendation is to have your air ducts cleaned every three to five years, some homes need them cleaned more often. If you have smokers in the house, pets that shed, or people in your home with prolonged sickness, you should have your system cleaned more often, typically every 1-2 years. You should also have your air ducts cleaned more frequently if you have mold in the HVAC system, as it can quickly spread throughout the house and be harmful to the health of everyone inside.
- Be sure to hire a cleaning service accredited by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
- Some companies offer protective sealants or sanitizer chemicals to help keep dirt levels down between cleaners. However, the NADCA and other professional groups recommend against these additions, as they can be harmful to the air quality and system effectiveness. However, if you want to add this step, it will add an additional $200-$250 to your cost.
- Older houses may have asbestos 1 in the ductwork, which is often detected during an air duct cleaning. To remove and replace the old ducts with new, asbestos-free versions, add around $300-$400 per duct.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Asbestos: A group of fire-resistant silicate minerals found in construction materials including paint, particularly in older homes. When the asbestos deteriorates, particles can become airborne and this is a serious health hazard.
How much does it cost to clean air ducts in my city?
Cost to clean air ducts varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
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