What drives the price
Done properly it means a truck-mounted or large portable vacuum putting the whole duct system under negative pressure while every supply and return is agitated and cleaned individually, plus the air handler, coil and blower. That is several hours of work. The $99 advertised specials are not this job.
- Number of vents and returns
- Number of separate HVAC systems
- Whether the blower, coil and plenum are included
- Duct material - flexible duct is more easily damaged and slower to clean
- Verified mould remediation, which is a different and more expensive service
Should you DIY this or call a professional?
Call a pro, but only when there is a reason. Duct cleaning is worth doing after construction or renovation dust, after a rodent or insect infestation, or when there is visible mould in the ducts. It is not an annual maintenance item, and the EPA does not recommend routine cleaning. Changing filters regularly does more for your air than this ever will.
Signs you need this repair
- Visible dust blowing from vents when the system starts
- Recent renovation or construction in the house
- Evidence of rodents or insects in the ductwork
- Visible mould growth inside ducts or on the coil
- Musty smell that appears only when the system runs
How to not get overcharged
Insist on before and after photographs from inside the ducts - reputable companies do this as standard. Get confirmation in writing that the price covers every vent, both returns, the blower and the coil. If a $99 special turns into a four-figure quote once they are inside, that is the bait-and-switch this industry is known for, and you are entitled to say no and pay nothing.
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Red flags to watch for
- Advertised whole-house specials under about $150
- A mould diagnosis with no sample taken or tested
- Sanitiser or fogging chemicals pushed as essential
- Unsolicited phone calls offering duct cleaning
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to clean air ducts?+
Professional air duct cleaning typically runs $400-$1,000, averaging near $600 for a single-system home. Be careful here - this is among the most over-sold services in home maintenance.
Can I clean air ducts myself, or should I hire a professional?+
Call a pro, but only when there is a reason. Duct cleaning is worth doing after construction or renovation dust, after a rodent or insect infestation, or when there is visible mould in the ducts. It is not an annual maintenance item, and the EPA does not recommend routine cleaning. Changing filters regularly does more for your air than this ever will.
How long does it take to clean air ducts?+
3-5 Hours for a Typical Home. Scheduling and parts availability can extend the overall timeline beyond the hands-on work itself.
What makes the price of this job go up or down?+
Number of vents and returns. Number of separate HVAC systems. Whether the blower, coil and plenum are included. Duct material - flexible duct is more easily damaged and slower to clean. Verified mould remediation, which is a different and more expensive service.
How do I avoid being overcharged?+
Insist on before and after photographs from inside the ducts - reputable companies do this as standard. Get confirmation in writing that the price covers every vent, both returns, the blower and the coil. If a $99 special turns into a four-figure quote once they are inside, that is the bait-and-switch this industry is known for, and you are entitled to say no and pay nothing.