Air duct cleaning services can cost between $450 and $1,000, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).¹ The expense of cleaning ducts can vary depending on your home’s square footage, an HVAC system’s size, and other factors. At Sky Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide professional ductwork services. Let’s take an in-depth look at the cost of air duct cleaning based on the latest information.
What Will I Spend on Air Duct Cleaning?
Angi puts the average cost of air duct cleaning at $379.² The overall price largely depends on the size of your ductwork, so the bill from an HVAC contractor is determined by:
- Square Footage: Cleaning ducts for a 1,000-square-foot house costs from $140 to $250, while in a 1,500-square-foot home, it can range from $225 to $450. For a 3,000-square-foot property, the project can cost $450 to $900.²
- Number of Vents: It usually costs $25 to $50 to clean a vent. Therefore, if your home has eight vents, expect the cost of vent cleaning to run from $200 to $400. Cleaning 12 vents ranges from $300 to $600, and cleaning 20 vents can cost $500 to $1,000.²
- Ductwork Type: Flexible ducts typically cost more to clean than metal ducts. That’s because specialized equipment is required to clean them without causing damage. Metal ductwork is rigid, so it can be cleaned with a vacuum, power brush, or air hose.
- Condition of Ducts: Air duct cleaning services can be more expensive if a technician needs to patch a hole or seal a leak. Addressing issues such as mold, clogged dryer vents, and pest infestations can also increase the cost of service. Here are a few examples:
- Rodent Removal: $200 to $1,200
- Mold Remediation: $1,100 to $3,400
- Asbestos Removal: $5 to $20 per square foot
- Dryer Vent Cleaning: $100 to $170
- Air Duct Coating: $180 to $630
- Air Duct Repairs: $200 to $800²
- Accessibility: If obstacles are blocking access to ductwork or the entry points to air ducts are hard to reach, it can take longer to clean them, so the service will be more expensive.
- Labor: Duct cleaning usually takes three to eight hours. A contractor can price labor based on a flat rate or on the factors above. Generally, an HVAC company charges $90 to $125 per hour for air duct cleaning services.
Other Air Duct Cleaning Costs
Add-on services can make air duct cleaning more expensive. However, they can help thoroughly clean the system and prevent costly problems later. One example is an air duct video inspection, which can cost $70 to $130.² Some contractors bundle this service with their annual maintenance plans.Â
If the company includes a furnace cleaning at the same time, it may charge $60 to $150 per unit, which includes inspecting burners, wiring, and other components. An air conditioner tune-up can be provided for $75 to $200.² However, you’ll be charged for any additional repairs needed.
When Do I Need to Consider the Expense of Air Duct Cleaning?
Cleaning air ducts isn’t recommended regularly like AC or heater maintenance. But there are some signs your ductwork may need to be cleaned:
- Your allergy symptoms occur or are worse only at home.
- Utility bills are higher than expected in summer and winter.
- Air vents are coated in a layer of dust.
- Airflow is weak when the system is running.
- Dust accumulates in your home no matter how much you clean.
- Your HVAC system makes popping, ratting, and humming sounds.
- Mold is growing on vents or in air ducts.
- Musty odors are present throughout your home.
How to Make Duct Cleaning Less Expensive
You can save on air duct cleaning services by getting quotes from multiple HVAC contractors. Carefully consider what you’re getting for the price when choosing a provider. Replacing air filters as recommended, promptly having leaks or punctures repaired, and scheduling regular ductwork inspections can help lower the cost of duct cleaning. Keeping moisture and humidity levels under control can prevent water damage and mold that can be costly to remediate.
Contact Us to Schedule Air Duct Cleaning Services
At Sky Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in keeping your HVAC ducts in top shape. Air duct cleaning can improve comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality. It also allows our trained technicians to seal leaks and coat ductwork with an antimicrobial sealant. For more information about our ductwork and indoor air quality services and to schedule an appointment, call (888) 961-4282 today.
Sources: