Air duct cleaning cost
Professional air duct cleaning costs $300 to $700 for most homes. Companies usually price by vent: $25 to $50 per supply vent and $40 to $75 per return. Big "whole-home for $99" offers often lead to upsells.
Quick answer
$300 – $700typical home
Most homes pay $300 to $700. Small homes with 8 vents start near $200; large homes with many vents reach about $1,200.
Cost by number of vents
| Vents | Cost |
|---|---|
| 8 | $200 – $400 |
| 12 | $300 – $600 |
| 16 | $400 – $800 |
| 20 | $500 – $1,000 |
Cost by home size
| Home size (sq ft) | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,200 | $240 – $480 |
| 1,500 | $300 – $600 |
| 2,000 | $400 – $800 |
| 2,500 | $500 – $1,000 |
| 3,000 | $600 – $1,200 |
Add-on services
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Duct inspection | $80 – $180 |
| Dryer vent cleaning | $80 – $250 |
| Rodent removal | $150 – $600 |
| Duct sealing | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| Mold removal | $2,000 – $10,000 |
When duct cleaning is worth it
The U.S. EPA says duct cleaning hasn't been shown to prevent health problems and isn't needed routinely, but it recommends cleaning when there is:
- Visible mold growth inside ducts or on other HVAC parts
- Infestation by insects or rodents
- Excessive dust or debris actually blowing out of the vents
It also makes sense after a renovation that created lots of dust. Choose a company that follows NADCA standards and cleans the whole system, including the blower and coil.
Avoiding duct cleaning scams
- Be wary of $49 to $99 "whole-house" deals; legitimate cleaning takes several hours with powerful vacuum equipment.
- Ask for before-and-after photos.
- Don't agree to chemical biocides or sealants unless there's a documented need.
How to get a fair quote
- Get at least three written quotes that list the brand, model number, size (tons or BTU) and efficiency rating.
- Ask whether the price includes permits, removal of the old unit, refrigerant, a new thermostat and any duct or electrical work.
- Ask for a load calculation (Manual J) instead of matching the old unit's size by default.
- Compare labor warranties (1 to 10 years) as well as the manufacturer's parts warranty, and register the equipment.
- Schedule non-urgent work in spring or fall, when contractors are less busy and more willing to discount.
Frequently asked questions
How much does air duct cleaning cost?
About $300 to $700 for most homes, or $25 to $50 per supply vent.
How often should air ducts be cleaned?
Only when needed: visible mold, pests, or heavy dust coming from vents. Many homes go years without needing it.
How long does duct cleaning take?
About 3 to 6 hours for a typical home.
Sources
Prices are national averages and typical ranges from published cost data. Your price depends on your home, region, equipment and contractor, so get several written quotes. Heat & Air Costs is not an HVAC contractor; read our disclaimer.