Duct Cleaning Cost Range
The cost of HVAC duct cleaning is generally between $315 – $1,250, for a complete duct and HVAC system cleaning, witht he average cost at $655. It only makes sense to have your furnace or air handler cleaned when the ducts are cleaned, or the dust and debris in it will simply be blown back into the ducts.
Duct Cleaning Service Cost Factors
Size of the Home: The larger your home is, the more duct runs there is to clean, which will increase the cost. Duct cleaning companies often charge based on the number of vents and returns, or the total square footage of the home.
How Dirty They Are: If the ducts are heavily soiled with dust, pet dander, mold, or other debris, the cleaning process will be more labor-intensive and likely more costly. Special conditions like mold remediation can significantly increase the price you pay.
Ease of Access: The easier it is to access the ductwork, the quicker it will be completed and result in a lower price. If special equipment is needed to reach difficult areas, or if parts of the home need to be removed to access the ducts, costs can rise significantly, including the possibly of bringing in other trades like drywall and painters after the job is done.
HVAC System Variables: Homes with multiple HVAC systems or more advanced setups, such as those with zoned HVAC or extensive duct branching, may result in higher cleaning costs due to the increased time and labor involved.
Where You Live: Labor costs vary by region or the city you live, which can affect the overall cost of duct cleaning.
Additional Services: Some duct cleaning services offer optional add-ons, such as cleaning of the HVAC unit, blower, evaporator coil, and other components.
Service Level: A basic duct cleaning might be on the lower end of the cost spectrum, while a more deep cleaning that includes sanitizing or addressing issues like mold or pests will be more expensive.
Related Projects
DIY or Hire a Pro
Very few homeowners clean their own air ducts.
Avoid this common mistake: Some DIY enthusiasts buy a dryer vent cleaning kit, which comes up in a search for duct cleaning kits, and think it is designed for ductwork. It won’t do the job.
The cost of duct cleaning equipment is more than $1,500 for the vacuum, hoses and cleaning heads. Since duct cleaning isn’t regular maintenance but is only recommended when needed (rodents, mold, unusually heavy amounts of debris), buying the equipment isn’t cost-effective.
Reviewed and edited by Steve Hansen of Costimates
Steve Hansen, that's me, the Senior Editor of Costimates. (Learn more about myself and our team) I'm an avid home improvement professional with more than 37 years experience working on all types of residential new home building, upfits, repairs and remodeling.
"Like most homeowners, I was frustrated with the lack of quality information available on specific home improvement repairs and renovations. In 2015, Costimates was formed to help homeowners learn as much as possible about various projects and their costs so they could make better financial decisions."