4 Questions to Ask About Cleaning Air Ducts and Vents

Tired of musty smells and poor air ventilation every time your HVAC unit comes on? It may be time to clean your air ducts and vents and freshen up your indoor air quality. But don’t jump into this cleaning project blindly—check out these air duct cleaning questions to ask before you hire a professional to clean your system.

Where is your air handler/furnace located? 

The most efficient air duct location is in the ceiling, but you can also find air ducts and vents under the floors or in the walls, depending on the layout and age of your home. Your HVAC unit’s location can also impact air duct and vent placement. Most HVAC units go in a designated spot in your home—like a closet, garage, or basement. 

It’s important to know the location of your HVAC unit to prepare for an air duct and ventilation cleaning, as the process can be disruptive if a local air duct cleaner needs to access the system in an at-home office space or living room.

When do you need air duct and vent cleaning service?

No one wants to turn off their HVAC unit to clean their air ducts and vents during extreme temperatures, so it’s best to prioritize this cleaning job in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. 

It’s also good to be on top of cleaning the ducts and vents before and after high-frequency seasons like summer and winter to avoid pushing allergens out after periods of inactivity. This will help prevent that musty smell that often comes with cranking on the AC or heater for the first time in weeks or months.

What type of HVAC system needs cleaning?

All air ducts and vents perform best with routine cleaning and maintenance once every three to five years, so ask your pro for their recommendation on a system maintenance plan that works best for your needs.

At the same time, one type of HVAC system doesn’t have ducts and won’t require duct cleaning—the ductless mini-split system, also called a ductless heat pump. Mini-split HVAC systems use a combination of refrigerant lines and a compressor to circulate cold air throughout your home. You’ll still need to replace mini-split air filters every four to six weeks and clean the coils every six months for the best maintenance practices. 

What is the approximate square footage of your home?

Your home’s size, combined with the HVAC unit size, helps professional air duct technicians estimate how much ductwork they’ll need to clean. Let your technician know the total square footage of your home and the HVAC unit’s size to receive the most accurate quote. Air duct cleaning costs range from $270 to $500, or $390 on average. Larger homes may take longer to clean, putting them at the higher end of the price range, so work with your pro to budget accordingly.