Curious about air duct cleaning costs? Get insights into pricing factors, benefits, and how to tell when it’s time for a good cleaning.
Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know
Let’s clear the air
Photo: Fizkes / iStock / Getty Images
Photo: Fizkes / iStock / Getty Images
Highlights
Cleaning your ducts is worth it for better HVAC efficiency.
The frequency of cleaning often depends on several factors, but every 5 to 8 years is standard.
Professional cleaning is highly recommended over DIY.
Practicing good maintenance will keep your ducts clean after a professional visit.
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Your heating and cooling system plays a massive role in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, dirt, dust, mold, and other airborne contaminants can build up in your air ducts. But is air duct cleaning worth the cost? This guide explains when it’s necessary to clean your ducts and how to hire the right pro for the job.
Angi Tip
While air duct cleaning hasn’t been proven to prevent respiratory problems, it’s not a scam. While it’s unlikely that dirty ducts are solely responsible for poor air quality, they may be a contributor. Homes with very low air quality or residents sensitive to dust or mold would likely benefit from a duct cleaning.
What Is Air Duct Cleaning?
Air duct cleaning removes debris, dust, and other contaminants from the ductwork in your HVAC system. If you are wondering who cleans air ducts, it is a job best handled by a reputable duct cleaning service near you.
These pros know how to clean supply and return ducts, registers, grilles, and other system components without voiding your warranty or damaging the system. They use specialty tools, including vacuums, brushes, and blowers, to dislodge and extract accumulated dirt.
When Is Air Duct Cleaning Necessary?
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The frequency of air duct cleaning for your home depends on various factors, but the general guideline is every five to eight years. Pet owners or homes with high dust levels could benefit from cleaning every three to five years. Additional situations that impact when to clean include:
Visible mold growth within your ductwork or on HVAC components
Rodents or insects nesting in your ducts
Unexplained allergy symptoms pointing to dirty ducts
Recent renovation or construction work that caused debris to settle in your ducts
What Are the Benefits of Duct Cleaning?
Air duct cleaning can positively impact individuals with allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities. Benefits include:
Improved air quality
Better HVAC efficiency
Mold and mildew reduction
Odor removal from buildup in the system
Less dusting and cleaning required in your home
How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost?
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Professional air duct cleaning costs $270 to $505. Factors that impact what you actually pay include your location, home size, the extent of your ductwork, and the number of vents in your abode.
Are There Any Risks to Air Duct Cleaning?
Improper cleaning can cause problems. Working with a vetted professional duct cleaning service is always best. Some risks include:
Damage to ductwork: If not done correctly, cleaning can loosen connections or puncture flexible ducts. The results can impact your entire HVAC system.
Dislodging contaminants: Poorly performed cleaning, which can happen when you DIY, can release more dust and pollutants into the air instead of removing them.
Scam services: Some companies offer “too-good-to-be-true” deals and then pressure homeowners into unnecessary upgrades. To protect yourself, read reviews of a company's work on sites like Angi.
How Can I Keep My Ductwork Clean?
Maintaining your ductwork between professional cleanings can help improve air quality and HVAC efficiency.
Replace HVAC filters every one to three months to stop dust and debris from building up in your system.
Vacuum vent covers and registers to remove surface dust and prevent accumulation inside the ducts.
Keep your home clean with daily or weekly dusting and vacuuming, especially if you have pets or allergies.
Control humidity levels to inhibit mold growth in your ducts by using a dehumidifier or running your air conditioner during humid months.
Seal and insulate ducts to prevent dirt, dust, and debris from entering through gaps or leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
The homeowners guide to air duct cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Whole-house air purifier costs depend on a variety of factors, including your home’s size and layout. The type of purifier you choose matters, too.
Air duct sanitizing removes bacteria, viruses, and pathogens from ductwork to help reduce the risk of getting sick from your home’s air.
If you are wondering how to improve indoor air quality at home, these tips will help you and your family breathe more easily.
Are your air vents looking dusty? Discover who cleans air ducts and whether this project is one that you can do yourself or if you need to hire a pro.
If you suspect foul odors are coming from your air ducts, know that air duct cleaning does not always help with smell. Consult this guide to determine the best solution.