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How Much Does an Air Duct Inspection Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $140 - $380
An air duct inspection costs $230 on average. Most homeowners pay between $140 and $380 depending on the amount of ductwork.
How we get this data
Photo: brizmaker / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: brizmaker / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Cost Insights
While a basic visual air duct test may run you less than $100, a comprehensive inspection with smoke testing and biological growth sampling may be up to $500.
If you live in a smaller 600-square-foot home, an air duct inspection might cost between $140 and $220, whereas an inspection for a larger 3,000-square-foot home will be priced at $500 or more.
You can expect an HVAC pro to charge an hourly rate of $80 per hour plus transportation fees or even more if your house is large or has a complex ductwork layout.
Your home's air ducts may be out of sight—but they shouldn't be out of mind. Your ductwork carries your household's air, so you want to ensure it's in excellent shape by routinely inspecting it.
An air duct inspection costs $230 on average, though it can range between $140 and $380 depending on the type of test a pro runs and the amount of ductwork you have. Before you book a pro to examine your ductwork, here's what to know.
Air Duct Inspection Cost Factors
The two largest determinants of cost for an air duct inspection are the type of test performed and the amount of time it takes to perform it. While you may think there's just a simple leak, a professional may diagnose a more complicated issue that requires additional testing.
Types
A basic visual air duct test can cost less than $100. A more reputable test, which includes smoke testing for leaks and sampling for biological growth, can cost up to $500.
| Test Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Visual Inspection | $80–$150 |
| Basic Visual and Smoke/Leak Testing | $110–$180 |
| Visual, Smoke/Leak, and Video Analysis | $140–$230 |
| Visual, Smoke/Leak, Video, and Biological | $200–$500 |
The cost to test air ducts for leaks will vary among professionals. A basic smoke pencil is often used, but tests can quickly become more complicated and involve calibrated fans and air pressure monitors.
Which test you use should be at the discretion of the HVAC professional. If they believe it’s worth it to check for mold growth inside the air ducts, you should trust their expertise. The last thing you want is to pair for an inspection, cut cost corners, and continue living in contaminated air or fail to fix a preventable issue and have to shoulder any air duct replacement costs.
Size
The cost of an air duct inspection increases the larger your home and the more complicated your ductwork. The larger the house, the more ductwork and the more time spent finding leaks or biological growth.
| House Size in Square Feet | Average Cost of Inspection |
|---|---|
| 600 | $140–$220 |
| 1,200 | $190–$270 |
| 1,800 | $260–$330 |
| 2,300 | $320–$500 |
| 3,000 | $500+ |
Labor
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An HVAC pro will charge about $80 per hour plus any transportation costs. Your labor fees will go up if you have a particularly large house or unusual ductwork layout, as it will take the pro longer to examine it.
Location
The location of the ducts in the house will impact the cost. For example, navigating air ducts hidden through floors and walls in a ranch home with only one story would require much less work than navigating air ducts hidden in a two- or three-story house.
Expect to pay 40% more of the cost for each additional story in your home. Additionally, older homes may require special equipment to safely access the ductwork.
How Often Should You Inspect Air Ducts?
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You should inspect air ducts once every two years and clean them every three to five years. However, a house in a dusty area with plenty of HVAC usage will need cleaning and inspection far more than a house that barely uses its system and has no mold risk.
DIY Inspecting Air Ducts vs. Hiring a Pro
An average homeowner can visually inspect the easily accessible or exposed areas of ductwork, checking for damage or leaks. However, a thorough air duct inspection should be left to a professional.
If you were shown an MRI, chances are you’ll miss something because your eye isn’t trained to recognize what might become a serious issue. The same idea applies to air duct inspection—not all problems are ones you can see. Call a local ductwork professional to make sure your ducts stay in perfect shape.
Ways You Can Save Money Inspecting Air Ducts
You can save money on air duct inspection by scheduling your inspection outside of any powerful weather events, especially heat waves or cold snaps. This is because the same professionals may be scrambling to fix broken heating or air conditioning systems. Even if you’re able to get an appointment, you’ll pay a premium.
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