4 Questions to Ask About Air Duct Cleaning

If you’re sneezing every time your HVAC system turns on, even after replacing filters, it may be time to schedule an air duct cleaning maintenance. This service includes cleaning and an evaluation of the overall condition of the ducts and vents. Here are common questions you should ask about ductwork systems and how to keep them in tip-top shape. 

1. What is the best type of system for ductwork?

Ducts come in different materials, and how to clean each varies depending on the type of ductwork in your home. Common ductwork systems include flexible air ducts, sheet metal ducts, fiberglass, and fiberboard. 

Sheet metal ducts are generally easy to clean and they are the most energy-efficient option, but may leak air from the joints and seams. Flexible air ducts are popular and budget-friendly, but their accordion design makes them hard to clean. Fiberglass is used primarily in commercial venues and can release fiberglass particles in the air without reinforced plastic. Fiberboard ducts are susceptible to mold and mildew in humid climates and may need more frequent cleaning for mold prevention. 

2. When do you need the duct and vent cleaning done?

Schedule an appointment if you haven’t done a duct cleaning in a few years. If it’s not urgent, consider scheduling a duct and vent repair in the spring or fall to avoid working in extreme heat or cold temperatures. 

This is also the best time to prepare your HVAC system’s ductwork and ventilation system for heavier usage by removing allergens that have built up after months of minimal use and repairing or replacing any broken parts. Once you have a cleaning and evaluation, the service professional will tell you when to schedule the next one.

3. Where are the ducts and vents located?

Most ducts are inside the walls and you can spot them by identifying the vent location in each room. If your ductwork and vents are in hard-to-reach locations—such as high up on the ceiling—access can be more challenging. Air duct cleaning costs fall around $270 to $500 on average, and many ductwork pros charge an hourly rate ranging from $90 to $125 an hour. To lower costs and simplify the process, remove the surrounding clutter that could prevent your pro from quickly accessing the ductwork system. 

4. What is the nature of the ductwork cleaning project?

The first thing a professional needs to do is remove the vent cover. These are usually secured with caulk into place and will need to be separated from the wall. Then, the screws are removed and the cover will come off the wall. 

A duct cleaning professional has cleaning tools, including a power vacuum that will go into the duct system. The scope of your ductwork project determines how you should approach talking with a local air duct cleaner. Do you need any repairs? Ductwork repairs cost anywhere from $200 to $2,100. You’ll pay between $450 and $2,200 to replace air ducts. 

Any work that needs to be done before cleaning ducts and vents can add time and money to your project. To avoid hidden surprises, talk to a professional beforehand. Should you want a new ductwork route or system, or an entirely new HVAC unit in a better location, schedule a separate consultation with an air duct cleaning pro near you.