Air Duct Cleaning Cost

Angi puts the national average for air duct cleaning at $389, with most homeowners paying $271 to $509. The total can reach about $800 if repairs or a video inspection are needed. HomeGuide lists HVAC duct cleaning at $300 to $700, and $450 to $1,000 when added to a furnace tune-up.

Cost by home size

Angi says pros typically charge $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot.

Cost by number of vents

Each vent costs about $35, with most homeowners paying $25 to $50 per vent (Angi). HomeGuide's furnace guide lists $25 to $50 per vent as well.

Labor

Angi lists labor at $90 to $125 per hour, with most jobs taking 3 to 8 hours. Rigid metal ducts cost less to clean than flexible ducts.

Add-ons

Sanitizing sprays are usually only needed when mold is present (Angi). For standalone dryer vent prices, see dryer vent cleaning cost.

How often?

Angi says duct cleaning is not required on a regular schedule. It recommends annual duct inspections and changing filters every few months.

Get it in writing

Ask for a written price per vent or per system before work starts, and ask whether it covers the supply and return ducts.

Damaged ducts

If the inspection finds crushed, disconnected or leaking ducts, cleaning will not fix airflow. See ductwork replacement cost.

What duct cleaning involves

Professional duct cleaning uses a powerful vacuum attached to the duct system to create negative pressure, while brushes or air whips loosen dust and debris inside the ducts. A thorough cleaning also includes registers, grilles, the blower compartment and the return side.

When it makes sense

The EPA's guidance is that duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems, but it may be worth considering when:

• There is visible mold inside ducts or on other parts of the system.
• Ducts are infested with insects or rodents.
• Ducts are clogged with dust and debris that blow out of the registers.
• After a renovation that created a lot of dust.

What to watch for

Very low advertised prices are sometimes bait for upselling. Be cautious of companies that push sanitizers or coatings without evidence they are needed. Ask exactly what the price includes.

What affects the price

• Number of vents and system size.
• Accessibility of ducts.
• Degree of contamination.
• Extra services such as dryer vent cleaning or coil cleaning.

Questions to ask

1. Will you clean the entire system, including returns and the blower?
2. Do you follow NADCA standards?
3. What equipment will you use?

In Texas

High humidity in parts of Texas, especially along the Gulf Coast, can contribute to mold growth in ducts and on coils if moisture is not controlled. Keeping humidity in check and changing filters regularly is often more effective than frequent duct cleaning.

What the EPA says about duct cleaning

The EPA has said that duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems, and that it is not needed routinely in most homes. It does recommend considering cleaning in specific situations:

• Visible mold growth inside the ducts or on other parts of the HVAC system.
• Ducts infested with insects or rodents.
• Ducts clogged with so much dust and debris that particles are released into the home from the vents.

Other situations where cleaning can make sense include after a major renovation that created a lot of dust, after moving into a home where the previous owners had pets or smoked, or after water damage to the ducts.

How a proper cleaning works

A thorough duct cleaning uses negative pressure. The contractor connects a powerful vacuum to the duct system, often through a cut opening in the main trunk, which pulls air through the ducts. Brushes, air whips or compressed air tools are then run through each supply and return duct to loosen debris, which is pulled into the vacuum. The vents are removed and cleaned, and the main components of the HVAC system, like the blower and the coil, should be cleaned as well. Cleaning only the ducts while leaving a dirty blower and coil can quickly recontaminate the system.

The access openings are sealed afterward, and the system is checked before the contractor leaves.

Spotting a low-quality offer

Very low advertised prices, sometimes promoted through coupons or cold calls, are a common warning sign. These "blow-and-go" services may only vacuum the vent openings and then try to sell expensive add-ons. Ask exactly what is included: how many vents, whether the main trunks, returns, blower and coil are cleaned, and whether there are extra charges.

Certification

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) certifies technicians and publishes a cleaning standard. Asking whether a company follows the NADCA standard and has certified technicians is a good way to compare companies.

Chemical treatments

Some companies offer sanitizers or sealants sprayed into the ducts. The EPA advises learning about these products before agreeing to them, and making sure they are registered for use in ducts. They are not a substitute for removing the debris or fixing a moisture problem.

Keeping ducts cleaner

Change the air filter on schedule, using the filter rating your system is designed for. Keep the vents and returns clear, and fix any moisture problems, like a leaking AC drain pan, that can lead to mold.

What the price covers

Ask whether the blower, coil and every return are included.

After the cleaning

Replace the air filter right after a duct cleaning, and check it again within a month. Loosened debris that the vacuum missed can collect on the new filter quickly.

Sources

1. Angi: How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost? (updated Oct 9, 2026)
2. HomeGuide: AC Tune-up, Service & Maintenance Costs (Sep 14, 2023)
3. HomeGuide: Furnace Tune-up, Inspection & Maintenance Costs (Apr 29, 2024)