Updated: January 29, 2026
Written by Dan Simms
Nieves is a home remodeling editor at Fixr.com with special interest in landscaping, pest control, painting, installation, and repair projects. She brings her work ethic, creativity, and love for teamwork into everything she does, including working with writers and designers at Fixr.com to develop useful and comprehensive guides for homeowners.
Learn moreReviewed by Nieves Martinez
Air duct cleaning costs between $300 and $700 for most homeowners, with an average of $500 for a 2,000-square-foot home. Costs vary based on home size, the number of vents, duct accessibility, and how long it has been since the system was last cleaned.
Because air ducts are hidden behind walls and ceilings, they’re easy to forget. Over time, however, dust, pollen, and debris naturally collect inside the system. This buildup can restrict airflow, strain your HVAC equipment, and reduce indoor air quality, potentially worsening allergies and respiratory symptoms. Air duct cleaning involves removing any debris accumulation from your air ducts, helps your air handler work more efficiently, and reduces issues with contaminated air.
Average Cost of Air Duct Cleaning
Cost of Air Duct Cleaning and Pricing Methods
Many factors can affect your air duct cleaning costs, including the size of your home, labor costs in your area, and the number of accessible vents. Most HVAC pros determine pricing after an inspection, usually charging by square footage or vent count, though some may offer flat-rate specials for new customers.
Air Cleaning Cost per Square Foot
Some HVAC companies will charge based on the size of your home, with rates between $0.15 and $0.35 per square foot. For an average 2,000-square-foot home, you’re looking at a typical cost for air duct cleaning of between $300 and $700. The table below shows estimated costs by home size.
Home Size (Square Feet) | Total Cost |
1,000 | $150 – $350 |
1,200 | $180 – $420 |
1,500 | $225 – $525 |
2,000 | $300 – $700 |
2,500 | $375 – $875 |
3,000 | $450 – $1,050 |
Air Duct Cleaning Cost per Vent
Since the layout of your ductwork can vary widely in homes of the same size, some companies charge based on the number of vents and returns. Each vent is cleaned individually using compressed air and a HEPA vacuum, so labor increases with vent count.
Typically, you can expect to pay between $25 and $50 per vent and up to $75 per return, as these tend to be larger and collect more dust and debris.
Number of Vents | Total Cost |
8 | $200 – $400 |
12 | $300 – $600 |
16 | $400 – $800 |
20 | $500 – $1,000 |
Flat Fee
Some HVAC companies offer a set cost for air duct cleaning regardless of home size or the number of ducts. Often, this flat rate is a promotional price to attract new customers, so it may not last long, and existing customers might not qualify.
However, some less reputable companies use flat-rate pricing to get in the door and then upcharge for add-on services they claim are “necessary,” such as duct or HVAC repairs or replacements.
When flat-rate pricing is legitimate, the cost usually averages around $500, roughly what most homeowners would pay based on square footage or duct count anyway.
Some companies use hybrid pricing, such as a flat fee plus a reduced per-vent or per-square-foot rate. Even with these models, most homeowners still land near the national average.
Cost Factors That Affect the Final Price
While square footage and duct size carry the most weight, several other factors influence the final cost.
Local Labor Costs
Air duct cleaning is labor-heavy, with minimal material costs. Labor typically runs $90 to $130 per hour, and most jobs take 3 to 6 hours. Urban areas and regions with a higher cost of living generally see higher prices.
Type of Ductwork
Rigid ducts are easiest to clean and usually cost less. Flexible or fiberglass ducts require more care and time, increasing labor costs. Many homes have a mix of duct types, which can affect overall pricing.
Ductwork Configuration and Accessibility
Ducts located in attics, crawlspaces, or hard-to-reach areas increase labor time. Long duct runs with limited access may also raise costs. Some companies include accessibility challenges in their base price, while others charge extra.
Level of Contamination
Heavily soiled ducts take longer to clean. Cleaning is typically recommended every three to five years, and systems neglected for longer periods often cost more to service.
Pests and mold significantly increase costs. Pest removal can add $200 to $1,200, while mold remediation may cost $1,000 to $5,000, depending on severity and climate conditions.
Location
Climate and geography affect costs. Homes in extreme climates rely on HVAC systems more often, leading to greater debris buildup. Humid regions face a higher risk of mold, while urban areas typically have higher labor rates.
Additional Services and Costs
Because your technician is already on-site, you may choose to add related services, or your pro may recommend additional work if issues are uncovered during the cleaning. These services can improve airflow, efficiency, or indoor air quality, but will increase your total cost.
Dryer vent cleaning: It’s crucial to have your dryer vent professionally cleaned at least once annually to avoid house fires. Air duct cleaning pros can usually get this done for an average of $140 extra.
Ductwork services: Problems such as air leaks, loose connections, or damaged seams can raise energy bills and may require sealing or repairs, which typically add $500 to $4,000, with individual repairs averaging $175 to $2,100.
System maintenance: Scheduling an HVAC tune-up or minor repairs during duct cleaning can be convenient, with tune-ups costing $60 to $250 and repairs ranging from $100 to $2,000 or more.
Sanitizing or deodorizing: Sanitizing treatments may be recommended to reduce bacteria, mold spores, or allergens, while deodorizing can help eliminate persistent odors caused by pets, smoking, or moisture.
Video inspection and standard inspection: A video inspection uses specialized cameras to locate blockages, damage, pests, or mold and typically adds $70 to $150, while basic visual inspections are often included.
Installation of in-duct air purifiers: In-duct air purifiers are installed within the HVAC system to continuously clean circulating air and usually cost around $2,500 to install.
Asbestos or lead testing: Homes built before the 1980s may require testing before ductwork is serviced, and one-time asbestos or lead testing generally costs $250 to $800.
Air duct cleaning is straightforward, though time-intensive. A typical service includes:
Inspection: Visual checks or camera inspections to identify debris, damage, mold, or pests.
Preparation: HVAC system shutdown and protective coverings.
Debris removal: High-powered vacuums and compressed air dislodge and extract contaminants.
Repairs and sealing: Performed if leaks or damage are found.
Sanitizing or deodorizing: Optional treatments to reduce odors and bacteria.
Cleanup: Vent covers are reattached, and the surrounding areas are cleaned.
When to Clean Air Ducts
You should aim to have your air ducts cleaned, on average, every three to five years, but more frequent service may be needed if:
Household members have allergies or asthma
You have multiple shedding pets
Smoking occurs indoors
Mold is visible on vents
You suspect pests in the ductwork
You’ve completed a major renovation
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
DIY duct cleaning can save $300 to $700, but it’s rarely as thorough. Professionals use commercial-grade vacuums, containment systems, and inspection cameras to reach deep into the ductwork and prevent debris from spreading through the home.
More importantly, a professional inspection can identify mold, pests, leaks, or damage that DIY methods often miss. While professional cleaning costs more upfront, it typically delivers better air quality, efficiency, and long-term value.
How to Choose a Professional and Avoid Scams
Here are some tips to help you avoid scams and find a reliable pro to clean your ductwork.
Check for certification and licensing: Many states and municipalities require licensing for HVAC pros but may not for air duct cleaning companies. Go with an expert who holds at least a general contractor’s or HVAC tech’s license in your area. You can also look for certification from organizations like the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
Avoid unusually low pricing: While discounts and deals aren’t always red flags, unusually low prices can be. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true, as they usually are.
Get at least three estimates: This will allow you to get a sense of what the standard pricing looks like in your city, and it will also give you some options to find the best value.
Check online reviews: Look for red flags in the reviews, like unexpected upcharges, poor customer service, or poor results.
Go with the same pro you use for HVAC maintenance and repairs: If you have an HVAC company you trust to service or repair your equipment, ask if they do duct cleaning, too.
Ask each pro about their process: Compare their process to the process outlined above to make sure they’re carrying out the proper procedures to leave you with safe, clean ducts.
How to Save Money on Air Duct Cleaning
Here are a few tips to bring down costs and reduce how frequently you need cleaning services.
Look for promotions: Many air duct cleaning companies offer seasonal promotions or new customer discounts that can save you some money.
Combine services: Schedule your cleaning alongside an HVAC tune-up or repair to knock out both services at once.
Avoid add-on services: Some companies will suggest sanitization or mold cleaners once on-site. Only agree if needed; have your tech perform a video inspection and confirm evidence of mold before paying for such treatments.
Keep up with air filter changes: Changing your air filter regularly is one of the best things you can do to keep your ducts clean and reduce undue pressure on your HVAC system.
Clean around your vents routinely: Finally, vacuum around your supply vents and dust your return vents every day to reduce the amount of debris that makes its way into your ducts.
FAQs
The average price for air duct cleaning is $500, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $300 and $700. You could pay as little as $150 if you have a small house with easily accessible ductwork and don’t have heavy debris accumulation. Prices could climb as high as $1,050 if you have an oversized home with many vents that need cleaning, or if your pro finds that you need additional services once they get started.
Most homeowners should have their air ducts cleaned once every three to five years, but you should get them cleaned more often if you have allergies, pets, smokers, mold, or pests.
Yes. Air duct cleaning improves indoor air quality, supports HVAC efficiency, and helps identify duct damage that could increase energy costs.
Most air duct cleanings will take around five hours. The work could take longer if you also need mold treatments, sanitization, or pest removal, or if you want other services done at the same time, like an HVAC tune-up.
Certification from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) suggests that your air duct cleaner will abide by a higher set of standards for duct cleaning. Certified techs are generally more knowledgeable about duct cleaning best practices, and they’re more likely to provide reliable guidance on your cleaning needs, duct condition, and add-on services.