Updated: September 8, 2025
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
It’s easy to neglect your air ducts since they’re out of sight and out of mind, but dust, pollen, and other debris will naturally accumulate inside your ducts over time. This can lead to restricted airflow, which puts undue pressure on your HVAC equipment, but it can also contribute to poor indoor air quality in your home, which can exacerbate allergies and symptoms of respiratory problems. Professional air duct cleaning involves removing any debris accumulation from your air ducts, helps your air handler work more efficiently, and can reduce your energy bills.
Air duct cleaning costs between $300 and $700 for most homeowners, with an average of $500 for a 2,000-square-foot home. The cost can vary widely, depending on the square footage of your home, how many vents you have throughout your living space, and how long it has been since your last cleaning. You may need to pay more for the service if your tech finds air leaks or other damages that require air duct repairs in addition to general cleaning services.
Average Cost of Air Duct Cleaning
Cost of Air Duct Cleaning and Pricing Methods
There are many things that can affect your air duct cleaning costs, from the size of your home and the complexity of your duct system to the labor cost in your area and the number of accessible vents in your home. 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, in which case you can expect to pay somewhere between $0.15 and $0.35 per square foot of living space. For an average 2,000-square-foot home, you’re looking at a typical cost for air duct cleaning of between $300 and $700. If your HVAC company offers this kind of pricing, you can use the table below to get an idea of where your total will fall.
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, or add a flat fee plus a per-vent charge. This is a popular pricing method because most HVAC techs will service each vent individually using an air hose and a HEPA vacuum, so the time and labor increase with the number of vents.
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 HVAC companies will offer hybrid pricing methods that could end up saving you money, like a flat rate plus a discounted price per vent or per square foot of living space. Even with hybrid pricing models, you’ll usually end up spending around the average cost as determined by the more common methods.
Cost Factors That Affect the Final Price
While your home square footage or the size of your duct system will play the most significant roles in your pricing, there are other factors that can affect your total cost. For the most accurate estimate possible, be sure to consider all of the following.
Local Labor Costs
Air duct cleaning mainly involves labor, with few material costs, so local labor rates heavily influence the total price. Professionals use tools like air compressors and high-end vacuums, and labor typically costs $90 to $130 per hour, with jobs taking 3–6 hours. Costs are higher in dense urban areas, where the cost of living drives up hourly rates, even if the job takes the same amount of time as in suburban or rural locations.
Type of Ductwork
The type of ductwork in your home affects cleaning costs because it determines how challenging the job is. Rigid ducts are easiest to clean and require no special equipment, while flexible or fiberglass ducts take more time and can cost more. Most homes have a mix of duct types, so the overall cost depends on the proportion of each.
Ductwork Configuration and Accessibility
The layout of your ductwork and how accessible each portion of your system is will play an important role in your total costs, as well. Ducts that require access to an attic or cramped crawlspace can increase costs, as can long stretches of ductwork that have limited access from distant vents or returns. Some duct cleaning companies may not charge extra for limited accessibility, but most will increase their flat fee or per-vent fee to account for the increased labor.
Level of Contamination
Your duct cleaning costs will be higher if you haven’t had a cleaning service in years and have a heavy accumulation of debris. Generally speaking, cleaning is recommended every three to five years. If you haven’t had a cleaning in much longer, expect the cleaning to take longer, and expect your costs to be higher.
The presence of pests or mold in your ducts can make the cleaning process take much longer and may require the use of additional cleaning equipment. Pest removal can add between $200 and $1,200 to your total, with especially bad infestations potentially costing much more. Mold removal, which is more common in humid climates, can add between $1,000 and $5,000 to your total for professional remediation.
Location
Where you live will affect everything from local labor costs to the risk of heavy debris accumulation and even the risk of pest and mold issues that drive up costs. Generally speaking, you’ll see the highest air duct cleaning service costs in extreme climates, where you rely on your HVAC system for longer periods throughout the year to provide adequate heating or cooling. You’ll also see higher costs in humid climates due to the increased risk of mold removal, and in urban areas and states with a higher cost of living due to higher labor costs.
Additional Services and Costs
While you already have your air duct cleaning professional on-site, you may want to consider add-on services to get done at the same time to save on trip fees. There are also some services that your professional may recommend while they’re conducting your cleaning, all of which can drive up your total costs.
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: Ductwork problems like separation or failed seams can cause air leaks, increasing your heating and cooling costs. To prevent this, you may need professional ductwork services. Duct sealing and repairs add between $500 and $4,000 to your total, with individual repairs averaging $175 to $2,100.
System maintenance: If you have a single company handling all of your HVAC needs, it may be a good time to schedule an HVAC tune-up or repairs while you have your tech on-site for duct cleaning. An HVAC tune-up will cost you between $60 and $250, while repairs can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage.
Sanitizing or deodorizing: Paying a bit extra to sanitize your ducts can be worthwhile if you or a family member has allergies or respiratory issues. Deodorizing can be beneficial if someone in your home smokes or if you have multiple pets that are contributing to recurring odors.
Video inspection and standard inspection: A video inspection of your air ducts requires specialized equipment to identify blockages, pinpoint problem areas, indicate areas that need repairs, and even reveal the presence of pests or mold. A video inspection will add $70 to $150 to your total, while a standard inspection that involves just the accessible portions of your system is usually included in your base costs.
Installation of in-duct air purifiers: A whole-home air purifier will cost around $2,500 to install, and while it’s an expensive upgrade, it can help improve your indoor air quality, reduce the frequency with which you need to schedule duct cleaning in the future, and even help reduce allergy symptoms and respiratory problems in your home.
Asbestos or lead testing: If your home was built in the 1980s or earlier, and you haven’t ever replaced your air ducts, there’s a chance you have asbestos or lead in your ductwork, which can pose serious health risks. You’ll only ever need to test for these materials once, so the total cost of between $250 and $800 is well worth it for your family’s safety.
What to Expect During an Air Duct Cleaning
So, what happens during an air duct cleaning? While the process is time-consuming, the actual work is simple and straightforward. Here’s an example of what your air duct cleaning service will entail.
Inspection: Every duct cleaning should start with an inspection. Sometimes this is just a visual check at accessible points like return registers and supply vents. For more thorough cleanings, your pro will snake a camera through the ducts to check for mold, blockages, damage, and air leaks.
Prep work: Next, your professional will shut off your HVAC system and shut the breaker to the unit to avoid problems with static electricity and damage to the system. Depending on what equipment they’re using, they may also set up protective coverings on nearby flooring or furniture, but most techs use plastic hoods over vents to contain debris.
Debris removal: Your tech will use a high-power vacuum to remove all accessible contaminants. Many use an air compressor hose with a spray-back nozzle to dislodge stuck debris, which is then snaked back through the duct to the vacuum to remove any airborne material.
Repairs and sealing: If necessary, your professional will open up walls and ceilings to make necessary repairs or to seal your ductwork to reduce air leaks and boost efficiency.
Sanitization and deodorization: Many professionals will spray a sanitizing aerosol or a deodorizing spray into your ducts to kill contaminants and neutralize odors.
Clean-up: Finally, your pro will vacuum up any stray debris around your serviced vents and reattach the grilles.
When to Clean Air Ducts
You should aim to have your air ducts cleaned, on average, every three to five years, but you should consider scheduling the service more often if any of the following are true:
You or a family member has allergies or respiratory issues: Dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens can get caught in your ductwork and then recirculate through your home, worsening symptoms for those with allergies or asthma. Consider a cleaning every one to two years to minimize symptoms.
You have multiple pets living in your home: Pet hair and dander can accumulate in your ducts, especially if you have multiple dogs and cats living in your house. Schedule a cleaning every two to four years if you have multiple pets that shed.
You or a family member smokes regularly in your house: Byproducts from smoking can accumulate on the surfaces inside your ducts and contribute to odors that persist in your living space.
There’s visible mold on your air supply or return vents: If you see mold on your HVAC vents or just behind the grilles, there’s a chance there’s also mold growing throughout your ducts..
You suspect a pest infestation: Scuttling and scratching sounds behind your walls could suggest a pest infestation in your air ducts. These signs indicate it’s time for cleaning.
You recently carried out a home remodel or renovation: Home renovations can kick up dust and also allow drywall dust and other construction debris to settle in your ductwork. A thorough cleaning after any major project can help remove any contaminants.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
It’s possible to clean your ductwork yourself, and you’ll save between $300 and $700 on labor if you’re able to. However, having a pro do the work for you provides some distinct benefits that make the investment in a professional cleaning worthwhile. Professionals use specialized equipment to ensure a more thorough cleaning and to protect your home from dust and debris during the process. This professional equipment can reach deeper into your ductwork and simplifies the clean-up process.
More importantly, a professional can use video cameras to inspect the insides of your ducts to search for major blockages, signs of pests and mold, and even air leaks and damage to your ductwork. With a professional inspection, you can uncover additional services you need to maximize indoor air quality and safety, and to reduce energy losses from leaks. Ultimately, hiring a pro is more expensive upfront, but you’ll get much more value from the investment.
How to Choose a Professional and Avoid Scams
Choosing an HVAC tech always comes with a risk of hiring a less reputable provider, and doing so could result in inadequate service, a higher risk of serious issues going unnoticed, and, in extreme cases, damage to your air ducts. 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 these will often come with higher costs and surprise fees in the end.
Get at least three estimates: Get air duct cleaning cost estimates from at least three air duct cleaning companies in your area. 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: Before you hire anyone, check online reviews to see what other customers thought about the provider. 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. Many providers do and can get your cleaning done alongside an HVAC tune-up or some other service.
Ask each pro about their process: Finally, ask your pro about the steps they follow to clean your ductwork. 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
Air duct cleaning usually isn’t terribly expensive and can average out to $100 to $150 per year if you follow the standard schedule of a cleaning every three to five years. However, the costs can add up over time, so you may be looking for ways to save. 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. Just be sure to avoid unusually low costs that seem too good to be true.
Combine services: Schedule your cleaning alongside an HVAC tune-up or repair to knock out both services at once. Doing so could potentially save you on trip fees.
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. You’ll usually need to swap out filters every two to three months, but check the instructions for your specific filter, as timelines can vary.
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, mold growth, or air leaks that demand repairs. Prices could climb as high as $1,050 for larger homes 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 there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. If you or a family member has bad allergies or a respiratory issue, like asthma, it might be worth getting your ducts cleaned annually or every two to three years to reduce allergen build-up and improve indoor air quality. You should also schedule a service if you have smokers or pets in your home, or if you suspect you have issues with mold or pest infestations.
Yes, the price of air duct cleaning is absolutely worth it. Duct cleaning will remove dust, debris, and allergens from your air ducts, improve your indoor air quality, and can even help your air conditioner run more smoothly and efficiently. Regular duct cleaning can also reduce the risk of mold growth and pest infestation, and it can help identify damage to your ductwork that could lead to efficiency losses and higher utility bills over time.
Most air duct cleanings will take around five hours, which includes the time it takes your professional to do any preparation work, perform a video inspection, if necessary, and remove debris from your air ducts. 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 that would benefit you.