Sep

02

How Much Does Residential Air Duct Cleaning Cost

Introduction

If your home’s air ducts have not been cleaned for several years, it is high time that you hire a duct cleaning service. Air ducts are notorious for collecting dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and debris over time. Not only does this deplete the quality of air within the room, but it also reduces the efficiency and durability of the HVAC units.

The cost of air duct cleaning ranges from $500 to $1000 for a standard single residential home; however, this depends on the size of the house, the type of ductwork, the number of vents and registers, and the level of dirt in the air ducts. Continue reading to get the information on all the factors determining the cost of residential air duct cleaning.

When to Clean Your Air Ducts

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has suggested that you should consider air duct cleaning for your home after every three to five years. While some homeowners may have them professionally cleaned annually, others may have their chimneys cleaned only after up to 10 years.

Cost of Air Duct Cleaning Per Residence

Air duct cleaning, on average, ranges between $500 and $1,000 for a standard single-family house. That price also covers cleaning the main supply and return ducts; registers and grilles; fans and motors; the drain pan beneath your HVAC system; and the air handling unit.

Nonetheless the price of homes for rent may vary from $300 for a small apartment to $2000 or more for a large two-story house. Read further to find out what causes variations in the cost of air duct cleaning of residential buildings.

Several important factors affect the cost of air duct cleaning, including:

Type of Ductwork

If your home has rigid sheet metal ducts, the cost will be relatively cheaper compared to a house with flexible ducts. Sheet metal air ducts are more accessible and easier to clean because the interior walls can be brushed by technicians.

Fiberglass or other flexible ducts are also possible, and it can take more time and effort to clean them effectively. Occasionally, certain sections of the flexible duct may require removal for cleaning purposes if they cannot be accessed any other way.

Home Size

More rooms and a larger size of a house take more time to clean all air ducts, which increases the cost. Single storey houses are cheaper compared to the two storey houses. They expect that the price will be slightly higher if there is a finished basement since the ductwork in the basement will also need to be cleaned.

Number of Vents

The fact that there are so many branches of duct work, supply registers, return grilles and other vents which take time to clean individually also increases cost. Expect to spend an additional $10 to $30 per register/vent that needs to be brush and disinfected.

Level of Contamination

If your air ducts have not been cleaned for a period of 10 years or more, it is highly probable that there is a thick layer of dirt that has formed a layer at the interior part of your air ducts. Ducts that have been severely neglected will therefore take longer to clean than ducts that are well maintained. Some companies may charge an extra fee if ducts are very dirty or difficult to clean.

How to Select the Right Air Duct Cleaning Company

If you want to hire an HVAC company to clean your home’s air ducts, then ensure to request for quotes from not less than three different duct cleaning companies. And then know what questions to ask to get a company that will do a great job at an affordable price.

It is advisable not to select the first duct cleaner that you meet. You should contact between three and five highly-reviewed contractors within your local area for free estimates. Ensure that all companies are charging for the same services (type of ducts, house size, number of vents, etc), then it will be easy to compare the costs.

Check Reviews and References

Check online forums as well as visit official sites to discover what previous customers have had to say about each residential duct cleaning company. Also, for each provider, you should get 2 to 3 references that you can contact on your own.

Ask About Their Process

Ask about the procedures of cleaning different types of ducts as well as the techniques, equipment, and instruments employed. Professional companies should employ brushes, industrial strength vacuuming systems, and HEPA filters to do the job correctly.

Conclusion

The general price to hire a professional contractor to clean standard residential heating and cooling air ducts is $500 to $1,000. Actual prices may vary from $300 up to $2, 000 for a small house with the finished basement. Always compare 3 to 5 companies with the highest ratings depending on your desired home design.