The Ultimate Guide to Air Duct Cleaning
Why Clean Your Ducts?
Air duct cleaning is often misunderstood. While it's not a regular maintenance task required every year, it is crucial in specific situations. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning every 3-5 years, but immediate attention is needed if there is:
- Visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system.
- Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects).
- Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.
The Cleaning Process
A professional cleaning isn't just sticking a vacuum hose in a vent. It involves the entire HVAC system.
1. Negative Air Pressure
The contractor should use a large negative air machine (basically a giant vacuum) hooked up to your plenum. This ensures distinct pressure so dust doesn't blow back into your house.
2. Agitation
Compressed air tools (like air whips or skipper balls) are fed through every register to dislodge dust from the duct walls, pushing it toward the vacuum collection unit.
Pricing & Scams
Legitimate air duct cleaning takes 3-5 hours for a 2,000 sq ft home and typically costs between $400 and $1,000. If a company offers a "whole house special" for under $100, it is almost certainly a "blow-and-go" scam or a bait-and-switch tactic.
Scammers will often upsell unnecessary "mold remediation" or charge per vent after arrival, inflating the bill to thousands of dollars. Always ask for a total price upfront.
Choosing a Pro
When selecting a service provider, verify the following:
- Are they NADCA certified? (Though not always mandatory, it's a good sign).
- Do they can provide proof of liability insurance?
- Will they protect your home (wear booties, use drop cloths)?
- Do they offer a visual inspection (before and after photos)?