How to Hire a Good Air Duct Cleaning Pro

You don't have to hire air duct cleaners often, but you'll want to get it right the first time. When finding a good air duct cleaning company, look for pros that won't try to upsell you on routine cleaning. Since the particles they kick up can be harmful if not exhausted properly, you want a pro focused on proper technique and safety.

What Services Does an Air Duct Cleaning Company Offer?

An air duct cleaning service should provide the following basic services:

• Open all access ports or doors to clean and inspect the entire HVAC system

• Identify any asbestos-containing materials, such as insulation or register boots, before cleaning

• Protect carpet and household furnishings

• Vacuum particles from ducts and exhaust them out of the home

• Brush duct surfaces while using a contact vacuum to dislodge particles

• Protect ductwork, seal, and re-insulate any access holes made during cleaning

Can You DIY Air Duct Cleaning Projects?

Air duct cleaning is a risky DIY task. Duct systems are complex structures, and a lack of proper tools and techniques can lead to damaged HVAC components, incomplete cleaning, and the need for costly repairs. Additionally, homeowners may disturb dust, mold, and other allergens while attempting to clean, compromising indoor air quality.

Duct cleaning pros use high-powered commercial vacuums, rotary brushes, and other specialized tools to ensure your system is not damaged and to remove all particles completely.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Air Duct Cleaning Company?

The cost of air duct cleaning is about $390 on average and can range from $150 to $800. Costs vary by home size and ducting type. Larger homes have larger duct networks, adding to the time and labor involved in cleaning. Flexible ducting is more susceptible to damage than rigid ducting, requiring more care.

Tips for Hiring an Air Duct Cleaning Company

Before hiring any service professional to come into your home, you'll want to plan carefully and ensure you make the right choice. Follow these tips to find the right air duct cleaning company.

1. Write Down Information About Your HVAC System

Before talking to any pros, write down the following information about your home and your HVAC system, if possible:

• The material of your air ducts

• The size and length of ductwork in your home

• The location and number of vents in your home

• The age and condition of your ducts

• Why you're seeking air duct cleaning services

Having this information handy will help you answer questions confidently so you can focus on vetting the pros you talk to.

2. Research Multiple Air Duct Cleaning Providers

To find good candidates, take personal recommendations from people you trust. Consult Angi's vast database of customer reviews and ratings to see what other users have said about the air duct cleaners near you.

Review each company's website to ensure it's updated and professional. Check for respected industry associations like the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). These demonstrate that the company adheres to industry best practices.

3. Interview Pros and Get Three Written Quotes

Get several quotes in writing so you can directly compare pricing and service offerings and ensure there are no hidden fees later on. Speaking directly to each company allows you to assess their professionalism and spot red flags. Avoid duct cleaners who:

• Make sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning

• Recommend duct cleaning as a routine service

• Don't comply with NADCA's standards

• Don't hold the relevant state licenses (not all states require a license for duct cleaning)

• Won't provide a written estimate for pricing and the number of hours the job will take

• Can't provide proof of insurance, references, or employee background checks

4. Get a Contract and Arrange Payments

Once you've chosen a duct cleaning company, get a comprehensive contract that outlines the project scope, the payment structure (including the down payment and final payment), warranties or guarantees, and a clearly defined schedule for the work.

While the company is on the job, keep careful records of the hours worked, progress made, and any issues that arise.

Questions to Ask an Air Duct Cleaning Company

Ask the following questions as you’re interviewing duct cleaning companies:

• How long have you been in business?

• What cleaning methods and equipment do you use?

• Do you offer any workmanship guarantees or warranties?

• How many homes have you serviced? Can you provide references?

• Do you adhere to NADCA and EPA guidelines?

• Are your chemicals safe for pets and children?

• What protection do I have against damage to my ducts?

• Can you provide proof of insurance?

• What are the exact services included in a duct cleaning?

Choosing the Right Air Duct Cleaning Company

It's important to pick the right air duct cleaning company to ensure that you can trust whoever you hire to do the job well. They should have the knowledge and experience to avoid damaging your ducts and be guaranteed to take responsibility for any damage done.

Searching for pros using Angi allows you to review a wealth of information about various companies in your area all in one place. Seeing reviews, ratings, and credentials can help you assess the reliability of air duct cleaners and simplify the process of choosing a company to hire.

After Your Air Duct Cleaning Company Has Finished

Take the following steps once the job is done:

• Conduct a visual inspection of your HVAC system. The company may provide before and after photos to review.

• Make the final payment as agreed upon in the contract.

• Leave reviews online to share your experience.

• Agree to be a reference for the company if you're satisfied with the work they've done.