Squeaky clean air ducts offer some serious benefits for your HVAC and home
Air duct cleaning costs $270 to $490.
The size of the ductwork and vents will impact the cost.
Duct cleaning improves the overall air quality in your home.
Allergens, irritants, and odors will be decreased after cleaning.
Is duct cleaning worth it? Well, ductwork is an important part of your home’s HVAC system and is in charge of carrying air in and out of each room. As air flows, it often picks up dust and other particle debris, which can build up in your air ducts over time. While cleaning your air ducts isn’t required, it is recommended by professionals. It can often lead to some noticeable improvements in your home’s air quality and even improve interior smell by eliminating stagnant odors. Read on if you’re thinking about getting your ducts cleaned.
Air ducts run between your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units and their vents. The intake vent pulls air into your HVAC unit to be heated or cooled, and then the air is redistributed and pushed throughout your home using the ductwork.
Air duct cleaning covers several components, including your system’s supply and return ducts, registers, grills, some of the diffusers, heating and cooling coils, fans, and more. Air duct cleaning involves a power vacuum and specially designed brushes to clean the ductwork thoroughly. This method removes any irritants or pollutants from your air ducts without redepositing them into your home.
Ductwork may be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind. Some clues may be clear indicators that you need an air duct check from a professional. Here are a few things the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends looking out for:
Excess dust: Has dust built up to the point that it’s blowing out of your vents?
Pest presence: Have you had a mouse or other pest infestation recently?
Mold and mildew: Are there any signs of moisture or discoloration that could indicate mold?
These are just a few of the most common signs that you’re ready for a ductwork cleaning. When in doubt, call a professional and ask if anything you’re experiencing indicates that it’s time for a good clean.
The benefits of duct cleaning make it clear that this is a worthwhile job.
Dander, dust, lint, and other debris can accumulate over time. Since your HVAC system is continuously pushing air through the ductwork, no matter the season, these airborne particles can also build up inside the ductwork and potentially cause allergic reactions and a dustier environment. With cleaner ducts, you’ll eliminate many of these allergens and help keep your home much cleaner.
Left too long without a clean-out, dust and debris will build up. This is especially the case if an excess amount has built up, like after a renovation project in your home or if there’s mold, mildew, or a pest infestation.
Buildups of dust and debris can eventually travel down your ductwork to filters and HVAC systems. Clearing them can decrease the wear and tear on your HVAC units and help prolong the life of your air filters. A cleaner system also means a more efficient system that runs better and requires less time to cool (or heat) and distribute cleaner air (and it may even result in some cost savings).
The average air duct cleaning cost ranges from $270 to $500. A local air duct cleaning service can give you a more accurate quote based on the size of your ductwork, number of vents, and accessibility of your system. Pest waste, mold and mildew, and asbestos removal may also impact the price depending on the type of debris in your ductwork.
According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, you’ll want to have your air ducts professionally cleaned every three to five years. If you just moved into a new home or have recently completed a build or project, you’ll want to consider cleaning your air ducts before moving in. Similarly, if you have pets or have a family member who smokes in the home, you may need more frequent duct cleaning.
DIY air duct cleaning can be a tedious process that requires a significant amount of time for removing vent covers, running the fan in your home, vacuuming up dust, and changing the air filter. You’ll also likely need to rent air duct cleaning equipment to reach deep into the ductwork or have a shop vac handy. The cost of supplies is around $10 to $400, depending on if you already have a ladder and power vacuum; smaller supplies include goggles, a bristle brush, masks, and rags and run around $10 to $30.
If you suspect mold, mildew, or dead animals (such as mice or rats) are in your ductwork, don’t DIY this one, as it will require strict safety protocols to handle safely.
Air duct cleaning can remove dust from your HVAC’s ductwork, resulting in cleaner air that’s not as bogged down by pollutants or irritants, more efficient system functions and cost savings, and less potentially hazardous buildup. The potential cost savings, peace of mind, and satisfaction of knowing that your home’s ductwork is in tip-top condition make this a project worth considering on a routine or as-needed basis.
