How much does duct cleaning cost?
Professional air duct cleaning typically costs $300–$700 for a whole home, based on system size and vent count. Be wary of $99 whole-house specials — legitimate cleaning with truck-mounted vacuum equipment can't be done at that price.
Ranges are typical planning guides — actual price varies by region, access, materials and your local pro. Always get a written quote.
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Average home (up to ~2,000 sq ft) | $300–$500 | One system, standard vents |
| Large home / two systems | $500–$700+ | More runs and returns |
| Add dryer vent cleaning | $80–$180 | Worth bundling |
| Mold remediation in ducts | $1,000–$4,000 | Separate specialist job |
What affects the price
Vents, returns and systems
Pricing scales with the number of supply vents, return grilles and air handlers — a two-system home is close to double the work.
Method and equipment
Proper source-removal cleaning uses truck-mounted or portable HEPA negative-pressure vacuums with agitation tools. A shop vac at each register is not duct cleaning.
Contamination level
Post-renovation dust, rodent activity, or visible mold turn a standard clean into a bigger remediation job at a much higher price.
Pricing a job? Make a free quote or invoiceQuotesPad invoice & estimate maker — trade line items already loaded →FAQs
How much does duct cleaning cost?
Typically $300–$700 for a whole home. Prices scale with square footage, vent count and the number of HVAC systems. Treat $99 specials as a bait-and-switch red flag.
Is duct cleaning worth it?
After renovations, pest problems, or visible dust and mold — yes. As routine annual maintenance on a clean system, the EPA says it's generally unnecessary.
How often should ducts be cleaned?
Every 5–8 years is a reasonable ceiling for most homes, or after events like construction dust or rodents. Changing filters regularly matters far more.