How much does duct cleaning cost?

There are many cleaning companies out there that offer duct cleaning services for all the ducts attached to heat pumps, furnaces and other HVAC equipment. These companies all have their own techniques, and their charges vary greatly. But how much does duct cleaning really cost?

It is important to look at the work that needs to be carried out in order to give a professional service that will free your ducts from all sorts of particles. Air ducts are empty, hard-to-reach spaces, where dust, dirt, mould and organic allergens can gather and negatively affect your air quality often leading to allergies and in more serious cases, respiratory diseases such as asthma. 

The first step of a professional duct cleaning service should always be an inspection of the ducts. This will allow the cleaning technician to determine the extent of the dust build up and also to identify any potential leaks or faults. Once a thorough inspection has been carried out, all the ventilation grilles or registers should be sealed with adhesive covers in order to create negative pressure. Then using a truck mount unit, a pulsion, suction and friction method should be used, and small openings made in the ventilation unit in order to methodically and completely clean it. These openings should then be closed once the work is complete. Some companies even offer antibacterial treatments for your duct using a fumigation process. When the cleaning technician adheres to the best practices and uses state-of-the-art equipment, the process of duct cleaning should take about three to six hours. 
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So how much does this essential cleaning process cost? The average cost of duct cleaning ranges from $250 to $525 but many factors can influence these prices such as the size of your house, the length of ductwork, the complexity of the ductwork system, the number of vents and registers throughout the house and the severity of issues like mould or pests.  It is advised if not recommended to obtain an estimate from the cleaning company you are intending on using and if that company is indeed a professional one they should disclose all their final costs and possible extras upfront to save you from having some very bad surprises when it is time to pay.

Whilst considering the cost of duct cleaning, it is important to also consider several factors that this cleaning service will benefit not only your health but also your wallet! Engorged ducts can mean less airflow throughout your home and this in turn means that your system must work harder. Having your ducts cleaned can reduce this burden on your furnace and air conditioner thus improving efficiency, saving energy, saving money, and increasing the life expectancy of your heating and cooling systems. Also air duct cleaning is generally only required every three to five years so all things considered it is not a luxury but an essential cleaning service for the sake of your system’s health but most importantly yours and your family’s health!