Last month, I watched a neighbor shell out $895 for air duct cleaning that should’ve cost half that. The worst part? She thought she got a deal because the company’s “original price” was $1,200.
Look, I’ve been in homes across this country for over a decade, and what I see happening with duct cleaning pricing… it honestly makes my blood boil. The average homeowner is getting absolutely fleeced, and most don’t even realize it.
Here’s the thing – air duct cleaning IS important. But the way most companies price it? That’s highway robbery, plain and simple.
You know those flyers that show up in your mailbox? “$89 WHOLE HOUSE DUCT CLEANING!” Yeah, about that…
That $89? It’s what we call a loss leader. They’ll show up, clean maybe your main trunk line (badly), then hit you with the upsell. “Oh, you have 12 vents? That’s extra. Oh, you want us to actually clean the return air ducts? That’s extra. Sanitization? Extra.”
By the time they’re done “finding” all these necessary add-ons, you’re looking at $600-900. Sometimes more.
I had a client last week – sweet elderly lady in the suburbs – who called me in tears. Another company had just quoted her $1,400 for a 1,500 square foot ranch home. Fourteen hundred dollars! For reference, that same job should run $300-450, depending on the specifics.
The real kicker? They told her she had “dangerous mold” that required their special $400 treatment. Spoiler alert: when I checked, it was just some dust buildup. No mold whatsoever.
What Air Duct Cleaning Actually Costs (And Should Cost!)
Let me break down the real numbers for you. And I mean the REAL numbers, not the fantasy pricing these companies throw around.
A legitimate duct cleaning for an average home (2,000-2,500 sq ft) involves:
- Industrial HEPA vacuum system rental/maintenance: $50-75 per job
- Two technicians for 2-3 hours: $100-150 in labor
- Vehicle costs, insurance, overhead: $50-75
- Supplies and equipment wear: $25-40
Total actual cost to the company? Around $225-340.
A fair price with reasonable profit? $350-500 for most homes. Maybe $600 for a larger home with more complex ductwork. That’s it.
So why are people paying $800, $1,000, even $1,500? Because the industry is full of sharks who know most homeowners don’t understand what’s involved.
The Dirty Tricks They Don’t Want You to Know…
Here’s where it gets really interesting (and by interesting, I mean infuriating).
The Mold Scare: This is the big one. They’ll stick a camera in your ducts, show you some dust or debris, and claim it’s toxic mold. Then comes the special antimicrobial treatment for $300-500. Truth is, actual mold in ductwork is pretty rare unless you’ve had major water damage.
The Time Scam: Real duct cleaning takes 2-4 hours for an average home. If someone’s in and out in 45 minutes, they didn’t clean squat. They probably just vacuumed your vent covers and called it a day.
The Bait and Switch: That low advertised price? Read the fine print. It usually covers something ridiculous like “up to 5 vents” or “main trunk line only.” Who has a house with only 5 vents? Nobody, that’s who.
The Package Deal: “For just $200 more, we’ll throw in dryer vent cleaning!” Sounds good, except dryer vent cleaning takes 20 minutes and should cost maybe $75-100 max.
Last Thursday, I followed up behind one of these “$89 special” companies. The homeowner paid $750 total after all the add-ons. When I opened up their main return? Still caked with dust. They’d basically just blown some air around and collected a check.
How to Spot a Fair Price (And Avoid Getting Ripped Off)
Alright, so how do you protect yourself? Here’s my checklist:
Get the Full Price Upfront: A legitimate company will quote you ONE price for the whole job. Period. If they start talking about “base price” and “per vent charges,” run.
Ask About Time: If they say it’ll take less than 2 hours, they’re not doing it right. Good duct cleaning is thorough work.
Equipment Matters: Ask what equipment they use. You want to hear “truck-mounted HEPA vacuum” or “portable HEPA system.” If they show up with a shop vac and some brushes, send them packing.
Check the Reviews: But here’s the trick – look for the detailed negative reviews. Fake positive reviews are everywhere, but people who got scammed? They write novels. Pay attention to those.
The Phone Test: When you call, if they immediately start with “We have a special today!” or won’t give you a price range without coming out first… red flag.
Here’s my personal rule: A good company should be able to give you a price range based on your home’s square footage and number of HVAC systems. Sure, they might need to adjust slightly once they see your setup, but we’re talking maybe a $50-100 difference, not doubling the price.
What You Can Do Right Now
Before you call anyone, do this quick check:
Pop off one of your vent covers (just pulls right off or unscrews). Grab a flashlight and look inside. See a little dust? That’s normal. Can’t see the back of the duct because of debris? OK, you might need cleaning.
But here’s something most people don’t know – unless you’ve had construction work done, have pets, or haven’t changed your filter regularly, you probably only need duct cleaning every 5-7 years. Not every year like some companies claim.
If you DO need cleaning, here’s exactly what to say when you call: “I need a quote for complete air duct cleaning for a [your square footage] square foot home with [number] of systems. What’s included in your base price, and what’s the total cost?”
If they hem and haw or insist on coming out first for a “free inspection,” move on to the next company.
Look, I’m not saying all duct cleaning companies are crooks. There are plenty of honest folks out there doing good work for fair prices. But the bad actors? They’re really bad, and they’re everywhere.
Real duct cleaning, done right, is worth paying for. It can improve your air quality, help your HVAC system run more efficiently, and yes, remove accumulated dust and debris. But it shouldn’t cost you a mortgage payment.
$350-500 for an average home. $600-750 for a larger home or complex system. That’s the range. Anyone charging significantly more better have a damn good explanation.
And please – PLEASE – don’t fall for the mold scare tactics. If someone claims you have dangerous mold in your ducts, get a second opinion. Actually, get a third opinion. Because 9 times out of 10, it’s just dust and they’re trying to squeeze an extra $400 out of you.
Be safe, and take care.
