Air duct cleaning for an average-sized home costs $300–$600 in the US, with most homeowners paying around $400. The EPA notes that duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems in every case, but it's worthwhile after renovations (drywall dust), mold discoveries, pest infestations, or when moving into a new home. The HVAC industry recommends cleaning every 3–5 years for most homes, or more frequently if occupants have allergies or pets.
Average duct cleaning costs[1,2,3]
| Service | Typical cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Whole-house duct cleaning (standard) | $300–$600 |
| Per-vent cleaning | $25–$50 per vent |
| Dryer vent cleaning (add-on) | $75–$200 |
| Mold remediation in ducts | $500–$2,000 |
| Sanitizing / antimicrobial treatment | $100–$300 add-on |
| HVAC unit cleaning (blower, coils) | $100–$400 add-on |
Duct cleaning costs in the United States
US homeowners pay $300–$600 for a standard whole-house duct cleaning. Be wary of "$99 whole-house" deals — these often upsell aggressively or do incomplete work. NADCA-certified companies charge more but follow established standards (including negative-pressure cleaning). The EPA recommends duct cleaning only when there's visible mold, pest evidence, or excessive dust buildup — not as routine maintenance for clean homes.
Schedule duct cleaning after major renovations or if your home is more than 10 years old and has never been cleaned. Spring (before AC season) is the ideal time.
What affects the cost?
- Home size — more square footage means more duct runs and vents
- Number of HVAC systems — multi-zone homes cost $200–$400 more per system
- Contamination level — post-renovation dust, mold, or pest debris costs more to clean
- Access difficulty — crawl spaces, attics, and multi-story homes add labor time
- Add-ons — sanitizing, mold treatment, and dryer vent cleaning increase the total
First-party pricing data
See our aggregated reference rates and provider availability across 5 countries.
HireLocal Reference Pricing Index — Q2 2026: Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Service Rates Across 5 Countries