Skip to content At Expert Duct Cleaning, we understand that you may have questions about our services, pricing, and more. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions, air duct cleaning FAQ, to help you get the information you need. Whether you’re wondering about the benefits of air duct cleaning, or how often it should be done, our FAQ page has got you covered. Browse through our list of questions and answers to learn more about how we can help improve the air quality in your home or business.
Air duct cleaning is cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the entire ductwork, supply and return air ducts and registers.
Air duct cleaning helps prevent allergens, dust particles, and other unwanted debris from circulating around the house. It can also improve airflow efficiency of the system and reduce system load thus reducing energy bills. And finally, air duct cleaning will prolong your HVAC components’ longevity.
Air filters do a great job shielding your system from dust, however, some dust will still get inside and accumulate over time. Very often there is some space around the filter that will allow some unfiltered air to go in. Construction dust will easily go through an air filter if it’s not HEPA. Most systems have air filters by the furnace. This means that all the air in return ducts is unfiltered and will cause them to build up dust on internal walls.
A single system home will take around 5 hours to clean. For homes with more than 1 HVAC system please add 3.5 hours for each additional system.
There are a few different methods to clean air ducts. Rotobrush, Ram air, and Negative air.
- Rotobrush is a vacuum that looks like a shopvac with a brush attached to the end of the vacuum hose. The idea is to guide the brush into the ducts while the vacuum is picking up agitated dust on the way. The problem with rotobrush is that the vacuum hose is too thick to follow narrow air ducts, therefore it can only reach a few feet into the ductwork and get stuck at a turn. Low price of this machine is the reason why so many companies use it, but there is no guarantee that all corners and hard to get spots will be cleaned within a ductwork.
- Ramair is even less expensive to perform. The concept is to turn on your hvac system to “fan only” and when the air is circulating a technician will go inside each return vent with a brush to dislodge the dust. The system air pressure will collect dust from return ducts at the filter. Supply ducts will push the dust out so a shopvac is used to collect dust from supply vents. Unfortunately there are companies that use this method. It will cause major indoor air poluttion and clog up coils and air handler components.
- Negative Air method involves large costly equipment. A negative air machine is hooked up to the system and only then technicians will use various brushes and tools to dislodge the dust stuck to duct walls. Once loose, dust will get sucked into the machine. No dust will blow in the house and the furnace components will be clean. This is the only duct cleaning method recommended by NADCA.
At Expert Duct Cleaning we use the Negative Air method to ensure the cleaniness of the ductwork and to avoid contamination of indoor air.
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning ducts every 3 to 5 years, but more frequent cleaning may be needed if you have:
- Pets that shed heavily
- Household members with allergies or asthma
- Excessive dust buildup
- Recent home renovations
No, companies that use Negative Air methods pull all the debris from your system to their negative air machines. All the vents in the house will be under negative pressure and the air will travel in instead of blowing out.
Smaller homes with single systems are expected to pay at least $400-$500 for air duct cleaning. This is a five hour job and companies usually charge their hourly rate multiplied by the amount of hours worked. If you see someone advertising air duct cleaning for a price well below that, expect problems. They will clean only some parts of your ductwork for the advertised price and try to up sell cleaning the rest of your system for a higher price.
Not at all! Air duct cleaning helps remove dust, allergens, and contaminants that circulate through your home’s HVAC system. This improves indoor air quality, boosts HVAC efficiency, and can even help reduce energy costs. If your ducts have excessive dust buildup, mold, or pest infestations, cleaning them is a wise investment for your health and home.
While you can clean visible vent covers and replace filters, a thorough duct cleaning requires specialized equipment like high-powered vacuums and rotary brushes. DIY attempts usually only remove surface dust and can risk damaging the ductwork. Professional cleaning ensures deep removal of dust, debris, and contaminants.
Skipping air duct cleaning can lead to poor indoor air quality, increased allergens, and reduced HVAC efficiency. Over time, dust, pet dander, mold spores, and even pests can accumulate, circulating through your home and potentially causing health issues. Regular cleaning helps keep your air fresh and your system running smoothly.
In most cases, no. Our technicians can work around your furniture, but if there are items directly blocking vents or the HVAC system, we may ask you to move them for better access.
Yes! Cleaning your air ducts removes dust, allergens, and contaminants, helping to improve air quality and HVAC efficiency. Many customers notice less dust on furniture, reduced allergy symptoms, and a fresher-smelling home after professional duct cleaning.
A professional duct cleaning should not be messy. We use high-powered vacuum systems and containment methods to prevent dust from spreading in your home. When done correctly, the process is clean, efficient, and leaves no mess behind.
Duct cleaning involves removing dust and debris from the entire duct system, including main trunk lines and branch ducts. Vent cleaning, on the other hand, typically refers to cleaning only the supply and return registers. A full duct cleaning is far more comprehensive.
Professional duct cleaning requires specialized equipment, trained technicians, and a detailed process to ensure quality results. Cheap services often cut corners, but a proper cleaning provides long-term benefits for your health and HVAC efficiency.
Yes, replacing ductwork can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the home size and materials used. Regular cleaning helps prolong the life of your existing ducts, saving you money in the long run.
Absolutely! Cleaning your ducts removes dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens that can trigger allergy symptoms. Many customers report improved breathing and fewer allergy flare-ups after professional duct cleaning.
Air duct cleaning can be done any time of the year when needed. There is no reason to wait for a certain season if ductwork is dirty. The sooner it gets done, the sooner indoor air quality will improve.
Yes, dirty air ducts can circulate allergens, dust, mold spores, and bacteria, potentially worsening respiratory conditions, allergies, and asthma symptoms. Regular cleaning helps maintain healthier indoor air.
Yes! If your home has a lingering musty or stale smell, dirty ducts could be the culprit. Cleaning removes dust, pet dander, mold, and other odor-causing contaminants, leaving your air fresher.
