Ducts form the framework for air conditioning and heating system, running inside the walls and the floor of your premises. Air duct cleaning removes the dirt, debris, and germs accumulated in the ducts, ensuring that the air is clean and safe to breathe.
The cost of air duct cleaning is very affordable and National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning once in three to five years unless you notice an issue with the air quality, unpleasant smell or energy efficiency issues.
In this article, we will explore what’s involved in a standard air duct cleaning task and the respective price associated with the work.
Let’s get started!
Air Duct Cleaning: Know The Costs
According to Forbes, for an average-sized air duct cleaning task, the cost of cleaning comes to $385 and $985. Also, for complex ducts, the cleaning cost could range anywhere between $550 to $2,000, depending upon the scale of cleaning, type of duct, and so on.
Professional cleaning services charge in one of the following three ways:
- A flat rate
- Per vent
- Per square feet
Sometimes, there is more than one air conditioning system in a house. The average cost of cleaning one duct system comes to $400. It could be lesser for condos or smaller areas or range higher for expansive spaces.
For commercial buildings, the costs could be slightly higher than residential accommodation, ranging between $30-$50 per hour.
Air Duct Cleaning: What’s Included?
A standard cleaning procedure starts with a thorough inspection of your duct framework. Efficient cleaning services ensure that your Air ducts remain functional and free of debris and mold for a very long time. Cleaning parts include the ducts, vents, registers, furnaces, drip pans, coils, fan motor and all the difficult ends of the AC/heating systems that are arduous to perform regularly.
In addition to the standard air duct cleaning, your professional agency might discover some unexpected areas to attend to. The following tasks are not included in the air duct cleaning and involve extra costs.
Mold and Mildew Removal
Over a while, mold and mildew could accumulate in your duct system. In humid environments, this could be a persistent issue. Mold travels on air particles and could pose hazardous situations for the health. Mold and mildew removal requires complete duct sanitization to prevent recurrence and risk of infection. This task involves specialized equipment and chemicals, with an additional cost that could range anywhere between $600-$2000.
Cleaning Clogged Dryer Vents
Clogged dryer vents can significantly reduce energy efficiency, resulting in a longer drying time for clothes, or an increased risk of a house fire. The debris build-up in the dryer vent should be taken care of at the earliest to avoid any danger to health or life. The dryer vent cleaning costs range between $100-$170.
Pest removal
Often, your cleaning professionals could spot rats or pests running inside the duct system. So before the air duct is cleaned, it is important to contact an exterminator to take care of the rodents. The extra costs involved in the process could range between $150-$500.
Air Duct Cleaning: The Process
The air duct cleaning professionals start by inspecting the duct framework. The entire cleaning process could take 3 to 5 hours depending upon the expanse of the area, the quality and the complexity of the duct system.
You must ensure that the cleaning service thoroughly inspects and cleans every vent, heat exchanger, blower, drain pan, plenum, and coils. Discount deals may often result in compromised cleaning services.
The vetted professional might also suggest repairs an upgrade in your existed infrastructure.
Check with previous customers and look for online reviews before hiring an Air Duct Cleaning agency. Ensure that they have the latest equipment and expertize to efficiently clean your duct system.
Air Duct Cleaning: Why is it Important?
When your air ducts are clean:
- Your cooling and heating system will run efficiently
- There is lesser dust and bacteria in the environment
- You will breathe healthy air
- The recurrence of mold, germs and mildew is minimal
- Utility bills are lower
When your air ducts are loaded with dirt and dust, they supply unhealthy air inside your premises. Some air ducts require greater time to clean as they have a complex design, greater contamination, or difficulty in access. A clogged duct system works harder to push air from the ducts into the vents, thus reducing the energy efficiency and escalating your utility bills.
Contact A Professional Like IAC-Pros
When it’s time to get your air ducts cleaned, hire the services of a qualified duct cleaning professional to ensure the task is done well. Your air duct cleaning agency will inspect your duct framework and give you a quote. Customized ducts command higher cleaning prices. Check the rates with at least two service providers in your area before you make the final call.