Beware of too-good-to-be-true duct cleaning offers – here’s what industry standards say:
Red Flag #1: The Price
Proper duct cleaning requires industrial-grade equipment and 3-4 hours of labor. Legitimate companies typically charge 300−300−700. Those $99 specials often skip critical steps or upsell aggressively once onsite.
Red Flag #2: No Before/After Proof
Reputable providers use inspection cameras to show contamination levels. If a company won’t document your ducts pre- and post-cleaning, they likely didn’t do thorough work.
When Duct Cleaning Helps
Consider it if you notice:
Visible mold growth inside ducts
Vermin infestations (rodents/insects)
Post-renovation dust buildup
Unexplained allergy flare-ups
Maintenance Matters More
For most homes, changing filters monthly and sealing duct leaks (which cleaning won’t fix) improves air quality more effectively than frequent cleanings.
Pro Tip: Always check NADCA certification and read reviews mentioning specific cleaning details before booking.