Who Cleans Air Ducts? Who to Hire

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are asking who cleans air ducts, the answer is professional air duct cleaners—also known as HVAC pros—who handle residential duct cleaning. You can hire a dedicated duct cleaning company or an HVAC specialist. Clean ducts support healthier indoor air and help your HVAC run efficiently. Use this quick hiring guide to compare options and plan your project.

Benefits for Hiring a Pro

Professional air duct cleaners deliver quick, thorough results with the right tools and techniques. Their process improves indoor air quality by removing dust and allergens and helps reduce respiratory issues. Hiring a pro also protects your ductwork and HVAC components from DIY damage. Many companies can bundle services, addressing dryer and furnace vents for broader system care.

Here are the ways that a professional air duct cleaners can benefit you:

• Deep-cleaning with high-powered vacuums, brushes, and agitation devices

• Access to compressed air systems for stubborn debris

• Thorough removal of dust, debris, and allergens

• Reduced risk of allergies and respiratory issues

• Protection against accidental HVAC damage from improper DIY methods

• Post-cleaning inspection to verify cleanliness

• Resealing and closing access points after service

• System testing to confirm proper HVAC operation

• Option to bundle dryer and furnace vent cleaning

• Time savings versus the physically demanding DIY approach

Other Pro Options

HVAC specialists bring deep knowledge of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They can clean ducts, inspect the full system, and complete repairs during the same visit. Their services may cost more than a dedicated duct cleaning company and can be harder to schedule. 

Specialized duct cleaners are often more efficient at thorough ductwork cleaning. Weigh whether inspection or repair needs justify hiring an HVAC specialist. If your ductwork is especially complex or you want a full system inspection, consider hiring a duct cleaning pro near you to ensure the job is done thoroughly and efficiently.

How Pros Get It Done

Duct cleaning pros use specialized tools and a structured process to ensure a complete clean. Expect a multi-hour visit, with duration affected by home size and duct condition. Common tools include high-powered vacuums to remove loose particles, brushes and agitation devices to break up stubborn debris, and compressed air systems to blow out remaining contaminants.

1. Assessment: Inspect ducts and identify problem areas.

2. Preparation: Protect surrounding areas and create access points.

3. Cleaning: Use specialized tools to remove contaminants thoroughly.

4. Post-cleaning inspection: Verify all areas are clean.

5. Reassembly: Reseal ducts and close access points.

6. Testing: Turn on and test HVAC for proper operation.

Air duct cleaning often takes five to seven hours for most households; complex, large, or very dirty systems can take longer.

Cost

The average cost of professional air duct cleaning is $390, with most jobs ranging from $150 to $800 or more. Price depends on your home’s size, the number of ducts, how accessible the ductwork is, and how dirty it is—especially if it has never been cleaned. Bundling services, like dryer and furnace vent cleaning, can reduce overall costs. More time on-site generally increases the total, so clearing access points helps streamline the visit.