Your home is a place where you spend a lot of time. So, you always need a fresh and clean environment. Better air inside your home is more than just being hot or cold. It directly impacts your health, comfort, and utility bills. If not properly maintained, dust, dirt, and other pollutants enter and accumulate in the duct. This results in a significant drop in indoor air quality. So, air duct cleaning must be done regularly for a healthy living space. In this article, we will understand how much does air duct cleaning cost and the factors that affect the cost.
Most of us assume that sir duct cleaning is an additional expense. But it does offer numerous benefits that are worth the cost. Below are a few reasons to get your air ducts cleaned.
The efficiency of the HVAC system depends directly on the condition of the air ducts. If the ducts are clean, the unit performs better.
Cleaner ducts help pump clean air from the unit, which is important for maintaining your and your family’s health.
Regular maintenance of your ducting system helps to reduce the pollutants, allergens, insects, and pet dander that are the underlying causes of allergies and asthma.
The duct cleaning involves 3 steps, which are inspection, cleaning, and final check. Each of the processes is explained below:
The cost of air duct cleaning will depend on various factors. Each of them is clearly mentioned below:
You will pay more if you have a large home with more ductwork. Some HVAC contractors fix the price depending on the property’s square footage. The cost for cleaning can be around $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot.
Similar to the ducts, if your home has more vents, it will cost more. Cleaning vents can cost around $25 to $50 per vent. To approximate the cost, multiply the approximate value of $35 by the number of vents in your home.
The cost of labor depends on the size of the home, ductwork, and accessibility of the ducts. Most technicians take 6-8 hours to clean, so the cost will be around $90 to $125 per hour.
The cost of cleaning flex ducts will be higher than that of cleaning rigid metal ducts. Flex ducts require special equipment to clean, so the charge will be higher. Rigid metal ducts are easy to clean, so the cost of cleaning will be less.
If vents are easy to clean and reach with a vacuum, accessibility is not an issue. However, some ductwork designs can be complicated, especially if there are no floor vents. So, if the technician needs to take extra steps to clean the duct, then the charge may be a bit higher.
Vent problems like mold or nests don’t need inspection before cleaning. However, if you’re unsure about the condition of your vents, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional inspection. These inspections are included in the overall HVAC checkup, which typically costs around $300. Sometimes, if the system is simple, it can be less than $100.
Generally, duct cleaning work has set labor costs. But if the ducts are too dirty and challenging to clean, the cost may be a bit more than the quoted price.
Certain living conditions can make the ductwork dirty faster. If people smoke often in the house or have pets living with them, the ducts will get dirtier and need more frequent cleaning.
Some additional costs need to be considered when opting for professional duct cleaning services.
The amount of dirt, dust, and other pollutants in your air ducts can affect cleaning costs. Ducts with heavy contamination need more cleaning, which may involve special tools and extra work, thereby increasing the overall cost.
Rodent or pest infestations in your ductwork can pose health risks and make cleaning more difficult. These problems often require deep cleaning and some pest control practices, which can be complex and expensive. Rodent control services usually cost between $200 and $900, but costs can rise if the infestation is serious.
If you find traces of asbestos in your ductwork, seek immediate action. Cleaning the asbestos from ductwork is a complicated and expensive process. The costs can vary from $35 to $50 per foot. Investing in asbestos removal is a smart step to protect yourself and your family from serious health hazards.
Mold removal in your air ducts can be costly because cleaning the ducts alone might not remove all mold and mildew. You may need to hire a separate mold removal company, which costs between $1,100 and $5,000, depending on the severity. Also, remember that sanitizing the duct is required to remove any bacteria or fungus, and it can cost an extra $75 to $140.
Your dryer vents need to be cleaned every year, and it is important to do so. A clogged dryer can make your system inefficient and raise fire risk. HVAC contractors charge about $40 to $100 for this process.
Stay on top of HVAC maintenance and repairs and save more on duct cleaning costs. Below are some tips that can be followed to save your pockets:
If you are choosing an HVAC contractor, ask and confirm the prices for the services you opt for. Some duct cleaning services show misleading prices. Also, ask for their experience in the field.
Cracks and leaks must be fixed immediately as they allow dust and other contaminants into the living space.
Get quotes from at least three companies and choose the one with the best customer experience. Note their experience and how much they charge before deciding.
Change your HVAC filters regularly to reduce maintenance costs. You can change them every 6 months. If you have pets in your home, replace them every 3 months.
Clean and well-maintained HVAC systems work efficiently, which results in lower utility bills.
Knowing when to clean your air ducts is important for good indoor air quality and keeping your HVAC system running well. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests cleaning ducts when necessary. Still, most experts recommend doing it every three to five years. Newer HVAC systems can usually go longer without cleaning, while older systems should be cleaned every three years to keep them working efficiently.
Knowing the duct cleaning costs is important to making an informed decision about HVAC maintenance. The costs can be different depending on various factors, but having clean air, better health, energy efficiency, and a long-lasting HVAC system can make it worth the cost. If you are looking for professional duct cleaning services, our expert team is here to help! Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact Smart Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule your service and ensure a safe and healthy living space.
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