Maintaining the health and efficiency of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential for a healthy home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends cleaning your air ducts every few years to prevent dust, debris, mold, and mildew from accumulating. If you're considering hiring a professional air duct cleaning service, it's important to understand what is included in the cost and how often you should clean your air ducts. The cost of air duct cleaning depends on several factors, such as the size of your home and the number of vents or air distribution boxes.
Many companies charge an hourly rate or per area of the house. If there are ducts or chambers that are difficult to access in attics or small spaces, or if the ducts have a custom design, this may increase the cost. Additionally, if there is mold or mildew present, if you have a rodent or insect infestation, or if your ducts are clogged, additional steps will be necessary to clean the air ducts and this will increase the cost. It's important to note that while some air duct cleaning companies may advertise low prices, this can be a red flag. The EPA states that there is no conclusive evidence to show that dirty or dusty air ducts increase dust and airborne particles in the home or pose a health risk.
Therefore, it's important to research companies thoroughly before hiring one.