Duct and vent cleaning, pricing and cost explained​

Introduction

Duct cleaning is an essential service for maintaining the efficiency of your HVAC system and ensuring good indoor air quality. Over time, dust, debris, and other contaminants build up in your ductwork, which can reduce airflow and force your HVAC system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and wear and tear on the system. Regular duct cleaning helps keep the air in your home clean and your HVAC system running efficiently.

However, the cost of duct cleaning can vary significantly depending on factors like the location, the size of your home, and whether additional services, such as furnace cleaning or dryer vent cleaning, are included. To help you understand what to expect, we’ve broken down the average duct cleaning costs in different regions.

For professional duct cleaning services, visit our services to learn more about how we can help maintain the health and efficiency of your HVAC system.

Duct Cleaning Costs, Average and Estimation in Canada

The duct cleaning cost is around $500 in Canada. Prices can range from $450 to $1000 to get duct cleaned. 

If air duct cleaning is required in your home, be sure to keep reading. Hvac, house and system is all factors that can change your estimate.

How Does The Price vary?

Air duct cleaning price vary based on the size of the system, degree of contamination, and ease of access. Depending on the region and the specific service provider. these figures can fluctuate. Our company can help you if you need to clean you ducts.

How Can I Reduce The Payment?

With packages and discounts. When evaluating the price, it’s wise to inquire about the company’s offer, which can include:

• • Additional services such as inspections or repairs at a discounted rate;
  • Special deals;
  • Packages.

Company deals are not always available. Same goes for a package. So let’s see in more detail how air vent cleaning prices can change.

Factors and Particularity Affecting The Washing Prices

There are 8 main factors that influence the value of vent and air duct cleaning:

• • Size of the ductwork
  • Degree of contamination
  • Ease of access
  • Rodent infestations
  • Mold and mildew growth
  • Dryer vent clogs
  • Hazardous materials (ex: Asbestos)
  • Type of duct material (ex: Flexible or rigid ducts)

These different factors can be seen together or alone. Affecting the air quality, a technician might need PPE equipment and more time. This means that a lot of possibilities do exist and can change pricing. This being said, an evaluation of the ducts would help establish the correct price. This being said, the main four factors that affect duct cleaning costs are: 

1. 1. Size of Home: The larger the home, the more ductwork there is to clean. Typically, the price increases with the number of vents and the overall square footage, as larger systems require more time and effort to clean.
      
      
   2. Type of Ductwork: Different types of ducts can affect the cost. Rigid ductwork is generally easier and less expensive to clean, while flex ducts or more complex systems may require specialized equipment and more labor, increasing the overall cost.
      
      
   3. Contaminants: If there are issues like mold, excessive dust, or animal infestations in the ducts, it will take more time and effort to clean, resulting in higher costs. Mold removal and decontamination often require specialized treatments, which can add to the price.
      
      
   4. Additional Services: Some companies offer extras like furnace cleaning or dryer vent cleaning as part of the service. These additional tasks can raise the total cost but also provide a more comprehensive cleaning of your entire HVAC system.
      
      

Keeping these factors in mind can help you understand what influences the final cost of duct cleaning for your home. Our residential duct cleaning service.

Average Cost of Duct Cleaning by Region

The cost of duct cleaning can vary significantly based on whether you need residential or commercial services, as well as factors like home size, number of vents, and the condition of your ductwork. Below is a breakdown of average costs for different regions in Canadian dollars:

The costs vary depending on factors like the size of the home or commercial building, the complexity of the duct system, and any additional services such as furnace cleaning or dryer vent cleaning. Be sure to request a detailed quote based on your specific needs.

Residential vs. Commercial Duct Cleaning Costs

Residential Duct Cleaning Costs

For residential duct cleaning, typical costs range from $200 to $600 depending on the home size and the number of vents. Factors that can increase the frequency and cost include:

• • Pets: Homes with pets tend to accumulate more dust, dander, and hair, which may require more frequent cleanings to maintain air quality.
  • Allergies: For families with allergies or respiratory issues, more regular duct cleanings can help reduce airborne allergens and contaminants, potentially increasing the cleaning frequency.
  • Age of HVAC System: Older HVAC systems often have more buildup in the ductwork, leading to higher cleaning costs.
  • Additional Services: Furnace cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, and other add-ons can also raise the total cost for residential services.

Keep your home’s air fresh and your HVAC system efficient with professional duct cleaning.

Commercial Duct Cleaning Costs

For commercial duct cleaning, the costs are generally higher due to the larger scale and complexity of the systems. Commercial properties have more extensive ductwork, requiring specialized equipment and more labor. Typical pricing for commercial services ranges from $500 to $2,000, with the following factors influencing the cost:

• • Building Size: Commercial buildings have larger HVAC systems, and the pricing structure is often based on square footage or system size rather than the number of vents.
  • Specialized Equipment: Commercial cleaning may involve high-powered vacuums, compressed air tools, and sometimes advanced methods to ensure thorough cleaning of large duct systems.
  • System Complexity: Larger or multi-floor buildings with complex ductwork layouts will incur higher costs, both in terms of labor and the equipment needed.

Ensure clean air and optimal performance for your business with our expert commercial duct cleaning services.

Should I request an inspection?

Yes, it’s important. A multitude of possibilities and problems can co-exist in your ventilation system. So an inspection and assessment will help you set a fair price without any irrelevant additions.

Keep reading to understand the cost breakdown.

Value and Price Breakdown To Get Air Ducts Cleaned

How much does it cost to clean 1 Duct?

Duct cleaning costs around $15 to $39 per vent. The quote can increase if: 

• • They are difficult to access 
  • The vents are custom-designed 
  • There is a lot of vents

We recommend counting your vents before starting any projects to clean the air ducts. 

Is It Possible To Pay a Flat Rate For Air Ducts Washing?

It can be possible. Some companies may offer a flat rate for air duct cleaning in a whole-home. It can be more cost-effective if you have a lot of vent to clean. It can also be too expensive if the number of vents is low.

Estimate for Mold and Mildew Removal in Vents

Mold and mildew removal is evaluated around $2 per square foot. So yes, it does increase the overall cleaning payment of the vents. If mold remediation beyond a simple air duct cleaning is required, the price can increase to upwards of $2,000-$6,000. 

Why Does Mold Remediation Has a Higher Rate?

Because mold can be dangerous for your health. If health implications of mold in the HVAC system are significant, professional remediation is essential to ensure a safe environment. 

Factors That Increase Mold Removal Expenses

Factors that increase mold removal expenses include: 

• • The size of the affected area, 
  • the type of mold, 
  • the extent of the damage. 

This means that the complexity of the mold removal process can vary. It will also depend on whether the mold is in the ductwork or on other components of the HVAC system. For example, it could be in the air handler or evaporator. 

Duct Cleaning Costs for Specific HVAC Components and Parts

Dryer Duct Cleaning, Total Value & Pricing Factors

In Canada, it’s an average cost of about $170 for the dryer in your home. 

Ranging from $40 to $100, dryer vents should be unclogged regularly to prevent fires. The length and complexity of the dryer vent system can affect the price based on: 

• • Vents length
  • Number of turns
  • Time since last cleaning

Homeowners should consider the potential energy savings and reduced risk of fire when evaluating the cost of dryer vent cleaning.

Air Ducts Length

Vent length to clean can impact the price of the dryer vent cleaning since it might take more time.

Number of Turn

The number of turns can increase the complexity of the cleaning. If it needs more time, it might cost more to get the ducts cleaned.

Time Since Last Cleanse

If it has been a long time since the last cleaning, a lot of build up and debris can be found in the vents. Dust takes time to accumulate, but if you never got your air ducts cleaned, you might have a lot of it. So yes, it could impact the cost.

AC and Furnace Washing Value

Ranging from $30 to $149 per unit, AC cleaning price for a home can vary depending on the type of unit. 

Ranging from $49 to $199 per unit, furnace cleaning value can also vary based on the type of system.

Pricing can range and vary depending on different factors, such as: 

• • The frequency of use;
  • The environment in which the units operate;
  • The presence of pets in the home.

Is there a different pricing for specific parts?

Yes. Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils can cost between $132 and $529, depending on accessibility. Our company can help you understand if you need to clean them or not.

Price Of Air Duct For Custom and Difficult Systems To Access

Can Custom and personalized Duct Systems change price?

Yes, of course. Custom-designed duct systems in a home can result in a higher cleaning quote. If we have to clean custom ducts, we need to understand it as if it was a standard one.

Why? Because these systems often have unique features that require specialized duct cleaning techniques, increasing the overall cost. The complexity of the design, such as the presence of multiple branches or specialized components, can make the cleaning process more time-consuming. 

What should I do if I have a custom or personalized HVAC?

Homeowners with custom ductwork should seek out service providers with experience in handling such systems to ensure a thorough cleaning. Additionally, it may be beneficial to establish a regular cleaning schedule with the same provider. Familiarity with the system can lead to more efficient and potentially less costly future cleanings.

Is Difficult-to-Access HVAC, Number or Size More Expensive For Cleaning?

Yes. Difficult-to-access features can also increase the cost of duct cleaning. 

Why? It requires additional time and specialized equipment to clean, resulting in a higher quote. The same goes for numbers of vent we need to get cleaned. Two vents is not the same as only one. The more you have, the more time we need.

Factors influencing cleaning pricing for hard to reach HVAC

Factors such as the one below can impact your bill: 

• • the location of the ductwork, (whether it’s in a crawl space, attic, or behind walls)
  • minor modifications may be needed to access and clean the ducts properly, 

Homeowners should ensure that the service provider is capable of safely accessing all areas of the ductwork to clean. Otherwise, incomplete cleanings could leave contaminants behind. 

Is it Cheaper To Hire a Professional or Clean it Yourself?

No. Hiring a duct cleaning professional to clean your home ducts would be cheaper than doing it yourself. Why? Because you need to factor in the learning curve, buying tools, time, etc., and potential damages to air ducts.

Hiring a professional air duct cleaner ensures a faster and more thorough job. Compared to DIY cleaning methods, professionals also have the necessary equipment and expertise to effectively clean all elements of the HVAC system, such as 

• • Ducts, 
  • Grilles, 
  • Diffusers, 
  • Fans. 

Additionally, professional services often come with a guarantee of workmanship, providing homeowners with peace of mind. 

The time savings and avoidance of potential mistakes that could damage the system or reduce its efficiency make professional cleaning a wise investment for most homeowners.

What Does Professional Services Includes?

The duct cleaning service usually includes:

• • Cleaning all elements of the HVAC system in the home, such as ducts, grilles, diffusers, and fans;
  • Cleaning of the blower motor, heat exchanger, and other critical components;
  • Nadca compliant prodcedures.

Homeowners should ensure that the service provider they choose performs a complete system cleaning rather than a superficial treatment. It will provide the greatest benefit to the system’s performance and the home’s air quality. Read our article to learn more about the 7 benefits of duct cleaning.

How To Budget And Compare Offer of Duct Cleaning?

Requesting and Analyzing Quotes

When budgeting for duct cleaning, it is important to request and analyze quotes from multiple service providers. This will allow you to: 

• • Compare prices and services, ensuring you get the best value for your money. 
  • Look for detailed quotes that outline the scope of work, including which components will be cleaned and what methods will be used.
  • Check for any hidden fees or additional charges that may not be immediately apparent. 

By thoroughly reviewing and comparing quotes, homeowners can make an informed decision and select a service provider that offers a fair price for comprehensive duct cleaning services.

Understanding What’s Included in the Quote

The air ducts cleaning quote should include: 

• • All services to be performed, 
  • Any additional costs for mold or mildew removal job, and any potential estimate for difficult-to-access features or custom-designed duct systems. 
  • Company’s policy on unexpected issues that may arise during the cleaning process, such as the discovery of asbestos or additional mold. 

A reputable service provider will be transparent about their pricing and willing to explain the details of the quote. If you’d like to discuss and get a price for your duct cleaning needs, we can help you! For commercial needs that required more work than a home, the average estimate will be different. Call us to get a professional opinion on your duct cleaning needs.