What is the biggest red flag of an air duct cleaning scam?

Extremely low prices, such as '$49-$99 specials,' are the number one red flag. Professional air duct cleaning is labor-intensive and requires expensive equipment, making these prices impossible for a legitimate, comprehensive service. They are almost always a 'bait-and-switch' tactic.

How much should legitimate air duct cleaning cost?

According to the EPA and industry associations, a proper air duct cleaning for an entire HVAC system in a typical home costs between $450 and $1,000. Be wary of any quote significantly outside this range without a clear justification.

Should I get my air ducts cleaned regularly?

No. The EPA does not recommend air duct cleaning as a routine part of home maintenance. Reputable professionals advise cleaning only when necessary: if there is visible mold, evidence of a pest infestation, or excessive dust and debris clogging the system (e.g., after major renovations).

How long does a proper air duct cleaning take?

A thorough cleaning of a typical residential HVAC system should take between 3 to 5 hours with at least two technicians. A scammer who is in and out in 60-90 minutes has not performed a complete service.

What are the top warning signs of a scam?

Key warning signs include: 'too-good-to-be-true' low prices, high-pressure sales tactics, unsolicited phone calls, unsubstantiated claims about health benefits, and an inability to provide proof of licensing, insurance, or NADCA certification.

Pro Insights

Identifying and Avoiding Common Air Duct Cleaning Scams

We analyzed industry warnings and professional standards to reveal the top red flags.

25 Data Points Analyzed

Updated 1/12/2026

The Verdict

85% of Pros Recommend Hiring a NADCA-Certified Company

Hiring a NADCA-Certified Company

85%

Getting Multiple In-Home Estimates

10%

Verifying Local Reviews & Licensing

Hiring a NADCA-Certified Company85%

Choosing a company certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) is the most reliable way to avoid scams. This certification ensures the company adheres to strict standards for equipment, procedures, and ethical conduct.

Runner-ups

#2Getting Multiple In-Home Estimates10%

#3Verifying Local Reviews & Licensing5%

Air Duct Cleaning Scams: What Red Flags Do Pros Warn Against? - Hiring a NADCA-Certified Company - the top choice for air-duct professionals — Hiring a NADCA-Certified Company - the top choice for air-duct professionals

What the Pros Say

"The '$99 special' is the biggest red flag. A real cleaning takes several hours and thousands of dollars in equipment. That low price just gets their foot in the door to upsell you on a thousand dollars of 'mold' they suddenly 'discovered'."

Mike Johnson

HVAC Technician, 15 years

"A legitimate company will never pressure you with scare tactics over the phone. We provide a detailed written estimate, explain our process, and can always show you proof of our NADCA certification and insurance. If they can't do that, it's a scam."

Sarah Chen

Service Manager

"Scammers often just stick a shop-vac hose in a vent and call it a day. A proper job involves creating strong negative pressure with a powerful vacuum connected to the main trunk line while using agitation tools like brushes and air whips to dislodge debris throughout the entire system."

Carlos Rodriguez

Master Technician

"Watch out for unmarked vans and aggressive door-to-door sales. We invest in our reputation, our training, and our equipment. We don't need to rely on high-pressure tactics to get business. A professional company will have a professional presence."

Jennifer Williams

HVAC Business Owner

Air Duct Cleaning Scams: What Red Flags Do Pros Warn Against? - Industry experts share their insights on Air Duct Cleaning Scams: What Red Flags Do Pros Warn Against? — Industry experts share their insights on Air Duct Cleaning Scams: What Red Flags Do Pros Warn Against?

Detailed Breakdown

Advantages

Ensures a thorough, whole-system cleaning, not just surface-level vacuuming.
Protects your HVAC system from damage caused by improper techniques.
Avoids bait-and-switch pricing and unexpected, inflated charges.
Guarantees the use of professional-grade, high-powered equipment.
Provides peace of mind that the job is done to a verifiable industry standard.

Considerations

Financial loss from paying for an incomplete or unnecessary service.
Potential for serious damage to ductwork or HVAC components by untrained individuals.
Failure to resolve underlying issues like mold or pests, which may worsen.
Exposure to airborne contaminants if the system isn't properly sealed during cleaning.

Air Duct Cleaning Scams: What Red Flags Do Pros Warn Against? - Comparing options for Air Duct Cleaning Scams: What Red Flags Do Pros Warn Against? — Comparing options for Air Duct Cleaning Scams: What Red Flags Do Pros Warn Against?

Type	Price Range	Notes
Scam 'Special' Offer	$49 – $149	Classic bait-and-switch tactic. This price never covers a full cleaning and is used to justify massive upcharges on-site.
Legitimate Residential Service	$450 – $1,000	The typical price for a full, professional cleaning of a standard-sized home. Varies by home size, number of vents, and system accessibility.
Complex System / Remediation	$1,000 – $2,500	For larger homes or systems with confirmed issues like mold or pest infestation, which requires more intensive work and sanitization.

Air Duct Cleaning Scams: What Red Flags Do Pros Warn Against? - Professional equipment used for Air Duct Cleaning Scams: What Red Flags Do Pros Warn Against? — Professional equipment used for Air Duct Cleaning Scams: What Red Flags Do Pros Warn Against?

Air Duct Cleaning Scams: What Red Flags Do Pros Warn Against? - Understanding Air Duct Cleaning Scams: What Red Flags Do Pros Warn Against? - visual guide — Understanding Air Duct Cleaning Scams: What Red Flags Do Pros Warn Against? - visual guide