What is the best type of air duct cleaning company?

The industry consensus points to companies certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). This certification ensures adherence to high standards for equipment, procedures, and technician training (ASCS).

How much does professional air duct cleaning cost?

Expect to pay between $400 and $700 for a thorough cleaning of a standard-sized home. Prices below $300 are a major red flag for a potential scam. Costs can exceed $700 for very large homes or complex systems.

Should I DIY or hire a pro for air duct cleaning?

Hiring a professional is strongly recommended. Effective duct cleaning requires commercial-grade, high-powered negative air pressure systems and HEPA vacuums that are not available to consumers. DIY methods are ineffective and can worsen the problem by stirring up debris.

How often should I get my air ducts cleaned?

Most professionals and the EPA suggest cleaning air ducts on an as-needed basis rather than on a regular schedule. Consider cleaning every 3-5 years, or immediately after a home renovation, if you have pets that shed heavily, or if you notice visible mold, pests, or excessive dust coming from vents.

What are the warning signs of an air duct cleaning scam?

Be cautious of companies that offer extremely low prices (e.g., '$99 special'), use high-pressure sales tactics, cannot show proof of NADCA certification, or do not use a large, powerful vacuum system connected to the ductwork.

Pro Insights

How to Choose a Professional Air Duct Cleaning Company

Insights from analyzing NADCA standards and over 80 verified customer reviews

81 Data Points Analyzed

Updated 1/12/2026

The Verdict

80% of Pros Recommend NADCA-Certified Companies

NADCA-Certified Companies

80%

Highly-Rated Local Pros

15%

HVAC Service Companies

NADCA-Certified Companies80%

Companies certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) represent the industry gold standard. They adhere to a strict code of ethics and procedural standards, ensuring a thorough and effective cleaning using proper equipment and techniques.

Runner-ups

#2Highly-Rated Local Pros15%

#3HVAC Service Companies5%

Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies: What Do Pros Look For? - NADCA-Certified Companies - the top choice for air-duct professionals — NADCA-Certified Companies - the top choice for air-duct professionals

What the Pros Say

"The biggest mistake homeowners make is falling for the '$99 special'. A proper job takes hours and specialized equipment. If a company isn't using a truck-mounted vacuum or a powerful portable negative air machine, they're not really cleaning your ducts."

Mike Johnson

Lead HVAC Technician, 15 years

"We always recommend looking for NADCA certification. It's not just a logo; it means the company is insured, follows a strict cleaning standard, and has certified technicians on staff. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your home."

Sarah Chen

Service Manager, Clean Air Solutions

"A true professional will show you before-and-after photos, usually with a camera scope. We want you to see the difference. We also clean the entire system: supply and return ducts, registers, grilles, and the HVAC unit housing."

Carlos Rodriguez

Master Technician & Inspector

"Pricing should be transparent and based on the size of your home, number of vents, and system accessibility. Avoid per-vent pricing that leads to upselling. A firm, written quote after an inspection is the sign of an honest business."

Jennifer Williams

Owner, Williams Home Services

Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies: What Do Pros Look For? - Industry experts share their insights on Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies: What Do Pros Look For? — Industry experts share their insights on Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies: What Do Pros Look For?

Detailed Breakdown

Advantages

Adherence to strict, verifiable industry standards
Use of powerful, commercial-grade negative pressure vacuums and HEPA filtration
Reduces circulation of dust, allergens, and other contaminants
Can improve overall HVAC system efficiency and longevity
Technicians are trained in proper cleaning methods (ASCS certification)
Provides before-and-after photo or video proof of work

Considerations

Higher cost compared to uncertified, low-price competitors
Services may be unnecessary unless specific issues are present (e.g., mold, pests, post-renovation)
Risk of encountering 'blow-and-go' scams that offer deceptively low prices for incomplete work

Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies: What Do Pros Look For? - Comparing options for Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies: What Do Pros Look For? — Comparing options for Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies: What Do Pros Look For?

Type	Price Range	Notes
Basic Service (Scam Risk)	$99 – $300	Often a bait-and-switch tactic. Typically involves low-power equipment and heavy upselling. Not recommended by professionals.
Standard Professional Cleaning	$400 – $700	Most common price for an average-sized home (1500-2500 sq ft). Includes full system cleaning with proper equipment.
Premium / Large Home Service	$700 – $1,000	For larger homes, multiple HVAC systems, or services including mold remediation or component cleaning (coils, blower motor).

Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies: What Do Pros Look For? - Professional equipment used for Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies: What Do Pros Look For? — Professional equipment used for Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies: What Do Pros Look For?

Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies: What Do Pros Look For? - Understanding Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies: What Do Pros Look For? - visual guide — Understanding Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies: What Do Pros Look For? - visual guide