Air Duct Cleaning

Do you need your air ducts cleaned? Probably not.

Here's where we get honest with you: the EPA does not recommend air duct cleaning as a routine maintenance measure. Their official guidance states there is no evidence that cleaning ducts prevents health problems, and that dirty ducts don't necessarily mean the air in your home is unhealthy. We cite this because we'd rather you trust us than sell you something you don't need.

U.S. EPA: Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? (epa.gov)

So when SHOULD you get your air ducts cleaned?

The EPA does identify specific situations where cleaning is appropriate: ducts so clogged with dust and debris that particles are actually being released into your living space, or after a major renovation that pushed construction dust into the system. If you can see visible debris blowing from your vents, that's a real reason to call. But honestly? A lot of people just want them cleaned for peace of mind — and that's completely valid. You know there's years of dust sitting in there, your filter does its job on the air, but the ducts themselves haven't been touched. Sometimes clean just feels better. We're not going to tell you that's wrong. We just won't tell you it'll cure your allergies, because that's not something we can promise.

What's the bait-and-switch scam to watch out for?

It's common: a company advertises a whole-house air duct cleaning for $49 or $99. When they arrive, they tell you the price only covers a 'basic' clean and that you need additional treatments — antimicrobial sprays, 'sanitizing foggers,' extra vents — that suddenly bring the bill to $500–$1,000. These add-ons are rarely necessary and sometimes use chemicals the EPA has not approved for use in duct systems.

What does a proper air duct cleaning actually include?

A legitimate cleaning covers all supply registers, return air vents, the main trunk lines, and the air handler unit. The technician should use a high-powered HEPA-filtered vacuum connected directly to the duct system, plus rotary brushes or compressed air tools to agitate debris. You should be able to see before-and-after photos. If a company won't show you what they found, that's a red flag.