Not usually, but for homes further than 60 miles, there can be a trip charge, and that would be agreed to before the estimate. For homes with more than 2 HVAC systems, typically there is no charge.

There are typically two reasons why homeowners get their HVAC ducts cleaned:

1) You look up at the ceiling one day and see what appears to be dirt and dust on or around the grills on the ceiling.

2) For health reasons, there is a possibility that someone in the home is constantly sick, and your doctor recommends getting your air ducts cleaned as a potential source of your sickness.

Typically, for homes under 2000 sq. ft., the cost is around $1,000.00 to $1,400.00 per unit with 8 to 12 ducts, depending on the size of the plenum or trunk line that the ducts come off. Most systems may require a fungicide or encapsulant to be added to the porous material in the unit. This helps stop any microbial growth that may be in the system and is an additional cost of between $300.00 to $1,000.00, depending on the surfaces that need covering. For homes with multiple units, prices are determined by the same evaluation, and additional costs will be added.

On average, you should have your HVAC ducts cleaned every 5 to 7 years, depending on the amount of contaminants that are reintroduced into the system from either poor filtering or lack of maintenance, which causes dirt and dust buildup. If cleaned professionally by a NADCA member and properly maintained, the cleaning could last as much as 10 years or more.

No, you do not have to leave your home during the cleaning; however, the HVAC system will not be on during the cleaning, so it may be uncomfortable. On average, it takes 3 men 4 to 6 hours per system, so in most homes, it is a one-day process, depending on how many technicians are sent to the home for the cleaning. For multiple units, you may see 3 to 5 men to ensure the cleaning is done in a timely manner and the A/C is up and running that day.

The A/C system should be cleaned from the filter grill to the air supply grills going to each room. This includes source removal of dust, debris, and other contaminants from all supply and return ductwork, including Type 1 evaporator coil cleaning (some coils may need to be professionally cleaned by an HVAC Contractor), blower motors, and grills. All drop boxes, plenums, trunk lines, returns, and other insulation in the system should be coated with Fosters 40/20 Fungicidal Protective Coating where needed.