How much does air duct cleaning cost?

Our pricing is customized to your home based on size and duct condition. We give you a FREE inspection first — no obligation, no pressure. You'll know the exact flat-rate cost before we start. Beware of $99 'blow-and-go' scams that upcharge you later.

How long does the process take?

A proper, professional-grade cleaning takes 3 to 5 hours for an average-sized home. We use a negative pressure system that requires careful setup to ensure zero dust escapes into your living space.

Will this make a mess in my house?

Absolutely not. Our negative pressure system pulls all debris directly into our specialized truck-mounted or portable HEPA vacuums. We wear shoe covers, use drop cloths, and leave your home cleaner than we found it.

How often should I have my ducts cleaned?

The EPA recommends every 3 to 5 years. However, if you have pets, recent renovations, allergies, or asthma, you may benefit from cleaning every 2 years.

Do you offer emergency or same-day service?

Yes. We have technicians on standby 24/7 for the DMV area. If you suspect a mold issue, have a severe allergy attack, or notice a burning smell from your vents, call us immediately.

How soon after renovation should I clean my ducts?

Ideally within 1-2 weeks of construction completion, after all dust-generating work is done but before you deep clean the house. Cleaning the house first is pointless if the ducts are full of construction dust — the HVAC will redistribute it as soon as you turn it on. Our recommended sequence: final construction → duct cleaning → house cleaning → move back in.

Can I just change the filter instead of full duct cleaning?

Changing the filter helps, but it only catches dust entering the return. It does nothing about the dust already deposited inside the duct runs during construction. A standard 1-inch filter also only captures 20-30% of fine construction particles. After renovation, the ducts themselves become a dust reservoir that a new filter can't address.

How much does post-renovation duct cleaning cost in the DMV?

Typically $400-$800 for a whole-house cleaning after renovation, depending on home size and the extent of construction. If drywall dust has caked onto the duct interior (common with poor containment), it may require extra agitation passes. We provide exact pricing after assessment — no surprises.

Should contractors protect the ducts during renovation?

Absolutely. Professional contractors should seal all supply and return registers with plastic sheeting and tape before any dust-generating work begins. The HVAC system should be turned off during demolition and drywall work. If your contractor didn't do this, your ducts likely need cleaning. Approximately 60% of our post-renovation calls are from homeowners whose contractors didn't seal the vents.

What types of renovation create the most duct contamination?

In order of severity: (1) Drywall installation/sanding — gypsum dust is incredibly fine and penetrates everywhere; (2) Demolition — plaster, old insulation, and debris; (3) Flooring installation — especially sanding hardwood floors; (4) Painting — VOC exposure through the duct system; (5) Cabinet/countertop installation — sawdust and particleboard off-gassing. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are the worst offenders.

Post-Renovation Guide

Just Finished a Renovation?

Your beautiful new kitchen, bathroom, or basement is done. But the construction dust inside your ductwork will circulate through your home for months — unless you clean it out.

The Renovation Dust You Can't See

Construction dust is 10-100x finer than household dust. Drywall compound, for example, produces particles as small as 0.5 microns — invisible to the eye but small enough to penetrate deep into your lungs. During renovation, this ultra-fine dust enters your HVAC return vents and coats the inside of every duct in your home.

Even if your contractor sealed the vents (many don't), fine particles still find their way in through gaps around register frames, return air leaks, and the air handler cabinet. Once inside the ducts, this dust recirculates every time your HVAC runs — for months or years.

6-8 months

How long construction dust circulates without cleaning

60%

Of DMV renovations don't include vent protection

0.5 microns

Size of drywall dust — penetrates standard filters

What Renovation Leaves in Your Ducts

Drywall Dust (Gypsum)

The worst offender. Ultra-fine calcium sulfate particles coat every surface inside your ducts. Contains crystalline silica — a known lung irritant with prolonged exposure. Found in virtually every renovation involving walls or ceilings.

Sawdust & Wood Particles

From framing, trim work, cabinet installation, and hardwood flooring. Larger particles settle in the duct floor while fine sawdust coats the walls. Can also harbor mold if moisture is present.

Paint VOCs & Chemical Off-Gassing

Paint fumes, adhesive vapors, and chemical off-gassing from new materials enter the duct system and re-circulate. These volatile organic compounds can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation.

Insulation Fibers

Fiberglass, spray foam overspray, and cellulose insulation become airborne during installation. Fiberglass fibers are a skin and respiratory irritant. These are especially common after attic or basement work.

The Right Post-Renovation Cleaning Sequence

Wait for All Dust-Generating Work to Finish

Don't clean ducts while construction is still happening. Wait until all drywall, sanding, painting, and installation is complete.

Replace the HVAC Filter

The filter used during construction is likely destroyed. Replace it immediately with a fresh MERV 11+ filter.

Professional Duct Cleaning

Our team cleans the entire duct system — supply runs, returns, air handler, and registers — removing all construction debris.

Deep Clean the House

Now clean the house. This order ensures the HVAC won't re-contaminate surfaces after you clean them.

Replace Filter Again After 2 Weeks

Residual fine dust will continue to settle for 1-2 weeks. Change the filter again after this period for optimal air quality.

DMV Renovation Hotspots

The DMV is in the middle of a renovation boom. Older homes in these areas are being updated at record pace — and most need post-renovation duct cleaning:

DC Rowhouses

Capitol Hill, Petworth, Brookland — gut renovations of 100+ year old homes with original ductwork

Northern Virginia

Falls Church, Arlington, Fairfax — 1960s-80s homes getting kitchen and bathroom updates

Maryland Suburbs

Bethesda, Silver Spring, Columbia — basement finishing and additions on 1970s-90s homes

Post-Renovation Duct Cleaning FAQs

Just Finished a Renovation?

Don't let construction dust undo your investment. Schedule post-renovation duct cleaning and breathe clean air in your beautiful new space.

Schedule Post-Renovation Cleaning (800) 555-0199