How Long Does Duct Cleaning Take?

While air duct cleaning doesn’t need to be performed on a regular basis, it can be a helpful solution if you discover mold, vermin, or excess dust hiding away in the ductwork. Air duct cleaning can eliminate these potentially harmful contaminants to improve the air you breathe.

If you’re thinking about scheduling an appointment with a local HVAC company, you’re probably wondering – how long does air duct cleaning take? We break down the average timeline, what it might cost, and what can speed things up – or slow things down.

How Long Does It Take to Clean Air Ducts?

On average, duct cleaning takes anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. Smaller homes may take less time, while larger or more complex systems can stretch to a full day.

What Affects the Time It Takes?

1. Size of Your Home

Larger homes naturally take longer to clean. A small apartment might only take a couple of hours while a multi-story home may take most of the day.

2. Number of Ducts and Vents

More ducts and vents = more work. Each one must be cleaned individually, which adds time. Homes with lots of vents or complex layouts usually take longer than simpler setups. The process also takes longer if you have ducts in a finished basement or attic.

3. How Dirty the Ducts Are

If your ducts are packed with dust, debris, or even mold, expect a longer cleaning. Heavily contaminated systems require deeper, more detailed work. This may include serious pest infestations or significant mold that requires more extensive remediation services that go beyond regular duct cleaning.

On the other hand, if you keep up with regular maintenance and the cleaning involves mostly excess dust, the process tends to be faster and easier.

4. Duct Accessibility

Are your ducts easy to reach, or tucked away in crawl spaces or attics? The harder they are to access, the longer the job will take. Technicians may need special tools or techniques to access these areas.

5. Cleaning Method

Different air duct cleaning methods – such as brush cleaning, air whipping, and vacuum cleaning – all impact the project's duration. Brush cleaning can be time-consuming, especially with heavy contamination, while air whipping is quicker but may need extra vacuuming. Vacuum cleaning, often used with other methods, efficiently removes dust and debris.

Deep cleaning or sanitization, involving chemicals or UV light, can also length the time it takes to clean air ducts. The method chosen typically depends on contamination levels. Discussing options with your service provider can help you better understand the expected time frame.

6. The Technician’s Experience

Experienced techs know how to work efficiently without cutting corners. A seasoned crew may finish much faster than a less experienced one. That’s why it’s important to hire a reputable company.

Average Cost of Duct Cleaning

Homeowners spend between $450 and $1,000 for professional duct cleaning, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The final price depends largely on the same factors that affect the timeframe, including the size of your home, how complex your ductwork is, and how dirty everything is.