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Get Free Quotes →The air duct cleaning industry has a well-documented problem with bait-and-switch scams. Companies advertise "$99 whole house cleaning" and then upsell chemical treatments, mold remediation, or other add-ons once they are inside your home. Some never actually clean the ducts at all.
Prices under $200 for a whole house. Legitimate duct cleaning requires specialized equipment and takes 3 to 5 hours. A real cleaning costs $300 to $600 for most homes. If the price sounds too good to be true, it is.
Pushing chemical sanitizers. The EPA does not recommend chemical biocides for routine duct cleaning. Contractors who push this add-on are often padding the bill.
Claiming mold before inspection. No one can diagnose mold from a phone call or a quick look at one vent. Legitimate mold testing requires lab analysis. A contractor who claims you have severe mold before starting work is trying to scare you into paying more.
No equipment visible. Real duct cleaning requires a high-powered vacuum (often truck-mounted) and agitation tools. If they show up with a shop vac, walk away.
A reputable contractor will provide a written quote based on the number of vents, explain their process, show proof of insurance and licensing, and offer before/after documentation. They use negative pressure and mechanical agitation to dislodge and remove debris from your entire duct system.
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