Duct cleaning is one of the most over-marketed services in HVAC. Here's when it genuinely helps — and when it's a waste of money.
The Honest Take
For a typical home with good filtration and no specific issues, cleaning every 5-7 years is reasonable. Sooner if you have pets, allergies, recent renovations, or visible dust at the registers.
When It's Definitely Worth It
After major remodeling (drywall dust everywhere), after rodent infestation, after wildfire smoke entered the system, after moving into a new-to-you home with unknown history, or when allergies are visibly worse indoors than out.
When To Skip It
If a company is offering 'whole-home cleaning for $69' it's almost certainly a bait-and-switch. Real negative-air cleaning requires truck-mounted equipment and takes 3-5 hours — it can't profitably be sold for $69.
What To Look For
Truck-mounted vacuum, HEPA negative-air machines, source-removal at every register, before-and-after photos, NADCA-aligned methods, and a written guarantee.
