Directory

Air duct cleaning companies

Smoke, dust and mold spores settle in a home's ductwork and get blown back through every room when the system runs. Duct cleaning clears them out after a fire, flood or renovation.

When duct cleaning makes sense

Duct cleaning is not something most homes need routinely. The US EPA suggests it when there is substantial visible mold inside the ducts or on other parts of the heating and cooling system, when the ducts are infested with insects or rodents, or when they are clogged with dust and debris that is being blown into the rooms.

After a house fire, smoke and soot in the ductwork are a common reason: they keep spreading odor every time the system runs. After a flood, insulated duct that gets wet or moldy usually has to be replaced rather than cleaned. Cleaning covers more than the vents: the blower, coils and drip pan are part of the same system, and cleaning only some of it leaves the rest to recontaminate the ducts.

What the EPA says about duct cleaning

These points come from the pages we read on 10/05/2026 and are linked, with the date each page shows. They are general guidance, not advice for your home.

  • Not routine. "EPA does not recommend that the air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only as needed." (EPA, should you have the air ducts in your home cleaned?, updated February 19, 2026)
  • When to consider it. The EPA says to consider cleaning if there is "substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system," if the ducts are infested with rodents or insects, or if they are clogged with excessive dust and debris. (same page)
  • No proven health benefit. "Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems." (same page)
  • Wet insulation. "If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced." (same page)

Dryer vents by the numbers

The US Fire Administration says: "Failure to clean (31%) was the leading factor contributing to the ignition of clothes dryer fires in homes from 2018-2020." (USFA, appliance and electrical fire safety, page last reviewed May 4, 2023.)

Sources

Each page was read on 10/05/2026; the date is the one the page shows.

  1. EPA, "Should you have the air ducts in your home cleaned?," updated February 19, 2026.
  2. US Fire Administration, "Appliance and electrical fire safety," page last reviewed May 4, 2023.

Questions to ask before you hire

What will you clean?

Ask whether the job covers the whole system, including the blower, coils and drip pan, or only the supply and return ducts.

Are your technicians certified?

NADCA, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, certifies technicians as Air Systems Cleaning Specialists. Ask whether the crew holds it.

Will you use any chemical treatments?

Ask what product would be used, why, and whether it is registered for use in ductwork, before agreeing to it.

Why is your price so low?

Very cheap whole-house offers are a common lead-in to upselling. Ask for a written price for the whole job before work starts.

Does Restoration Advertising check these companies?

No. The companies supplied their own listings, and the directory does not rate, rank or vet them. That is why the questions above are worth asking whoever you call.