Duct Cleaning Cost: Key Insights
- Per-vent pricing is common for residential jobs, running $28 to $45 per vent: a standard home with 15 to 20 vents will typically land between $375 and $650 in total, but heavily contaminated systems or custom ductwork layouts will push that higher.
- Mould removal is not included in a standard duct cleaning quote: if a technician finds mould during the job, expect a separate referral and an additional cost of around $1 to $2 per square foot on top of the base cleaning price.
- Dryer vent cleaning is worth bundling when you have the crew on-site: a standalone visit costs $150 to $200, and a clogged dryer vent is one of the more common causes of residential fires in Canada.
- Commercial duct cleaning is priced by the hour rather than by vent, and requires an on-site estimate before any quote can be given: hourly rates typically run $50 to $75.
Table of Contents
- Average Duct Cleaning Cost in Canada
- What Affects the Cost of Air Duct Cleaning?
- Duct Cleaning Cost by Property Type
- Additional Air Duct Cleaning Costs
- Find a Duct Cleaning Pro on HomeStars
- Frequently Asked Questions
Average Duct Cleaning Cost in Canada
The average duct cleaning cost in Canada is $500, or between $375 and $650. As with many services, the bigger and dirtier the project, the more you can expect to pay. When a duct cleaning pro comes to assess your system, they will consider the size of your ductwork, the degree to which it is contaminated, and the ease with which they can reach various parts of the system.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Residential duct cleaning (per vent) | $28 to $45 |
| Residential full system (standard home) | $375 to $650 |
| Mould and mildew removal (per sq ft) | $1 to $2 |
| Dryer vent cleaning | $150 to $200 |
| Evaporator and condenser coil cleaning | $150 to $550 |
| Commercial duct cleaning (per hour) | $50 to $75 |
Sometimes during duct cleaning, dislodged dust and debris can settle in the surrounding area. Pros will do a basic clean as part of the job, but if you want a more thorough clean of your home afterwards, see our guides on house and apartment cleaning costs and carpet cleaning costs.
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What Affects the Cost of Air Duct Cleaning?
How much does air duct cleaning cost for your specific home? A few key variables will move your quote up or down.
Size of the system
Larger homes have more vents, longer duct runs, and more surface area to clean. A technician working through a 3,000 sq ft two-storey takes considerably more time than one servicing a small bungalow. Most pros price per vent or by system size, so a bigger home will cost more in almost every case.
Degree of contamination
A system that has not been cleaned in many years, or one affected by mould, pests, or heavy construction debris, requires more time and sometimes specialist equipment. If vermin have been in the ducts, the technician may also need to sanitize the system, which adds to the total.
Accessibility
Standard residential ductwork follows predictable layouts, which keeps things manageable. If your system has tight access panels, or components hidden behind finished walls, expect a higher quote. The added labour to reach every part of the system is reflected in the price.
Location
Labour rates vary across Canada. A job that costs $400 in a mid-sized Prairie city can run closer to $600 to $650 in Toronto or Vancouver. When comparing quotes, make sure each one covers the same scope of work.
Duct Cleaning Cost by Property Type
Residential and commercial cleaning use different pricing structures and have different considerations, so knowing the differences helps you know what to expect for your project.
Residential duct cleaning cost
- Pricing system: per vent or flat rate for the full system
- Price per vent: $28 to $45 per vent
- Typical total cost: $375 to $650 for a standard home
Commercial duct cleaning cost
Commercial air ducts are often larger and more extensive than those in the average home, so pricing works differently. Service providers must do an on-site estimate before they can provide an accurate quote.
- Pricing system: hourly
- Price per vent or hourly: $50 to $75 per hour
- Typical total cost: approximately $500 to $2,000, varies by system size and number of A/C and furnace units
Additional Air Duct Cleaning Costs
Mould and mildew removal
Having to remove mould and mildew can increase the overall cost of your cleaning. The cost of mildew removal is around $1 to $2 per square foot, on top of your base cleaning cost. Removing these elements involves added time, special equipment, and specialized chemicals. You may be referred to a specialist if the mould and mildew is too severe.
Custom designed ductwork
Most residential air duct systems are installed in a predictable fashion, so there are no surprises for the cleaning crew. However, if your system has been custom-designed, involves extra components, or has features that are difficult to access, you can expect a higher quote. This is due to the added work and time required to cover the project thoroughly.
Dryer vent cleaning
If you are already having your ducts cleaned, it is worth also having your dryer vent cleaned. A clogged dryer vent can lead to a less energy-efficient system and, more seriously, increases the risk of fire in your home. The average cost of a dryer vent cleaning in Canada is about $150 to $200.
AC cleaning costs
Duct cleaning involves more than just the ducts themselves. Your air conditioning unit or furnace must also be addressed during the cleaning. Maintaining these components is key to improving overall efficiency.
Below are the average costs for cleaning common A/C unit types.
| Type of A/C | Cost per unit |
|---|---|
| Central unit (exterior only) | $10 to $20 |
| Central unit (interior and exterior) | $40 to $85 |
| Swamp cooler (interior) | $40 to $140 |
| Swamp cooler (exterior) | $15 to $45 |
| Wall mount (exterior only) | $10 to $30 |
| Wall mount (interior and exterior) | $30 to $65 |
| Window mount (exterior only) | $10 to $30 |
| Window mount (interior and exterior) | $30 to $65 |
Furnace cleaning costs
A complete cleaning service should include all aspects of your ductwork to maximize energy efficiency and air quality. This includes items such as the heat exchanger, blower, drain pan, plenum, and coils.
| Type of furnace | Cost per unit |
|---|---|
| Floor | $25 to $55 |
| Forced air | $20 to $45 |
| Overhead | $30 to $65 |
| Wall | $15 to $45 |
Evaporator and condenser coils
The average cost of having evaporator and condenser coils cleaned is between $150 and $550. If your coils are in an easy-to-access location, your cost will be lower. If the technician needs to remove them first, costs will be higher, closer to $400 to $450. Excessively dirty coils force your system to work harder, so keeping them clean is one of the more effective ways to protect your HVAC investment. Replacing evaporator coils entirely can run anywhere from $900 to $1,700.
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Find a Duct Cleaning Pro on HomeStars
When it comes to how much it costs to have air ducts cleaned, the best way to get an accurate number is to connect with a cleaning company near you who can assess your system directly. HomeStars makes it straightforward: read reviews from other Canadian homeowners, compare profiles, and connect with available duct cleaning pros in your area. Post your job for free and let interested pros come to you with their assessments and quotes.
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FAQs: Your Questions About Duct Cleaning Costs Answered
What is air duct cleaning?
When you hire a pro to clean your ducts and vents, they will clean all the different elements that make up your HVAC system. This includes the supply and return ducts, grilles, diffusers, exchangers, heating and cooling units, drip pans, fans, and the air handling unit. When these elements are not properly maintained, they can build up dust, pollen, and mould. When your air conditioner or heater turns on, these particles are released into the air, which is particularly problematic for anyone with allergies or sensitivities.
Is cleaning air ducts worth it?
If you have family members who suffer from allergies or react when the air conditioning turns on, something in your ducts may be triggering them. A cleaning can help reduce those symptoms. Some clear signs that you need to call a pro:
- Recurring mould: growth that keeps coming back between cleanings.
- Pest activity: vermin in the ducts, or evidence of their droppings
- Visible dust: debris collecting around vents or floating in the air
- Visible mould: growth apparent on or near vent covers
- Recent construction: renovation work that could have pushed debris into the system
Can I DIY duct cleaning?
Duct cleaning is a large undertaking and is best left to the professionals. Consumer-grade vacuums and brushes cannot reach the full extent of a residential duct system, so a DIY attempt will leave most of it untouched. Only a professional with the right equipment, which you can easily find on HomeStars, can clean the system thoroughly.
What does duct cleaning include?
A professional cleaning will involve getting dust and debris out of your home using outdoor ventilation equipment. The company should be using good-quality equipment: if not, they could be spreading particles back into your home. If mould is found in your unit, you will need to book a separate appointment with a mould specialist. To maintain healthy air quality, it is recommended you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years, with higher frequency if you have pets, young children, or family members with allergies.
How do I know if my ductwork needs cleaning sooner than every five years?
A few situations call for more frequent cleaning. If someone in the household develops new allergy symptoms indoors, if you have recently adopted a pet, or if the home has gone through a renovation, it is worth booking a cleaning sooner. Homes with older or poorly sealed ductwork also tend to accumulate debris faster than newer builds.
Does duct cleaning affect my energy bill?
A heavily contaminated system makes your furnace and A/C work harder to push air through. Getting the ducts cleaned can reduce that strain and improve HVAC efficiency. The savings will vary depending on how dirty the system was and the age of your equipment, but it is one of the more practical maintenance tasks for keeping energy costs in check.
How can I verify a duct cleaning company's reputation before hiring?
HomeStars publishes verified reviews from Canadian homeowners for duct cleaning pros across the country. Before booking, check the company's star rating, read recent reviews, and look at how long they have been active on the platform. A pro with a consistent track record across many reviews is generally a safer choice than one with only a handful of recent postings.