HVAC · SOC 49-9021

Air Duct Cleaning (standard residential) cost

Air duct cleaning is almost all labor and access. Our national mid planning estimate is about $410 for a standard single-system vacuum — not a mold remediation project and not a promise about allergies.

Hours run 3.0/5.0/8.0; materials stay thin ($25–$150) because the truck gear is the contractor’s, not yours. Cut-in panels, fogging, and dryer vents change the quote fast — ask before you sign.

Last updated from data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · PPI construction materials 2026-09

What this estimate can’t tell you. Roof pitch, an old house or code upgrades, tough access, permits, emergency or after-hours calls, and brand tier can push a real quote outside this range.
Hours (low / mid / high)
3.0 / 5.0 / 8.0
Materials band
$25 – $150
U.S. mid (before ZIP)
$410

standard single-system supply/return trunk vacuum with existing access; sanitizer fogging, mold remediation, and new duct runs are extra. National OEWS mean wage used on this page: $31.14/hr (SOC 49-9021).

How the national mid is built

Before you enter a ZIP we use the U.S. OEWS mean wage for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021): $31.14/hr (BLS OEWS May 2025). Mid estimate ≈ 5.0 hours × $31.14 × 2.25× markup + materials mid $60 (with a small regional materials factor). Low uses p10 wages × 2.0×; high uses p90 × 2.5×. National planning band: $140 – $410 – $1,066.

Full algebra: methodology. Markup schedule is Fairange’s published assumption, not a BLS figure.

Materials band (cited retail)

Published materials low / mid / high: $25 / $60 / $150 (standard single-system supply/return trunk vacuum with existing access; sanitizer fogging, mold remediation, and new duct runs are extra). Shelf checks that shaped the band (see also DATA_SOURCES):

Labor-shaped. Consumables (bags, tape, access hardware) — Fairange editorial; no single HD “duct cleaning kit” SKU. Sanitizer fogging / mold remediation / new ductwork out of scope.

What usually moves the number

What’s in the planning band

Labor to remove/set equipment or controls in a like-for-like swap, basic startup, and the materials band above.

Ask about before you sign

Run this job on your ZIP HVAC trade hub

Related jobs: HVAC Tune-Up (seasonal service) · Central AC Replacement · Furnace Replacement.

Also: calculator · methodology · city guides · all job guides · DATA_SOURCES.

Air Duct Cleaning (standard residential) FAQ

How much does air duct cleaning (standard residential) cost?

National mid planning estimate is about $410 before you enter a ZIP — labor from BLS OEWS May 2025 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021, national mean $31.14/hr) × published hours, plus materials. Local OEWS wages move the band once you type a ZIP.

What hours, materials, and markup do you assume?

Hours 3.0 / 5.0 / 8.0. Materials band $25 / $60 / $150 from cited Home Depot (or similar) retail listings documented in DATA_SOURCES — not lead-gen marketplace averages. Example shelf checks: Labor-shaped. Consumables (bags, tape, access hardware) — Fairange editorial; no single HD “duct cleaning kit” SKU. Sanitizer fogging / mold remediation / new ductwork out of scope. Labor markup 2.0× / 2.25× / 2.5× (Fairange methodology).

Is this a bid?

No. It’s an educational planning range. Collect at least three written scopes from licensed pros and compare exclusions — permits, haul-away, patching, and code upgrades.

Any rebates or tax credits?

Not typically rebate-eligible. EPA notes evidence on routine duct cleaning health benefits is limited — treat this as a cleanliness/maintenance scope, not a medical claim.

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