Air Duct Cleaning

Trade: Plumber

⭐ Introduction

Air duct cleaning is the process of removing dust, debris, mould, and other contaminants from the ventilation ducts in your home. These ducts carry air from your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to various rooms. Over time, they can accumulate dirt, allergens, and even bacteria, which can reduce indoor air quality and affect your family’s health.

You might need air duct cleaning if you notice:

Reduced airflow or uneven heating/cooling around the house
Visible mould growth or strange smells coming from your vents
Increased dust settling on surfaces shortly after cleaning
Allergy or asthma symptoms worsening indoors

While not something you require every year, regular duct cleaning every 3–5 years can help maintain healthy air circulation and system efficiency. It also complements services like boiler servicing and heat pump maintenance.

🔧 What the job involves

A qualified plumber (or heating engineer) specialising in HVAC systems will carry out the air duct cleaning. The job involves:

Inspecting your ventilation system to assess the condition of the ducts
Using specialised brushes, rotary tools, or compressed air machines to dislodge dust and debris inside the ductwork
Extracting the loosened contaminants with vacuum equipment designed to reach deep inside the ducts without releasing the debris back into the home
Checking for any mould presence and advising on remedial treatment if needed
Cleaning or replacing vent covers and filters where applicable
Testing the airflow to ensure the system is performing as expected after cleaning

The process helps improve air quality, reduce allergens, and can extend the lifespan of your ventilation system.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

Inquiry: Contact a reputable plumber or HVAC specialist and explain your concerns or reasons for duct cleaning.
Survey & Quote: The tradesperson visits to inspect your duct system, notes access points, condition, and scope of work, then provides a detailed written quote.
Booking: Agree on a convenient date for the work. Confirm any preparations you need to make, such as clearing furniture near vents.
Day of works: The plumber arrives with equipment, possibly sets up plastic sheeting to protect your rooms, and begins the cleaning process.
Completion & Check: After cleaning, they will test airflow and ensure that vents are clean and working properly.
Wrap-up: You receive any relevant paperwork, such as receipts, reports on the condition of your ducts, and advice on future maintenance.

💷 Main costs to expect

Labour: Usually charged per hour or per job; expect around £40–£60 per hour for a qualified plumber or HVAC engineer.
Materials/parts: Replacement filters or vent covers if needed, costing between £10 and £50.
Equipment use: Some quotes include a separate fee for vacuum and cleaning tool hire.
Disposal: Minimal, but some specialists may charge for removing contaminated waste (a nominal fee).
Certification: While air duct cleaning doesn’t legally require certification, some firms provide a service report or certificate confirming work done, which could be £20–£50 extra.

Example:
For a typical 3-bedroom house with 6–8 vents, a full duct clean might be:
Labour (3 hours × £50) = £150
Filter replacement = £25
No disposal or certification fees
Total ≈ £175

📊 What affects the price

Access difficulty: Crawl space or concealed ducts take longer and cost more to clean.
System complexity: Larger or multi-zone systems need more time and specialised tools.
Extent of contamination: Severe dust, mould, or pest infestation requires more intensive work.
Regulations and certification: If compliance reports are requested for insurance or health reasons.
Remedial works: Repair of damaged ducts or mould treatment can add significant costs.
Location: Larger cities or remote areas may have higher labour or call-out fees.
Timeline: Emergency or out-of-hours work tends to cost more.

⏱ How long does it take?

Straightforward cleaning: For an average home with accessible ducts, 2–4 hours is typical.
More complex jobs: Older properties with restricted access or multiple zones may take 4–6 hours or more.
Additional treatments: Mold remediation or duct repairs can extend the work by a day or more.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

DIY air duct cleaning isn’t recommended for most homeowners because:

You need specialised vacuum and cleaning tools to avoid pushing dust further into your home.
It can be difficult to access all parts of the ductwork safely.
Potential presence of mould requires professional treatment to prevent health risks.
Plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems are regulated in part by Building Regulations and the Health and Safety Executive, so improper work could void warranties or cause safety issues.

Hiring a qualified plumber or HVAC engineer ensures the job is done safely, thoroughly, and according to good practice.

💰 Typical UK price range

For most UK homes, expect to pay roughly:

£150 to £350 + VAT

This estimate includes labour and basic cleaning materials but excludes significant remedial works or complex access requirements. VAT at the standard 20% usually applies unless you qualify for exemptions.

✅ Handy tips before you start

Clear space around vents and access panels for the tradesperson to work comfortably.
Inform the engineer of any particular problem areas or health concerns.
Ask for a written quote detailing what’s included to avoid surprises.
Keep all paperwork, including cleaning reports and receipts, for future servicing or resale.
Consider scheduling duct cleaning alongside regular boiler or ventilation servicing for convenience.
After cleaning, ask about recommended filter changes and any maintenance tips to keep ducts cleaner longer.
Check the warranty or guarantee on the cleaning work and any parts replaced.

Regular air duct cleaning can make a noticeable difference to your home’s air quality and comfort. Choosing a qualified professional ensures the job is done safely and effectively.