Air duct cleaning is one of the most heavily advertised home services, and one of the most debated. Sometimes it's genuinely needed. Often it isn't. This page explains how to tell the difference and how to avoid common bait-and-switch offers. Requests sent through this site go to an independent HVAC contractor licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
When cleaning is worth considering
The U.S. EPA's guidance on duct cleaning suggests considering it when:
- There's substantial visible mold growth inside ducts or on other system components.
- Ducts are infested with insects or rodents.
- Ducts are clogged with excessive dust and debris, or particles visibly blow out of the supply registers.
Other reasonable cases include after construction or remodeling dust, after smoke or fire damage, or when moving into a home with a history of pets, smoking or neglect.
When it usually isn't
A light layer of dust on registers or just inside the ducts is normal and generally isn't a health risk. The EPA notes that duct cleaning hasn't been shown to prevent health problems. For everyday dust, a good filter changed on schedule, plus sealing leaky return ducts, usually does more.
Watch out for bargain offers
Very cheap "whole-house duct cleaning" coupons are a well-known way to get a salesperson in the door. The visit often turns into claims of mold or a much larger job. If a company says it found mold:
- Ask to see it and get photos.
- Remember that a visual inspection isn't a lab test. Independent testing is an option before paying for remediation.
- Ask what the cause of the moisture is, because mold returns if the cause isn't fixed. In Texas attics, that's often sweating ducts, a clogged condensate drain, or an oversized system.
- Get a written scope and price before work starts.
What a proper cleaning involves
A legitimate cleaning uses negative pressure (a powerful vacuum connected to the duct system) plus agitation tools to loosen debris. It should cover the supply and return ducts, registers, and ideally the blower and coil, because a dirty coil or blower wheel puts dirt right back into clean ducts. Ask whether they'll clean the air handler, not just the vents.
Many Central Texas homes use flexible duct in the attic. Flex duct can be damaged by aggressive brushes. If it's old, torn or crushed, replacing sections may make more sense than cleaning.
Chemical treatments
Ask before any biocide or "sanitizer" is sprayed into ducts. Products should be registered for use in HVAC ducts, applied only after cleaning, and used only when there's a real need.
How a request works
Tell us what you're seeing and why you're considering cleaning. We'll forward your request to an independent licensed contractor serving your town, who can inspect and recommend what's actually needed.
Air Duct Cleaning FAQs
Is duct cleaning a scam?
Not always, but it's often unnecessary. It's worth considering for visible mold, pests, heavy debris, or after construction or smoke damage. Light dust is normal.
A cheap duct cleaning found 'mold.' What now?
Ask for photos, ask about the moisture source, and consider independent testing before paying for remediation. Get a written scope and price.
Does duct cleaning lower my bills?
There's little evidence it does on its own. Cleaning the coil and blower, and sealing leaks, matter more for efficiency.
Should I clean or replace old flex duct?
If flex duct is torn, crushed or deteriorated, replacing sections is often better than cleaning, since brushes can damage it.
How often should ducts be cleaned?
There's no fixed schedule. Clean them when there's a specific reason, not on a calendar.