What a real duct cleaning includes
A legitimate duct cleaning is whole-system source removal: the company puts the system under negative pressure with a truck-mounted or portable HEPA vacuum, agitates every supply and return run with brushes or air whips, and cleans the blower, evaporator coil area, and plenums — not just a shop-vac at the registers. NADCA, the industry association, publishes the standard most reputable firms follow, and its members are a good starting filter.
Fair whole-home pricing generally runs $300–$700 depending on system count and size. Be wary of $99 whole-house coupons — that model is a well-documented upsell scheme. Dryer vent cleaning, often offered by the same companies for $100–$200, is the sleeper service here: lint-clogged vents are a leading cause of house fires and make every load dry slower.
How often should ducts be cleaned?
There is no fixed schedule — EPA guidance is to clean when there is visible mold, vermin, or significant dust buildup, and most homes reasonably go 3–7 years between cleanings. After renovations or with heavy pet load, sooner makes sense.
Why avoid the $99 special?
Because a real crew with real equipment cannot clean a whole system for $99. The coupon typically buys register vacuuming and a high-pressure pitch for mold treatment and add-ons once they are in the door. Expect honest whole-home work to start around $300.
Is dryer vent cleaning worth it?
Yes — it is cheap, fast, and directly reduces fire risk. If loads take two cycles to dry or the outside flap barely opens, the vent is overdue. Annual cleaning is reasonable for long vent runs or heavy dryer use.