Duct Cleaning: Prices, Duration, and Expectations

What to Expect From a Proper Duct Cleaning

Booking a duct cleaning shouldn’t feel like rolling the dice — but let’s be honest, sometimes it does. You’ve probably heard the horror stories. Your neighbour’s cousin got scammed. Someone on Reddit had a team show up, wave a vacuum around for 15 minutes, and call it a day. So how do you know if your appointment is going the way it should?

If you’ve ever wondered, "Is this company charging me too much? Too little? Is this taking way too long? Are they even doing it right?" — you're not alone.

This guide will help you spot what’s normal, what’s not, and what you should actually expect when it comes to getting your ducts cleaned properly.

Duct Cleaning Prices

Let’s start with the biggest red flag: those too-good-to-be-true duct cleaning deals. You know the ones — $79.99 for a “full home clean” or a telemarketer promising a total service for under $100. Sounds great, until you compare it to other companies quoting anywhere from $500 to $800 for the same thing. So what gives? Here’s the deal: ultra-low prices often mean ultra-low effort. It might be a bait-and-switch tactic, or worse, a crew that rushes through the job without actually cleaning much at all.

A solid, trustworthy duct cleaning company will charge a fair price based on the size of your home, the number of vents, and the work involved. You’re paying for experience, proper equipment, and a job done right — not just a guy with a shop vac.

Before booking, check if the company is certified, has solid reviews, and has been around for a while. A few extra bucks for quality service will go a long way when it comes to your home’s air quality.

Duct Cleaning Duration

“How long will it take?” Great question—and the answer says a lot about the quality of the service.

For most homes, a proper duct cleaning should take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. It depends on your home size, how many ducts you have, and how much buildup there is. But here’s the key: if a company says they’ll be in and out in under an hour? Big red flag.

That usually means they’re not doing a full system clean. Maybe they’re hitting a couple of visible vents, skipping the deeper parts of the system, and calling it done. That’s not what you want.

Real pros take their time. They bring powerful vacuums and specialized tools, work methodically, and make sure everything is properly cleaned — not just the stuff you can see.

Duct Cleaning Expectations

Now that you’ve got a feel for pricing and timing, let’s talk about what a good duct cleaning experience actually looks like.

The crew should show up on time, look professional, and be ready to explain what they’re doing. They should use a high-powered vacuum system that pulls debris straight outside to a van or truck — this keeps the mess out of your home and out of your air.

They should also give you a written quote or service agreement before getting started. And if you want to see proof of certification or insurance, they shouldn’t hesitate.

Most importantly: don’t be afraid to ask questions. A solid team won’t just tolerate your curiosity — they’ll welcome it. You’re trusting them with the air your family breathes, after all. You deserve clear answers and respectful service from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

A good duct cleaning can seriously improve the air in your home—but only if it’s done right. The more you know about what to expect, the easier it is to spot the pros from those just looking to make a quick buck. So next time you book a cleaning, keep these tips in mind. Ask questions, trust your gut, and don’t settle for shortcuts.

Clean air starts with knowing what to look for. Breathe easier and reach out to Canaduct Cleaning today to get a free quote!