As the weather begins to warm up, many homeowners start thinking about air duct cleaning. One often overlooked area of the home that could benefit from a good cleaning is the air ducts. Over time, dust, pollen, and other allergens can build up in the ductwork, potentially affecting the quality of the air in your home.
Cost of Air Duct Cleaning Per Square Footage
Duct cleaning companies in Columbia TN frequently charge a flat rate per square foot. Some companies provide a basic package for homes up to a certain size and then charge extra for anything larger. Prices per square foot range from $0.20 to $0.50 on average.
Cost of Cleaning an Air Duct Based on the Number of Vents
The number of vents is used by some professional air duct cleaners to determine system size. Cleaning supply vents typically costs $25-$50 per vent, while cleaning return vents typically costs $40-$75 per vent. If an air duct cleaning company offers you an extremely low per-vent price, be wary: the fine print may include a whole-house flat fee that isn’t disclosed until the cleaners arrive at your house.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Air Duct Cleaning
Rodents
If you have rodents in your home, it’s important to get your air ducts cleaned. Rodents can carry diseases and contaminate your air supply. Air duct cleaning costs will vary depending on the size of your home and the severity of the infestation. Expect to pay between $200 and $400 for a professional air duct cleaning company to clean your entire system.
Mold and mildew
Simple mildew and dangerous mold are very different in terms of health risks and air duct cleaning costs. Some fungi produce harmful spores that can seriously harm the respiratory system. Mold remediation is the process of getting rid of this mold and making sure it doesn’t come back. For this, you’ll need to hire a specialized contractor, who will cost you between $2,000 and $6,000.
The good news is that only a small percentage of mold species is this toxic, but the bad news is that it’s nearly impossible to tell by simply looking.
If you notice mold or mildew, you should send a sample for $50 to $100 worth of testing to a microbiology lab. You won’t need remediation if the substance isn’t toxic or if it isn’t molded at all.
Be aware that not all mold and mildew are eliminated by air duct cleaning. Antibacterial chemicals rather than antifungal ones are used in even sanitizing, which is an additional $75 to $150. These substances not only won’t get rid of the mold, but they also might harm fiberglass ductwork.
When Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?
Most people don’t think about their air ducts until there’s a problem. But, like any other part of your home, they need to be cleaned and maintained to stay in good condition. Here are a few signs that it might be time to clean your air ducts:
1. You can see dirt or dust around the vents. This is a sure sign that the ducts are not as clean as they should be.
2. Your allergies seem to be worse when you’re at home. If you suspect that your ducts are causing your allergy symptoms, it’s time for a cleaning.
3. You can hear animals in the ductwork. If you have rodents or other pests in your ductwork, they can cause serious damage and should be removed immediately.
Conclusion
The cost of having your air ducts cleaned will vary depending on the company you choose and the size of your home. However, it is important to note that this is a necessary service in order to keep your family healthy. Therefore, make sure to do your research in order to find the best deal for you.