How Much Does It Cost To Get Your Vents Cleaned In 2025

Air vent cleaning is one of those home services that’s super important every once in a while. This is especially if you’re dealing with dust, allergies, weird smells, or just want cleaner air in your home. 

But as soon as you start looking into it, you see different price tags all over the place. 

For instance, while some companies quote $99 specials, others throw numbers like $800 or more. 

And this might leave you wondering: How much does it cost to get your vents cleaned exactly? 

In this guide, I will break it all down. You’ll learn:

• What air vent cleaning usually costs in New Jersey
• What affects the price
• What’s worth paying for and what’s just upsell fluff
• And what real homeowners are actually paying right now

Also, I will help you figure out what a fair price looks like and how you can avoid getting ripped off.

So, let’s get started. 

Key takeaways

• Most NJ homeowners pay $300-$500 for air vent cleaning.
  
• Costs vary by home size, vent count, and HVAC systems.
  
• Companies charge by vent, square foot, flat rate, or hourly.
  
• Add-ons like mold removal or dryer vent cleaning raise the price.
  
• Watch out for $99 bait-and-switch scams with surprise upsells.
  
• A legit cleaning (as per NADCA) includes all vents, coils, and blower parts.
  
• Good vent cleaning takes 2-4 hours, not 30 minutes.
  
• Choose NADCA-certified pros with upfront pricing and solid reviews.

How much does it cost to get your vents cleaned in New Jersey?

Let’s start with the typical air vent cleaning cost that you can expect to pay anywhere in New Jersey. 

For most homeowners, this price usually falls between $300 and $500 for a standard-sized home. And it covers a full professional service, including cleaning the supply and return vents, brushing the ducts, and vacuuming everything with standard equipment.

But there’s one catch.

You see, although the above price range is typical for most homes, it might vary depending on your home’s size. Here’s how:

• Some smaller homes with fewer vents might pay in the range of $250-$300.
• Larger homes or homes with extra vents could end up paying anywhere from $600 to $1,000.

In fact, some homeowners even tell me they’ve paid as high as $1,200, though that often included add-ons like mold treatment or dryer vent cleaning.

In short, here’s a quick breakdown of air vent cleaning costs in NJ

In short: While prices can vary a lot, most homeowners should expect to spend around $400.

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How much does air vent cleaning cost based on the pricing method? 

When you ask for a quote on vent cleaning, you’ll notice that not all companies price things the same way. 

For instance, some companies charge you per air vent, some by square footage, and others just give you a flat rate for the whole system.

And while the final cost will still be in the above range, these pricing models will surely confuse you.

Let me break down what each pricing model actually means and what you might expect to pay.

1. Per vent pricing

Pricing by the vent is one of the most common ways companies charge for vent cleaning. 

And this is straightforward: The cleaning company counts how many vents you have and charges you for each one. 

Here, supply vents (where warm or cool air blows out) typically cost you between $25 and $50 each.

However, the return vents (where air goes back into the system) are a bit pricier, usually costing $40 to $75 each. 

But why the difference? 

Well, return vents are often larger and dirtier, and they take more time to clean.

So, how much can you expect to pay in total? 

If you 10 supply vents and 2 return vents, your total vent cleaning cost will be $410. 

Here’s how: (10 x $35) + (2 x $60) = $410

This method is great if you know exactly how many vents you have and want a clear cost.

2. Per square foot pricing

This is yet another pricing method where instead of counting vents, companies charge you based on the total size of your home. 

Here, companies usually ask for your home’s square footage and then give you a quote based on a standard rate. And this is usually between $0.15 to $0.40 per square foot. 

For instance, let’s say your home is 2,000 square feet. In this case, here’s how much you can expect to pay: 

At $0.15 per sq ft, you’ll pay $300
At $0.40 per sq ft, you’ll pay $800

On average, you can expect to pay $550 under this method. 

This model works really well for larger homes or homes with tricky layouts and hard to reach vents. 

Also, if you don’t know how many vents you have or if the ductwork is more complex than usual, this model is ideal. 

3. Flat rate system

Flat rate pricing is super simple: There’s one price that covers the whole job. You don’t need to count vents or measure square footage. 

Now, most companies in New Jersey that offer this model will quote a flat fee between $300 and $700. 

The exact quote, however, will depend on the size of your home, how easy the vents are to access, and whether you have one HVAC system or two.

This is a popular choice for people who want a no-surprises kind of deal.

Pro tip: Be sure to ask what the flat rate includes. That’s because some companies might add extra fees for deep cleaning or sanitizing unless it’s included in the base rate.

4. Hourly charges

This method is a bit less common but still used by some local technicians and small New Jersey-based companies. Here they’ll charge by the hour, usually between $90 and $125 per hour. 

Now, since a typical vent cleaning job takes 2 to 4 hours, your total could range from $180 to $500 depending on how long it takes.

This method works best when you’re hiring someone for a small job or if you’re bundling vent cleaning with other HVAC work. 

However, it’s a good idea to ask for an estimate ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard by the final bill.

Overall, here’s how much air vent cleaning costs based on pricing method

What are the factors that decide your total air vent cleaning price? 

A lot of homeowners have asked me why some people pay less than $300 for vent cleaning while others get quoted way over $900. 

Now, being an HVAC cleaning professional, I can tell you these are not random quotes. That’s because there are a lot of factors that affect the final price of air vent cleaning. 

Here are some key factors that make all the difference:

1. Size of your home

The bigger your home, the more vents you’re likely to have. And this means more work for the cleaning crew. 

For instance, a small apartment might only have 4 to 6 vents, while a big two-story house could have over 20. So, it’s obvious that the bigger house will pay a higher cost. 

2. How many HVAC systems you have

Some homes, especially larger ones, have more than one HVAC system. For instance, there are usually two HVACs in most multi-storied homes, one for each floor. 

And since cleaning two systems doubles the work, you can expect to pay an extra $200-$400. 

3. Pets, allergies, or smokers in the house

Pets shed hair and dander, and if someone in the home smokes indoors, the residue can cling to the inside of your vents.

And this buildup doesn’t just affect air quality, it also makes the cleaning job tougher, and, thus, increases your quote.

4. Mold, mildew, or pests

If a technician discovers mold, mildew, mice, or other pests in your ductwork, that’s a whole different kind of job. That’s because mold removal from air ducts alone can cost from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on how bad it is. 

5. Your home’s layout

The way your HVAC is set up matters a lot when it comes to determining vent cleaning costs.

Why?

Well, if the vents are in tight crawl spaces, attics, or behind furniture, it’s harder and slower for the crew to reach them. This means more labor and the need for special equipment, which can result in a higher bill. 

6. Where you live

Location plays a big role in pricing and vent cleaning in places like Jersey City often costs more than in smaller towns like Sussex. 

This is mainly because city-based companies have higher costs for labor, parking, permits, and transportation. So even if the job is the same, the price can vary based on your zip code.

7. Level of dirt and neglect

If your vents haven’t been cleaned in over a decade, they’re probably packed with dust, debris, and maybe even toys or trash that fell in. 

And since cleaning heavily neglected systems takes a lot more time and elbow grease than regular maintenance, companies often charge more.

In short, here’s what raises or lowers the price

Some add-on services that increase air vent cleaning cost

When you book an air vent cleaning, the base price usually covers just that. But companies often offer extra services, and these can push the price up fast.

Here’s what’s commonly added and what each one might cost:

1. Dryer vent cleaning

A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard and can make your dryer less efficient. And here’s how much it costs you:

• When added along with air vent cleaning: $100-$170
• When you get it cleaned separately: $100-$250

2. Mold removal 

If a company finds mold in your vents, they’ll usually recommend mold removal plus a sanitizing spray to kill spores. Here’s how much it might cost you:

• Typical cost of full mold removal: $1,000-$3,000+
• Fogging treatment only: $75–$250

3. Deodorizing or disinfecting sprays

Some companies offer “fresh air” or “anti-bacterial” treatments to remove smells or allergens. These are optional, and not always necessary unless there’s an odor issue.

• Typical cost: $50-$150

4. Duct sealing

Sometimes after vent cleaning, technicians also offer to seal up leaky ducts to help improve airflow and reduce energy bills.

• Cost can range: $250–$1,000+

5. UV light installation or filter upgrades

Some cleaning companies might recommend installing UV lights or upgraded air filters to improve indoor air quality after cleaning. And here’s how much they cost:

• UV light systems: $300-$700+
• HEPA filter upgrade: $100-$250

In short, here are all the add-on services and their cost

Air vent cleaning cost: Scams to watch out for

If you’ve ever Googled “vent cleaning near me,” chances are you’ve seen those tempting $99 whole-house specials. 

Sounds like a deal, right?

Not so fast.

Most of the time, those ultra-cheap offers are just a foot in the door. That’s because once the technician shows up, the price suddenly balloons, and now you’re being told your vents are full of mold, dead rodents, or “dangerous levels of dust.” 

And they’ll then try to upsell you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in extra services.

Here’s what a homeowner posted about one such scam on Reddit:

“We had some guys come in with that clean your HVAC for $99 thing. Well 99 turned into 400, which then recommended a cleaning of the mold, and installing a UV light.”

 — Most_Bag494, Reddit /r/Homeowners

Here are some common vent cleaning scams you should watch out for

• Bait-and-switch pricing: The $99 is just to get in the door. Nothing is really included.
• Mold discovery scare tactic: They tell you there’s mold, even if there isn’t.
• Fake before/after photos: They show you stock images to justify extra charges.
• Vague service descriptions: Basic cleaning could mean a quick vacuum and nothing more.
• Cash-only payment or no invoice: Big red flag.

Here’s how to protect yourself

• Ask for the full price up front, including how many vents are covered.
• Know what mold in air vents and ducts really looks and feels like.
• Get a written estimate before work starts.
• Ask if they’re NADCA certified (National Air Duct Cleaners Association).
• Check reviews on Google or Yelp, especially 1-star ones.
• Walk away from high-pressure sales tactics.

What does a legit vent cleaning include?

According to NADCA, a proper cleaning should involve:

• All supply and return ducts
• Main trunk lines
• Air handler/furnace components (like blower motor and coils)
• High-powered vacuum system with HEPA filter
• Brushes or agitation tools to loosen debris

In short: If a company can’t explain exactly what they’ll do, or avoids your questions, that’s a sign to keep shopping.

Schedule Your Free Estimate Today

Contact us to improve your indoor air
quality with our expert cleaning services in NJ.

Request A Free Quote

Final words

By now, you know how much does it cost to get your vents cleaned in New Jersey. You also know how much you can expect to pay based on the pricing method of the cleaning company.

Now, at this point you might wonder: Is vent cleaning actually worth it with all those big-ticket costs?

The honest answer: Yes, but only if you need it, and only if it’s done right.

You see, vent cleaning is not a magic fix, but it’s not useless either. 

Vent cleaning won’t fix every issue in your home. It won’t replace your HVAC system. And it won’t instantly cure your allergies.

But it is absolutely worth it if:

• You haven’t cleaned your vents in 5+ years,
• You’ve recently renovated,
• You have pets, asthma, or a mold/pest history.

Got more questions or want to get your vents cleaned by seasoned professionals?

You can get in touch with us!
At Clean Air Technologies, we are vent and duct cleaning experts with about three decades of experience serving all of New Jersey. And we’ve got all your HVAC cleaning needs covered on a budget. 

Frequently asked questions about air vent cleaning price 

What’s the average cost to clean vents in 2025?

The national average is around $500, but pricing depends on the size of your home, the number of vents, and your location. Most homeowners end up paying in the range of $350-$700 for full-home vent cleaning.

Are those “$99 vent cleaning” ads legit?

Usually not.

They’re often bait-and-switch offers. The company quotes $99 to get in the door, then adds on hidden charges for each vent, return, or extra “services.”

Always read reviews and ask for full pricing upfront.

Can I clean my vents myself and save money?

You can clean vent covers and the first few feet of duct with a vacuum and brush.

But deep duct cleaning (especially if there’s mold, pests, or years of dust) needs pro equipment and know-how.

DIY is fine for upkeep, not full system cleaning.

How long does vent cleaning take?

A proper full-home cleaning usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the home and how dirty the system is.

Note: Beware of companies that finish in 30 minutes as they’re likely rushing or skipping key steps.

What certifications should a vent cleaning company have?

You should look for the following: 

• NADCA-certified (National Air Duct Cleaners Association)
• Good online reviews (Google, Yelp, BBB)
• Transparent pricing, no hard upsells
• Willing to show before-and-after photos