Professional Air Duct Cleaning by Trained HVAC Technicians
Air duct cleaning removes dust and debris from the supply and return ductwork that moves air through your home. As the system runs, particles settle inside the ducts and reduce airflow. When airflow drops, the HVAC system works harder than it should. As a result, many homeowners schedule an evaluation to understand what is causing the change in comfort.
Service First Heating & Air Conditioning follows National Air Duct Cleaners Association standards. NADCA recommends evaluating the interior of the duct system before cleaning. Technicians can inspect the ducts through access points or, when needed, with a camera. You can review NADCA’s homeowner guidelines at nadca.com.
Camera inspection is not necessary for every home. Technicians assess the layout and accessibility of the duct system and decide whether camera documentation is useful. When visibility is limited, we use a camera to show before and after conditions. This helps homeowners understand the work completed and the improvements made.
When Homeowners Consider Air Duct Cleaning
Homeowners often notice performance changes before asking about duct cleaning. For example, a change in airflow or comfort usually leads to an evaluation. Common reasons to schedule duct cleaning include:
- Reduced airflow from certain vents
- Dust buildup on or around registers
- Odors when the system ins running
- Uneven temperatures between rooms
- Visibile debris or pet hair in registes
- Dust after remodeling or construction
These issues may indicate restricted airflow. However, they do not guarantee that duct cleaning is required. A technician evaluates the system to confirm what is happening. For more details, see our Signs You May Need Air Duct Cleaning guide.
Why Homeowners Choose Service First
Air duct cleaning works best when treated as part of the HVAC system. We base our approach on how duct systems are built and how airflow moves through the home. Because of this, homeowners choose Service First for:
- Trained in house duct cleaning technicians
- NADCA aligned cleaning methods
- Camera inspection before and after cleaning
- Honest recommendations with visual documentation
- Professional negative pressure vacuum equipment
- Mechanical agitation tools including brushes and air whips
When cleaning is not necessary, our technicians explain why. When cleaning is recommended, they show the specific areas that need attention.
Our Air Duct Cleaning Process
We follow a consistent, step by step process to ensure the entire duct system is cleaned thoroughly and safely.
Pre-visit review: We confirm the system type, home layout, and any specific concerns you want addressed before work begins.
System and duct inspection: Technicians inspect accessible duct sections through registers and openings to identify buildup or blockages. When added visibility is helpful, a camera may be used to document interior conditions.
Home protection setup: Floors, vents, and nearby areas are covered before equipment is installed to keep the home clean while we work.
Negative pressure vacuum setup: A commercial vacuum connects to the main trunk line to create controlled negative pressure and pull loosened debris out of the system.
Mechanical agitation: Brushes and air tools loosen dust and debris from the duct walls so it can be collected safely through the vacuum system.
Cleaning trunk and branch lines: Technicians clean accessible main trunk lines and individual branch runs throughout the home as part of a complete system cleaning.
Register and grille cleaning: Registers and grilles are removed and cleaned when appropriate to support airflow and appearance.
Final verification: The technician confirms that debris has been removed and reviews visual results. When beneficial, before and after documentation can be provided.
System check: We verify basic airflow and system operation before completing the appointment.
What Is Included
- Cleaning of supply and return ducts
- Cleaning of main trunk and branch lines
- Register and grille cleaning
- Negative pressure containment
- Inspection before and after cleaning
- Basic system function check
What Is NOT Included
- Duct sealing or repair
- Mold testing or remediation
- Chemical sprays or fogging products
- System modifications
- Filter replacement unless requested
If technicians identify unrelated HVAC concerns, they document the findings and explain your options.
Duct Cleaning After Renovation
Renovation projects produce fine dust that can settle deep inside the duct system. Activities like drywall sanding, cutting, or demolition often lead homeowners to schedule duct cleaning. Learn more in our Duct Cleaning After Renovation article.
How Often Should Ducts Be Cleaned
There is no fixed schedule. Most homes fall between three and seven years depending on pets, usage, and return placement. Some homes may need cleaning sooner after construction or heavy dust events. Our How Often Should Air Ducts Be Cleaned guide covers this in more detail.
Pricing and How to Begin
Every home has a different duct layout. Pricing depends on system size, accessibility, and interior conditions. Single system homes generally fall into a predictable range once ducts are inspected.
To start, schedule a technician evaluation. This helps determine whether duct cleaning is recommended and sets clear expectations for the service.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Dryer vent cleaning is a separate service from air duct cleaning, though many homeowners choose to address both during the same visit. To understand how dryer vents differ from HVAC ductwork and what is or is not included, see Dryer Vent Cleaning Explained.
Avoiding Low Quality Duct Cleaning Services
If you are comparing companies, review our How to Avoid Cheap Duct Cleaning Scams guide. It highlights warning signs such as bait pricing, partial cleaning, and vague service descriptions that do not follow NADCA standards.
