How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost in 2026
If you’re researching air duct cleaning prices in 2026, you’re likely ready to book a service and just need real numbers. Pricing for HVAC cleaning varies based on your home, your system, and where you live. In the tri-state area, labor rates and the age of local housing stock both push costs above national averages. This guide covers realistic price ranges for the most common services, so you can budget with clarity before moving forward.
2026 Price Ranges for Common HVAC Cleaning Services
| Service | Average Cost Range (2026) |
| Air Duct Cleaning (Whole Home) | $450 – $1,000+ |
| Dryer Vent Cleaning | $125 – $250 |
| Condenser (Outdoor) Coil Cleaning | $150 – $400 |
| Evaporator (Indoor) Coil Cleaning | $250 – $700 |
| UV Light Installation | $400 – $900+ |
These ranges reflect 2026 pricing for the NY, NJ, and CT region. Your final cost depends on several factors covered below.
Your Top Questions About HVAC Cleaning Prices, Answered
How Much Does a Full Home Air Duct Cleaning Cost in 2026
For a complete air duct cleaning in the NY/NJ/CT area, most homeowners pay between $450 and $1,000 or more. The wide range exists because every home is different. A 1,200-square-foot ranch with 8 vents is a very different job than a 3,000-square-foot colonial with 20+ registers spread across three floors.
Some companies price by the square foot, typically $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot, while others charge per vent at roughly $25 to $50 per vent. The final price should always depend on a full assessment of your system rather than a one-size-fits-all formula.
Why Duct Cleaning Prices Vary From Home to Home
Several things influence air duct cleaning price per vent vs. square foot calculations:
- Home size and number of vents. Larger homes mean more linear feet of ductwork and more supply and return registers to clean. A home with 8 vents costs significantly less than one with 20.
- Type of ductwork. Flexible ducts require more careful handling and different equipment compared to rigid metal ducts, which adds time and cost to the job.
- If your ductwork runs through tight crawlspaces, finished ceilings, or areas blocked by furniture and storage, technicians need extra time to reach every section.
- Level of contamination. A system that hasn’t been cleaned in over a decade, or one in a home with multiple pets and smokers, requires more labor. Heavy dust, dander, and debris buildup increases the scope of work.
- Add-on services. Antimicrobial treatments, deodorizing, and video inspections are separate line items. If mold remediation is needed, that’s a different service with its own pricing.
How Much Does Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost in NJ, NY, and CT
The cost of dryer vent cleaning in NJ, NY, and CT typically ranges from $125 to $250. The price depends on the length and routing of the vent. A short, straight run from a first-floor laundry room is a quick job. A vent that extends 25+ feet through walls or up to a rooftop exit takes more time and costs more.
Clogged dryer vents are a leading cause of household fires, making this one of the most overlooked yet important maintenance tasks. Many homeowners bundle this service with their duct cleaning appointment.
Condenser and Evaporator Coil Cleaning Costs Explained
HVAC coil cleaning cost in NY and NJ breaks down into two separate services:
Condenser coil cleaning (outdoor unit): $150 to $400. Your outdoor condenser collects dirt, grass clippings, pollen, and debris year-round. Cleaning it restores airflow and helps your system run more efficiently. Homes near busy roads or construction sites tend to need this more frequently.
Evaporator coil cleaning (indoor unit): $250 to $700. The evaporator coil sits inside your air handler and is harder to access, which is why it costs more. A dirty evaporator coil reduces cooling capacity and can lead to frozen lines or water damage. The price depends on system type, accessibility, and how much buildup has accumulated.
UV Light for HVAC Systems and What It Costs in 2026
UV light installation for HVAC systems in the tri-state area runs between $400 and $900+ in 2026. UV germicidal lights are installed inside your air handler or ductwork to target mold, bacteria, and other biological contaminants as air passes through the system.
Pricing depends on the type of unit (coil-sterilizing vs. air-sterilizing), wattage of the lamp, and how your existing system is configured. Replacement bulbs are an ongoing cost as well, typically needed every 12 to 24 months. For homeowners in humid areas of Connecticut and along the coast, UV lights can be a smart long-term investment for indoor air quality.
Why $99 Whole-House Duct Cleaning Deals Are a Red Flag
You’ve probably seen ads offering a full air duct cleaning for $99 or less. NADCA (the National Air Duct Cleaners Association) specifically warns consumers about these offers. The average cost of NADCA-certified duct cleaning reflects the time, equipment, and labor required to do the job thoroughly. A legitimate whole-home cleaning takes several hours using commercial-grade equipment. There is no realistic way to deliver that level of service for under $100.
What typically happens with lowball pricing is a company shows up, does a superficial pass on a few vents, and then presents a long list of “recommended” add-ons that drive the final bill well above what a reputable company would have quoted upfront. Some of these operators use scare tactics, pointing to “mold” or “contamination” to upsell unnecessary treatments. A transparent provider gives you an honest price from the start based on the scope of work your home requires.
Factors That Shape Your Final HVAC Cleaning Bill
| Factor | How It Affects Price |
| Home square footage | Larger homes mean more ductwork and higher costs |
| Number of vents and registers | More vents means more labor time |
| Duct type (flex vs. rigid metal) | Flex ducts need more careful, specialized handling |
| System accessibility | Hard-to-reach ducts add labor hours |
| Contamination level | Pet dander, smoke residue, and heavy buildup increase scope |
| Add-on services | Antimicrobial treatment, deodorizing, video inspection |
| Geographic location | Tri-state area labor rates run above national averages |
Additional HVAC Services Worth Considering
- A camera inspection of your ductwork can reveal hidden damage, blockages, or mold before cleaning begins. This is often bundled into the service visit. Standalone inspections typically run $70 to $150 in this region.
- After cleaning, a sanitizing treatment can address lingering odors or biological residue inside the duct system. This is particularly common in homes with moisture issues, pets, or musty smells from the vents.
How to Get an Accurate Price for Your HVAC Cleaning
Every home in the NY, NJ, and CT area has a different HVAC setup, layout, and maintenance history. That is the main reason no responsible company can give you an exact price without understanding your specific situation first. The ranges on this page are realistic for the tri-state market in 2026, but your home may fall above or below them depending on the variables outlined above.
The most reliable way to know your cost is to request an in-home assessment. A qualified technician can evaluate your ductwork, system type, and contamination level, then provide a detailed quote based on the work involved.
