What should I ask an air duct cleaning company?

Ask what the price includes, how many supplies and returns it covers, whether the blower and coil are cleaned, whether the system is held under negative pressure, whether chemicals are included, whether the company holds a Virginia contractor licence, and whether you get photos and a written agreement.

Can you be in the house during duct cleaning?

Yes, in most cases. A cleaning under negative pressure keeps debris in the collection unit. If an antimicrobial is applied, NADCA notes occupants sometimes need to leave, and fumes take 2 to 8 hours to clear, so ask about any chemical in advance.

How do I prepare my house for duct cleaning?

Move furniture away from every register and return, make the furnace or air handler reachable, secure pets in a closed room, and plan to be home for the walk-through. Mention any known leaks, mold or pests when you book.

Do duct cleaners need a license in Virginia?

Virginia requires a Class C contractor licence for projects over $1,000 and under $30,000, according to the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Check the company's status with the state's license lookup before signing.

Questions to Ask an Air Duct Cleaner Before You Hire

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Air Duct Cleaner

Two duct cleaning quotes can share a price and describe completely different jobs. The only way to compare them is to ask each company the same questions and write down the answers. These ten cover the scope, the method, the paperwork and the proof.

Quick answer

Ask what the price includes, how many supplies and returns it covers, whether the blower and coil are cleaned, whether the system is held under negative pressure, whether the work follows NADCA's standard, whether the company holds a Virginia contractor licence for jobs over $1,000, whether any chemicals are included, and whether you get before and after photos and a written agreement with the total cost.

Get a written estimate for your home or call (703) 952-9479.

10Questions to ask every company

$1,000Job size that needs a Virginia contractor licence

In writingScope and total cost, per the EPA

Questions About Scope and Price

What to ask, and what a good answer sounds like
Question	Good answer	Warning sign
1. What does the price include?	A written list of every part of the system	"The whole house" with no detail
2. How many supplies and returns?	A count that matches your house	"Up to" a fixed number of vents
3. Are the blower, coil and drain pan cleaned?	Yes, or quoted on its own line	Ducts only, not mentioned
4. Is the price the same once you arrive?	Yes, unless you approve a change in writing	"We'll see when we get there"

Around Dulles, a whole-system cleaning runs about $500 to $800 per system. The whole house cleaning page shows what that scope covers in a home with one or two systems.

Questions About the Cleaning Method

5. Do you hold the system under negative pressure? A vacuum collector pulls loosened debris out instead of pushing it into the house.
6. Do you follow NADCA's cleaning standard? The EPA suggests confirming the company complies with it.
7. Are any chemicals included? A good answer is no, unless a problem is shown after cleaning and you approve the product by name.

Questions About Licence and Paperwork

8. Do you hold a Virginia contractor licence? Virginia requires a Class C licence for projects over $1,000 and under $30,000. Check it with the state's license lookup.
9. Will I get a written agreement? The EPA advises a written agreement with the total cost and scope. Licensed Virginia contractors must provide a written contract for residential work.

The Question That Proves the Work

10. Will I see before and after photos of the inside of the ducts? Interior work is invisible to you otherwise. The EPA's post-cleaning checklist asks you to confirm that the whole system was accessed, the coil and blower are clean and the access doors are sealed afterward. A camera inspection gives you the same proof from an independent source.

Preparing for the Cleaning Day

Clear furniture from registers and returns, make the air handler reachable, keep pets in a closed room and plan to be home for the walk-through at the end. For a written quote to compare against the others, use the estimate form.