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McNair Homes Compared With Fairfax County
McNair sits in Fairfax County, Virginia. The table shows how its housing differs from the county as a whole, which decides what a duct and dryer vent visit checks first.
| Measure | McNair | Fairfax County |
|---|---|---|
| Median year built | 2003 | 1983 |
| Apartments and condos | 69% | 31% |
| Townhomes | 29% | 23% |
| Detached houses | 2% | 46% |
| Owner-occupied | 25% | 69% |
| Heat with natural gas | 58% | 54% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates. Figures are estimates and are rounded.
Renting in McNair: Who Pays for the Ducts
Virginia law requires a landlord to keep heating, air conditioning and ventilation in good and safe working order. That covers a dryer vent the landlord supplied and ducts that blow dust or smell of mold. A tenant keeps the dwelling clean and reports problems.
| Task | Usually |
|---|---|
| Change or report a dirty filter (if the lease says so) | Tenant |
| Clean the dryer lint screen after each load | Tenant |
| Clean or repair the dryer vent line | Landlord |
| Inspect and clean ducts that blow dust or show mold | Landlord |
Put the request in writing and keep a copy. The rental cleaning guide covers the wording and what the law asks of each side.
Condo and Townhome Owners
Owners of the 25 percent of homes that are owner-occupied handle the ducts inside their own units. In a condo, the association usually handles shared chases and exterior hoods, so check the governing documents before booking. Most McNair homes were built between 1990 and 2009, so their systems are 15 to 35 years old and often on a second furnace or heat pump.
Dryer Vents in Stacked Units
Stacked condos and apartments often vent the dryer through a long line or a shared chase. Clothes that need a second cycle and a hot, humid laundry closet are the usual signs of a blocked run. The condo and apartment vent page explains how a shared chase gets cleaned.
Where McNair Is
McNair sits in the Oak Hill area of Fairfax County, bordered by the Town of Herndon to the northeast, Reston to the east and Route 28 along part of its western edge. Homes here use Herndon mailing addresses in ZIP 20171, but they are outside the town, in unincorporated Fairfax County. The community also includes the Dulles Corner business park.
McNair Duct and Dryer Vent FAQs
Is McNair part of Herndon?
No. McNair is a separate census-designated place in Fairfax County. Its homes use Herndon mailing addresses in ZIP 20171, but they sit outside the Town of Herndon.
Does my landlord have to clean the dryer vent in McNair?
In Virginia, the landlord must keep heating, air conditioning and ventilation in good and safe working order, which includes a dryer vent the landlord supplied. Ask in writing and keep a copy.
How much does duct cleaning cost for a McNair condo or townhome?
Condo and townhome duct cleaning typically runs $190 to $650, depending on the vent count and access. Dryer vent cleaning runs $135 to $360.
Can a renter book duct cleaning directly?
Yes, but the landlord usually pays only for work they approve. Ask the landlord or management office first, in writing, and describe what you see.