Duct cleaning services cost between $53.61 and $89.35 per hour in Los Angeles, with most homeowners paying around $71.48 per hour for professional service. For a typical LA home, you’re looking at $300-$800 total, depending on your home’s size and duct complexity.
As someone who’s been cleaning ducts across Los Angeles for over a decade, I’ve seen how our unique climate and housing stock affect both pricing and service needs. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about duct cleaning costs in our city, from Beverly Hills mansions to Koreatown condos.
Understanding Duct Cleaning Service Cost Breakdown
The hourly rates you pay include much more than just labor. Here’s why you’re paying $53-$89 per hour when the base wage for duct cleaning technicians is $35.74 per hour according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data:
Your rate covers business overhead including specialized equipment (truck-mounted vacuums cost $15,000-$40,000), commercial insurance, state contractor licensing fees, vehicle maintenance, and administrative costs. Companies also need to factor in profit margins to stay in business and continue serving LA homeowners reliably.
| Service Component | Cost Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Cleaning | $300-$500 | Main ducts, returns, registers |
| Deep Clean + Sanitizing | $500-$800 | Full system, antimicrobial treatment |
| Dryer Vent Add-on | $100-$150 | Complete dryer vent cleaning |
| Camera Inspection | $150-$250 | Video documentation of duct condition |
Most jobs take 3-6 hours depending on your home’s size and duct accessibility. Homes in older neighborhoods like Silver Lake or Los Feliz often take longer due to original ductwork configurations.
Local Permits and Los Angeles Regulations
Good news for LA homeowners - duct cleaning typically doesn’t require permits since it’s maintenance, not modification. However, there are important local considerations:
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regulates air quality services in LA County. Legitimate companies must comply with their standards for disposing of debris and using approved cleaning agents. Always verify your contractor follows SCAQMD guidelines.
If your duct cleaning reveals mold or asbestos (common in pre-1980s homes), remediation work may require permits and specialized contractors. Budget an additional $500-$2,000+ if these issues are discovered.
Common LA-Specific Duct Problems
Living in Los Angeles presents unique challenges for your HVAC system that affect cleaning costs:
Wildfire Smoke and Ash: Our annual fire season deposits fine particles deep in ductwork. Homes in foothill areas like Glendale or areas affected by recent fires need more intensive cleaning, often pushing costs toward the higher end of the range.
Construction Dust: LA’s constant development means construction dust infiltration is common. New builds or homes near construction sites accumulate debris faster, requiring more frequent service.
Desert Winds and Santa Anas: These dry winds push fine sand and debris into systems. Combined with our semi-arid climate and minimal rainfall, dust buildup happens faster than in more humid climates.
Cost of Getting Air Ducts Cleaned: Hidden Fees to Watch For
Here are the surprise costs I see homeowners encounter most often:
Access Issues: Many LA homes have ducts in tight crawl spaces or converted attics. If technicians can’t easily reach all ductwork, expect $100-$200 in additional labor charges.
Multiple Systems: Homes with separate HVAC zones (common in larger properties) cost more. Each system typically adds $150-$300 to your total.
Duct Repairs: Older homes often have damaged or disconnected ducts. Basic repairs run $50-$150 per connection, but extensive damage could mean $500+ in additional work.
“Upselling” Red Flags: Be wary of companies offering $99 specials then finding “urgent” problems requiring $1,000+ in additional services. Legitimate issues exist, but get second opinions on expensive add-ons.
| Hidden Cost Category | Typical Range | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Difficult Access | $100-$200 | Tight spaces, high ducts |
| Multiple Systems | $150-$300/system | Zoned HVAC, multiple units |
| Basic Duct Repairs | $50-$150/repair | Loose connections, small holes |
| Mold Treatment | $300-$800 | Visible growth, moisture issues |
Emergency vs Scheduled Service Pricing
Scheduled Service: Book 1-2 weeks ahead and you’ll pay standard rates ($53-$89/hour). This is your most cost-effective option.
Same-Week Service: Add 15-25% to base rates. During peak seasons (spring and fall), availability is limited.
Emergency Service: True emergencies are rare with duct cleaning, but if you need immediate service due to health concerns or major contamination, expect to pay 50-75% above standard rates, plus potential weekend/evening fees of $100-$200.
Plan ahead when possible. Most duct cleaning isn’t urgent unless you’re dealing with active mold growth or severe contamination affecting your family’s health.
Cost For Duct Cleaning: Quality Indicators and Warning Signs
Good Value Indicators:
- Detailed written estimates breaking down all costs
- NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) certification
- Proper equipment (truck-mounted vacuum systems)
- Before/after photos or video inspection options
- Clear explanation of their process
Warning Signs to Avoid:
- Door-to-door sales or unsolicited calls
- Prices significantly below $300 for whole-home service
- Pressure to decide immediately
- Claims that dirty ducts are making you sick (without proper assessment)
- Requests for full payment upfront
I’ve seen too many LA homeowners burned by fly-by-night operations. Legitimate companies will gladly provide references, insurance certificates, and licensing information.
Best Timing and Seasonal Considerations
Optimal Timing: Schedule duct cleaning during shoulder seasons (February-March or October-November) when demand is lower and you’ll get better pricing and availability.
Avoid Peak Times:
- Post-wildfire periods (expect 25-40% price increases)
- Right before holidays when everyone wants clean air for gatherings
- During HVAC installation season (spring/early summer)
Ideal Frequency: Most LA homes benefit from cleaning every 3-5 years. Homes near freeways, construction, or in fire-prone areas may need service every 2-3 years.
Consider bundling with other services like electrician services if you’re doing home maintenance, or coordinate with general contractor services during renovations to address any ductwork access issues.
Working With Local Contractors
LA’s size means service quality varies significantly by area and company. Here’s what I recommend:
Get 3-4 quotes for comparison, but don’t automatically choose the lowest bid. The best value often falls in the middle range - high enough to ensure quality equipment and proper training, but not inflated by unnecessary overhead.
Ask specifically about their experience with your type of home. Craftsman homes in areas like Hancock Park have different ductwork than modern builds in downtown high-rises.
Verify they’re familiar with local building codes and have experience working in your neighborhood’s typical home configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does duct cleaning cost in Los Angeles?
Duct cleaning in Los Angeles typically costs $300-$800 for a complete home service, with hourly rates ranging from $53.61 to $89.35. The total depends on your home’s size, duct accessibility, and system complexity. Smaller condos might cost $300-$450, while larger homes with multiple HVAC systems can reach $800-$1,200. Additional services like dryer vent cleaning ($100-$150) or antimicrobial treatments ($150-$300) increase the total cost.
What factors affect duct cleaning prices?
Several key factors influence your final cost in LA: home size and duct system complexity, accessibility of ductwork, level of contamination, additional services requested, and timing of service. Homes built before 1980 often cost more due to asbestos concerns and older duct configurations. Properties in fire-prone areas or near construction typically need more intensive cleaning. Emergency or peak-season service carries premium pricing of 25-50% above standard rates.
Is duct cleaning worth the cost in Los Angeles?
For most LA homes, duct cleaning every 3-5 years provides good value, especially given our unique challenges like wildfire smoke, construction dust, and Santa Ana winds. However, it’s not a magical cure-all for indoor air quality issues. Focus on legitimate benefits: removing accumulated debris, improving airflow efficiency, and eliminating musty odors. If you’re dealing with allergies or respiratory issues, consult with medical professionals rather than relying solely on duct cleaning claims.
How can I reduce duct cleaning costs?
Schedule service during off-peak times (February-March or October-November) to avoid seasonal price increases. Bundle with other maintenance services for potential discounts. Maintain good access to your ductwork - clear pathways and ensure attic/crawl space accessibility. Replace HVAC filters regularly to reduce contamination buildup. Get multiple quotes but avoid unusually low bids that often lead to surprise charges. Consider septic service services or other home maintenance at the same time to maximize contractor efficiency.
Understanding duct cleaning services cost in Los Angeles helps you make informed decisions about this important home maintenance service. With typical costs ranging from $53-$89 per hour and total jobs running $300-$800, proper planning and contractor selection ensure you get quality service at fair prices in our unique LA market.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.