To give you a basic idea, residential air duct cleaning in Houston, TX, starts at around $775 and increases to about $1,000 per unit in the home. This price includes a thorough cleanse of the entire air handler and duct system from top to bottom.

Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. This is because much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space.

Whether air duct cleaning is worth the cost depends on your specific situation. If you're noticing signs that your air quality could be better, or it's been a long time since the last cleaning, it might be a wise investment. Remember, keeping your air ducts clean is part of maintaining a healthy, efficient home.

Just like any other HVAC system, air ducts require regular maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency. As a general rule of thumb, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends air duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years. With certain methods, that cleaning recommendation can be extended to 6 to 8 years.