Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning

Clean air ducts and dryer vents for homes and buildings improving air quality and reducing fire hazards with specialized equipment

Startup Cost
$10,000-$40,000
Difficulty
Intermediate
Time to Profit
3-6 months
Profit Potential
$6,000-$25,000/month

Overview

Air duct and dryer vent cleaning services clean HVAC ductwork and dryer vents removing dust, debris, and lint buildup - improving indoor air quality and reducing fire hazards.

You use specialized vacuum and rotary brush systems accessing ductwork and vents.

Whole-house duct cleaning ranges from $400-$1,500 while dryer vent cleaning costs $100-$250.

Completing 40-100 jobs monthly generates $80,000-$300,000 annually with 60-80% margins.

Target clients include homeowners (especially allergy sufferers), property managers and landlords, real estate transactions requiring duct cleaning, new home buyers, HVAC contractors for post-installation, and commercial buildings.

Services include air duct cleaning and sanitizing, dryer vent cleaning, return air and supply vent cleaning, HVAC coil cleaning, air quality testing, and mold remediation (if licensed).

Success requires duct cleaning truck or portable equipment, understanding of HVAC systems, camera inspection equipment demonstrating need, NADCA certification for credibility, marketing emphasizing health and safety benefits, and potentially partnering with HVAC contractors.

Many duct cleaning services use video inspection to show customers duct condition before/after, bundle dryer vent cleaning with duct cleaning, market to allergy sufferers and families with kids, work with HVAC companies for referrals, potentially offer mold testing/remediation, and focus on education over scare tactics for ethical marketing.

Required Skills

  • Duct Cleaning
  • HVAC Systems
  • Equipment Operation
  • Customer Service
  • Safety

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Health and safety service with clear value
  • High profit margins
  • Can bundle duct and dryer vent services
  • Growing awareness of indoor air quality
  • Partner with HVAC contractors for referrals

Cons

  • Significant equipment investment
  • Industry has reputation issues (scams)
  • Working in attics and crawlspaces
  • Educating customers on legitimate need
  • Seasonal demand fluctuations

How to Get Started

  1. Research duct cleaning industry and ethical practices
  2. Invest in duct cleaning equipment
  3. Consider NADCA certification
  4. Learn HVAC system basics
  5. Get video inspection equipment
  6. Market air quality and safety benefits
  7. Build relationships with HVAC contractors

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