If you’ve ever seen an ad for $99 whole-house air duct cleaning, you might have thought, “Wow, that’s a great deal!” And we get it. Who doesn’t love saving money on home maintenance?
But here’s the thing: that price is almost always too good to be true. In many cases, these offers are more about getting a foot in the door than delivering real value. Below, we’ll explain how these deals work, why they should raise red flags, and how to make sure you’re getting a service that’s actually worth your money.
The True Cost of Air Duct Cleaning
According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), the minimum price to properly clean an entire residential HVAC system is $450, depending on factors like system size, layout, contamination level, and accessibility.
This cost accounts for:
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Time spent cleaning all supply and return ducts
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Thorough cleaning of the main trunk lines
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Professional-grade equipment like negative air machines and HEPA vacuums
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Certified technicians with the training to do the job safely and effectively
So when you see a flat-rate price of $99 (or even $49), it’s worth asking: what are they actually cleaning?
What’s Behind the $99 Price Tag?
In most cases, that low price is part of a bait-and-switch tactic. The company advertises a low fee to get into your home, then tells you your system has mold, heavy contamination, or other issues that require costly add-ons.
This is often where the upselling begins. Before you know it, that $99 service turns into a $500+ bill. Worse, some companies will only clean a handful of vents or do surface-level vacuuming, leaving the rest of your system untouched.
The NADCA has issued warnings about these scams, stating that companies offering extremely low prices “typically do not perform actual HVAC system cleaning.”
Why Proper Air Duct Cleaning Takes Time and Equipment
Real air duct cleaning is more than just sticking a vacuum hose in your vent. A full-service job includes:
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Cleaning all supply and return ducts
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Removing and sanitizing vent covers
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Using agitation tools to dislodge stuck debris
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Running a negative air machine to pull particles out of the system
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Cleaning the furnace blower, plenum, and air handler components
This process takes 4+ hours, uses specialized tools, and requires a trained technician who understands how to handle different types of systems safely.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not every cheap service is a scam - but many are. Here are a few signs to be cautious of:
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Unsolicited calls or flyers with aggressive promotions
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“One-day only” pricing with high-pressure sales tactics
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Lack of certification or unclear company history
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Vague service descriptions (no mention of negative air or full-system cleaning)
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Online reviews mentioning unexpected upsells or poor results
Always ask what’s included in the quoted price. Get it in writing.
At Mile High Ducts, We Believe in Transparent & Honest Pricing
We understand that homeowners are tired of gimmicks, upsells, and vague estimates. So are we. That’s why at Mile High Ducts, we take a different approach.
When we give you a quote, that’s the price you’ll pay. No bait-and-switch tactics. No hidden fees. No surprise charges once we’re in your home. We take the time to assess your system, explain your options clearly, and match you with the service that fits your home’s needs—not what makes us the most money.
We’re a local, family-owned business that built its reputation on trust, professionalism, and delivering the kind of service we’d want in our own homes. Whether you choose our Basic Clean or our full-service Negative Air Deep Clean, you’ll get a thorough job, certified technicians, and complete transparency every step of the way.
The Bottom Line: If It Sounds Too Good to Be True...
It probably is. A $99 price tag might seem like a bargain, but it’s often just the start of a frustrating, overpriced experience. Or worse, a poor-quality cleaning that doesn’t do much at all.
If you want your ducts cleaned the right way - with care, professionalism, and real results - choose a company that stands by its pricing and its work.
Want a free, honest estimate from a certified pro? Request an estimate from Mile High Ducts and we’ll walk you through exactly what your system needs. No pressure or surprises.