Short answer: These are two of the best reasons to have your ducts cleaned. Drywall dust and sawdust from a renovation get pulled into the system and blow back out for months. When you move in, the previous owners’ dust, pet hair and debris are still in the ducts. Book the cleaning after the dusty work is done and before you settle in.
Why renovations fill up ducts
Sanding drywall and cutting wood put fine dust in the air, and the return vents pull it into the system. Drywall dust is fine and heavy, and it collects in the return lines and trunk lines. If the system ran during the work, there’s usually a lot of it.
How to protect your ducts during a renovation
- Turn the system off during sanding and demolition when you can.
- Cover the registers and returns in the work area with plastic and tape.
- Change the furnace filter when the work is done.
- Book the duct cleaning after the dusty work is finished, not halfway through.
Why clean the ducts when you move in
You don’t know when the ducts were last cleaned, if ever. Pet hair and dander from past owners, smoke residue and years of dust can all still be in the system. It’s easiest to do before your furniture is in, and it’s a common request from our customers who’ve just bought a home.
Also worth doing when you move in
- Dryer vent cleaning. A clogged dryer vent is a fire risk, and you don’t know its history either.
- Mini split cleaning, if the home has ductless heads.
- A move-in house cleaning before you unpack.
What our cleaning covers
We use a powerful HEPA-filtered vacuum and air-powered agitation tools to pull dust and debris out of your supply lines, return lines and main trunk lines, and we clean the registers and grille covers. The dust ends up in our equipment, not your home, and our crew wears boot covers inside. Most air duct cleaning jobs we do run about $1,500 to $2,500, priced from your home’s size, how many furnaces or systems you have, and how many supply and return vents there are.
Frequently asked questions
Should I clean my air ducts after a renovation?
Yes, if dust from the work got into the system. Book it once the dusty work is done.
Should I clean the air ducts when I buy a house?
It’s a good idea if you don’t know when they were last cleaned, especially if the previous owners had pets or smoked.
Can drywall dust damage my HVAC system?
Fine drywall dust can clog filters and build up in the system. Turn the system off and cover the vents during sanding, and change the filter afterward.
Can you clean the dryer vent at the same visit?
Yes. It’s priced separately, but we can do both in one trip.
Related guides
- Is air duct cleaning worth it?
- Signs your ducts need cleaning
- How often to clean air ducts
- How much air duct cleaning costs in Vermont
- How to choose an air duct cleaner
- Why is my house so dusty?
- How long duct cleaning takes
- Dryer vent cleaning
Sources
Start fresh in your home
Mansfield Services cleans air ducts across Chittenden, Lamoille and Franklin counties. Book online in a couple of minutes, or call or text (802) 777-3210.
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