Whole-home duct cleaning
Dryer vent cleaning
Camera inspection
Sanitizing & deodorizingWhole-system duct and dryer vent check with before-and-after photos - you see exactly what came out of your vents
That "$99 whole-house special" is a bait ad - the real number appears once they are in your hallway, or the "clean" is a shop-vac at the register. We photograph the inside of your ducts before and after instead.
Styles & brands we work with
- Whole-home duct cleaning
- Dryer vent cleaning
- Camera inspection
- Sanitizing & deodorizing
See the difference
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterHow Much Does HVAC Cleaning Cost in North Charleston?
HVAC cleaning in North Charleston typically runs $350 to $800 for a standard home, with most single-system houses landing between $425 and $600. That covers air duct cleaning plus a full cleaning of the air handler, supply and return registers, and accessible system components. Bigger homes, heavy contamination, or added duct repair push the total toward $900 to $1,400 or more. The written estimate we provide after looking at your system sets the final price.
If you’re new to how this works, the short version is that “HVAC cleaning” covers two related jobs: cleaning the ducts that carry air, and cleaning the parts of the equipment that move it. Some companies do only the first. We do both, and we also repair ductwork that’s torn, crushed or disconnected. One call covers cleaning, repair, and dryer vent safety. Call (855) 683-7582 for a free estimate. We answer 24/7. Fast dispatch, 7am-7pm, Sunday through Friday.
Key Takeaways
- Most North Charleston homes pay $425-$600 for a full HVAC and duct cleaning.
- Dryer vent cleaning alone runs $125-$225.
- Duct repair is quoted separately, usually $150-$650 depending on what’s damaged.
- Heavy contamination, multiple systems, and older housing stock raise the price.
- The estimate is free, and it does not change once we’re on site unless you ask for additional work.
HVAC Cleaning Cost Breakdown (2026)
The table below shows typical estimated ranges for the North Charleston market in 2026. These are per-job estimates, not fixed prices. The written estimate is what you pay.
| Service | Typical Estimated Range | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Air duct cleaning – single system | $350 – $550 | Source removal of debris from all supply and return ducts, registers cleaned |
| Air duct cleaning – two systems | $550 – $800 | Same scope for homes with two air handlers |
| Air handler and blower cleaning | $125 – $225 | Cleaning the blower wheel, cabinet interior, and coil face |
| Heavy contamination / post-renovation | $650 – $1,100 | Drywall dust, construction debris, or visible buildup requiring extra passes |
| Duct repair (minor) | $150 – $350 | Reconnecting a joint, sealing a small tear, re-taping failed connections |
| Duct repair (major) | $350 – $650 | Replacing damaged flex runs or rigid sections |
| Dryer vent cleaning | $125 – $225 | Full-length vent cleaning plus lint trap area and exterior termination |
| Air quality system service (Honeywell, Aprilaire) | $95 – $200 | Filter or media cabinet cleaning and inspection |
What moves the total up or down? The three biggest factors are the number of systems in the house, how contaminated the ducts actually are, and whether anything is broken. A single-story home in a subdivision off Ashley Phosphate Road with one air handler and moderate dust is a very different job from a 1970s house near Park Circle with one crushed return trunk and thirty years of accumulation.
Two systems instead of one adds roughly 40 to 60 percent to the base price. Heavy contamination can add a few hundred dollars because the cleaning takes more passes with the rotary brush and HEPA extraction. Duct repair is the wildcard: a loose joint is a quick fix, while replacing a run of damaged flex duct takes real time and material.
We use Rotobrush rotary-brush cleaning systems to agitate and extract debris rather than simply blowing it around, and Nikro HEPA-filtered vacuum extraction to capture particulates at the source. For homes with mold concerns, post-renovation dust or allergy sensitivities, we also run Abatement Technologies air filtration units, the same category of equipment used in professional remediation. That equipment choice is part of why a properly done job costs what it does. You can read more about Sunstone Air Duct Cleaning and our scope before you call.
What Affects HVAC Cleaning Pricing in North Charleston
Every house is a little different, but these are the factors that move the number most in North Charleston.
- Home age and ductwork material. Older homes around Park Circle, Riverside and the neighborhoods near the old naval base often have a mix of rigid metal, flex duct and hand-built transitions. Mixed, aging ductwork takes longer to clean and is more likely to need repair. Newer construction usually runs uniform flex and cleans faster.
- Number of HVAC systems. Bigger homes and many two-story houses in North Charleston run two air handlers. Each one is cleaned separately, and each adds to the price.
- Contamination level. A home with recent renovations, visible drywall dust, or never-cleaned ducts costs more than a system that was cleaned a few years ago. Post-renovation jobs are the most common heavy-contamination call we get, and coastal South Carolina’s long humid season means dust that settles in a vent has often had time to bind with moisture and stick.
- Accessibility. Ducts in a tight crawlspace, equipment tucked in a Florida room addition, or returns built into a chase with limited openings all take longer and require more careful setup.
- Duct repair needs. Torn or disconnected flex duct, crushed runs under flooring, and failed mastic joints all leak. Cleaning dirty ducts that leak means the dirt comes back. We quote the repair in the same visit, so there’s no second trip and no second fee.
- Air quality system service. If your home already runs a Honeywell or Aprilaire media filter, filtration or humidifier, that equipment has its own service needs and we factor them into the estimate rather than leaving them for someone else.
One local note that affects scheduling and pricing: North Charleston’s humidity is real, and a system that’s been running hard through a long cooling season pulls a lot of moisture across the coil. Coil faces and blower cabinets can grow biological film if the drain isn’t moving properly. When we find that during a cleaning, we point it out. Sometimes it’s a cleaning job, sometimes it’s a repair, and we’ll tell you which and quote it openly.
How to Save on HVAC Cleaning
There’s no secret trick that drops the price of a proper cleaning. What you can do is avoid paying twice, and make sure the money you spend actually fixes the problem.
- Get the estimate in writing before anyone starts. A free estimate means free. We look at what’s actually there and tell you a number. That number is the price.
- Clean and repair in the same visit. If ductwork is damaged, doing the repair at the same time as the cleaning means one setup, one trip. It’s almost always less than coming back later.
- Combine duct cleaning with dryer vent cleaning. Both are cleaning jobs, and having them done together is more efficient than two separate appointments. Dryer vent cleaning also handles a real fire-safety concern, so it’s worth doing with the air system rather than skipping.
- Address leaks now rather than later. A small disconnected joint that costs a modest amount to reconnect today becomes a system that fills back up with dust and has to be cleaned again sooner. Clean ducts and repaired ducts stay clean much longer.
- Ask about a filter upgrade rather than a cleaning schedule. If you’re re-cleaning frequently because your return pulls dust, the filter setup may be the real problem. We work with Honeywell and Aprilaire media systems and can talk through whether your filtration matches the home.
- Don’t go cheap on the equipment. A low-bid job done with shop-vac-grade tools can stir debris loose and redistribute it into the living space. That’s a job you pay for twice. Our technicians work with Rotobrush and Nikro equipment and, where it’s called for, Abatement Technologies filtration units, so the debris leaves the system rather than the vents.
If you’re comparing quotes, the one thing worth checking is what’s actually included. Does the price cover the air handler and blower, or only the visible registers? Does it cover the returns, or only the supply side? A number that looks lower often just covers less of the system.
HVAC Cleaning Cost in North Charleston: What’s Included
A properly priced job includes source removal: the rotary brush and HEPA extraction run through every supply and return, the registers and grilles removed and cleaned, the air handler cabinet and blower wheel cleaned, and the coil face inspected. It does not include a chemical fogging or an “air sanitizer” added onto the bill. We don’t believe you need one, and we don’t sell one.
What it also doesn’t include, unless you ask: replacing the filters. That’s a homeowner part, and many homes in North Charleston use standard 1-inch filters that are easy to swap. If your system uses a Honeywell or Aprilaire media cabinet, we can explain what size media you need and how often it should change, but the media itself is something we install or quote separately depending on the system.
If you have allergies in the household, recent construction, or ductwork from before the 1990s that hasn’t been cleaned, that’s where a proper cleaning job pays for itself. The air inside your home is only as clean as the system moving it, and a system full of settled debris can’t deliver the filtration you’re already paying for.
Our technicians have up to 8 years of experience, and they’ve seen the full range of what North Charleston housing stock produces. Whether that’s a new build just past its 10-month punch list, a mid-century house with a return trunk that’s never been opened up, or a renovation project where the ducts took on drywall dust, the inspection tells the story.
If you want a full rundown of how we approach this area, see our North Charleston service coverage. It covers what we do, where, and how to get started.
Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace Ductwork?
Repair is almost always cheaper than replacement for a single damaged run. A disconnected or torn section typically costs $150 to $350 to fix. Replacing a full run of ductwork in most North Charleston homes starts around $350 and can reach $650 or more, depending on length and access. Whole-system duct replacement is a much larger number and is usually only justified when the ductwork is badly undersized or past saving.
If the issue is one crushed return or a section that’s separated at a joint, repair is the right call. We quote the repair before we do it, and we don’t replace what can be fixed. Call (855) 683-7582 for a free estimate.
Does HVAC Cleaning Cost Less for a Smaller Home?
Yes, usually. A single-story home of 1,000 to 1,400 square feet with one air handler and a straightforward duct layout typically runs $350 to $450. Homes in the 1,800 to 2,600 square foot range with moderate contamination land closer to $425 to $600. Larger homes with two systems commonly sit in the $550 to $800 range.
Square footage is a rough guide, though. A small house with heavy contamination costs more than a large house with clean ducts. The layout of the ducts and the condition of the system matter more than the number of rooms. Call (855) 683-7582 and we’ll talk through your specifics.
How Much Does Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost in North Charleston?
Dryer vent cleaning in North Charleston typically runs $125 to $225 for a standard residential vent run. Longer vents, vents with multiple elbows, or vents with heavy lint buildup at the top end of the range. It’s a completely separate job from HVAC cleaning and addresses a different safety concern: lint buildup in a dryer vent is a well-documented fire risk, and it’s one of the few home maintenance items that both protects the home and helps the dryer run better.
We include the full-length vent, the lint trap area and the exterior termination in the work. If you haven’t had the vent cleaned in years, the inspection tells us quickly whether it’s a routine job or something more involved. Call (855) 683-7582 for a free estimate.
FAQs – HVAC Cleaning Cost
How much does HVAC cleaning cost in North Charleston?
Most North Charleston homes pay $350 to $800 for a full HVAC and air duct cleaning, with a typical job around $425 to $600. Homes with two systems or heavy contamination can run $650 to $1,100. The written estimate, given after an on-site inspection, sets the final price. Call (855) 683-7582 – estimates are free.
Does cleaning the air ducts really lower my energy bill?
It can, but the effect depends on how dirty the system is. A system with a heavily clogged blower wheel or a thick layer of dust on the coil face must work harder to move the same air. Removing that buildup can restore airflow. We won’t quote a savings percentage, because every system is different, and a cleaning isn’t an energy upgrade. What it does reliably is put the system back closer to how it was designed to run.
Can HVAC cleaning fix allergy symptoms in my home?
It can help by removing the debris and buildup that recirculates into the living space. It is not a medical fix and won’t replace filtration or source control. For homes where allergies are a real concern, we often suggest looking at the filtration setup at the same time. Honeywell and Aprilaire media systems hold more than a 1-inch filter and may be a better fit for the household. Call (855) 683-7582 to talk through what makes sense.
How often should I have my ducts cleaned in North Charleston?
Every 3 to 5 years is a reasonable interval for most homes. Homes with pets, recent renovations, or family members with respiratory concerns often benefit from a shorter interval. Homes with new ductwork and a well-maintained filter can wait longer. If you’ve never had them cleaned and don’t know the history, an inspection is the right first step. Estimates are free.
Can you come today?
Often, yes. We answer 24/7, and fast dispatch runs 7am-7pm, Sunday through Friday (we are closed Saturday). A call outside dispatch hours is booked into the next opening. Call (855) 683-7582 to check availability for today.
Is HVAC cleaning worth the cost?
For a home with visible dust blowback, recent renovation debris, or a system that’s never been cleaned, yes. The job removes what’s already in the system and gives you an honest picture of its condition, including any duct repair that’s needed to keep it clean. For a system cleaned recently and running well, the answer is often to wait. We’ll tell you which one you’re in.
What Happens When You Call
You call (855) 683-7582. We answer 24/7. Fast dispatch, 7am-7pm, Sunday through Friday. We schedule a time, come out, and look at the actual system before quoting. That on-site look is free and it’s the whole point: a real number for your house, not a phone-book range.
From there, the estimate covers cleaning, any duct repair we find, and dryer vent service if you want it done at the same time. You decide what to approve. We do the work, and we leave the system clean, the ducts sealed where they need to be, and the whole thing explained in plain terms.
The air inside your home is only as clean as the system moving it. Built for homes that take air quality seriously, and priced honestly so you know what you’re paying for before anyone starts. Call (855) 683-7582 today for a free estimate.
Written by the team at Sunstone Air Duct Cleaning.
Pricing reflects the North Charleston market as of 2026. Sunstone Air Duct Cleaning offers free estimates – call (855) 683-7582.
What Our Customers Say
"My wife's allergies had been bad in this house since we moved in. It's been two months since they did the ducts and it's noticeably better. Not a miracle, but real."
- Devon Jackson"Quoted per system rather than the bait and switch per vent pricing everybody else in town uses. The number I was told on the phone was the number on the invoice."
- Paul Lawson"Told me straight that our ducts were in decent shape and didn't need doing every year like the mailer companies claim."
- Neil Thompson