Air Duct Cleaning in Howard County
Why Howard County Homeowners Trust Air Duct Pros
Air Duct Pros provides professional air duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning services throughout Howard County, Maryland. We proudly serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Clarksville, Highland, and surrounding communities. As a local, family-owned company since 2006, we understand the specific air quality challenges in Howard County homes — from older neighborhoods to newer developments.
Fast response times across Howard County
Same-day and next-day appointments available
Thorough cleaning that removes years of dust, allergens, and debris
Transparent flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
Fully insured
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services.
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Before and After pictures of our air duct cleaning services
Comparison of a dirty, dusty hvac duct o
Comparison of a dirty air duct before and after cleaning
Side-by-side comparison of air ducts, showing a dirty, dusty duct on the left labeled "Before" and a clean, clear duct on the right labeled "After."
Before and after images of a clean and dirty hvac duct
Before and after images of a clean and dirty hvac duct
Side-by-side comparison of the inside of a dark, rough-textured, beige-colored tunnel on the left and a smooth, light gray tunnel on the right, both extending into darkness.
Before and after images of a clean and dirty hvac duct
Before and after images of a clean and dirty hvac duct
Four images showing dirty, used HVAC filters and a dirty vent grille in a basement or garage area.
Before and after images of a clean and dirty hvac duct
Before and after images of a clean and dirty hvac duct
Before and after images of a clean and dirty hvac duct
Before and after images of a clean and dirty hvac duct
Before and after images of a clean and dirty hvac duct
Before and after images of a clean and dirty hvac duct
Before and after professional air duct cleaning - dirty vs clean air ducts
Before and after professional air duct cleaning - dirty vs clean air ducts
How do I know if my duct work needs cleaning?
Our Process
-
![Close-up of an iPhone displaying various app icons, partially resting on a laptop keyboard.]()
Step 1
Arrival times
We will call or text you on the day of service, when the technicians are on their way, whichever you prefer.
-
![A white utility van parked on a suburban street with two orange flexible duct hoses extending from the back of the van, one orange and one light green. Several cars are parked on the street, and brick houses with porches are visible in the background under an overcast sky.]()
Step 2
Team Arrives
The the Owner Operator, Duane Loverde and his helper(s) arrive at your home and they will need space in your driveway or parking in front or behind home.
-
![A man in a red cap and dark t-shirt is operating a blower inside a van equipped for cleaning. The van's rear doors are open, revealing cleaning equipment including flexible hoses and a red container, with a metal ramp extended to the driveway.]()
Step 3
Set up
Equipment is unloaded and then a walk-through will be done with the home owner to assess the layout, describe the work to be done, and answer any questions that arise
-
![Close-up of a digital thermostat on a white wall displaying a temperature of 63 degrees with a blue circular interface.]()
Step 4
Unit Checked
We turn on the heating or cooling equipment, according to the season, to verify that it is operational prior to cleaning. The system stays off while the cleaning is performed. Description goes here
-
![A close-up photo of a stainless steel air vent with horizontal slats, partially covering a beige locker or cabinet with a round knob. The background includes part of a white pipe and a small section of a brick wall.]()
Step 5
Unit Zoned
The unit is turned off and furnace filter is removed, a piece of hard insulation is installed separate the supply and return sides of the system.
-
![A large orange flexible ventilation duct runs along the floor of a room, passing behind a wall partition with a yellow base, on a dark reddish-brown wood floor.]()
Step 6
Hoses Laid Out
Hoses are laid out from the Nikro #HP20 into the house and over to the furnace/heat pump area, the Nikro #HP20 it is more mobile than traditional truck and trailer mounted units and offers near truck mount performance I.
-
![Insulation and ductwork in an attic space with reflective insulation and exposed wood roof supports.]()
STEP 7
Access Openings Created.
Technician creates an 8” circular access opening in both the supply main and the return main. These are the openings to which the Nikro HP 20 hose will be attached during cleaning. (Note that your HVAC system includes a supply side and a return side.
-
![A room with a wooden floor and a wall with a rectangular hole cut into it. Below the hole is a white floor vent cover removed from the opening. There is a cordless drill, a utility knife, and some wiring on a piece of protective paper on the floor, indicating ongoing construction or repair work.]()
STEP 8
Suction Preparation
Technician closes or seals all vents to create a suction throughout the ductwork during the cleaning (Homeowner in responsible for showing techs the location of all vent openings and trunk lines in the home)
-
![A view of a plumbing or HVAC installation showing a large white pipe with purple tape, a flexible orange pipe with black stripes, and various other pipes and wires on a wooden ceiling or wall.]()
Step 9
Hose Attached
Nikro #HP20 hose is attached to either the supply main or the return main. The two sides of your system are cleaned separately. (If there is no clear access to the main trunk lines then the hose is attached via our pogo pole, to a vent opening.)
-
![A portable industrial blower with a red body, black engine, and wheels, connected to a flexible orange hose, situated outdoors near a house with white siding, a vent on the wall, and an air conditioning unit.]()
Step 10
Machine Started
The Nikro #HP20 is started and engaged to create a strong negative pressure suction throughout your air duct system. The suction continues during the entire cleaning process. duct cleaning
-
![Person cleaning or inspecting an air vent on the ceiling with a tool, standing near windows with blinds, indoors.]()
Step 11
Wall and Ceiling Vents Agitated
Technicians go to each supply ceiling and supply wall vent ducts in your home and use compressed air tools or brush augers to agitate dust and debris toward the Nikro #HP20 machine (when compressed air is used the register/vent covers are usually not removed).
-
![Person installing a floor vent using a cordless drill in a room with hardwood flooring and new electrical outlets.]()
Step 12
Floor Vents Agitated
Technicians go to each supply floor vent ducts in your home and use compressed air tools or brush augers to agitate dust and debris toward the Nikro #HP20 machine (when compressed air is used the register/vent covers are usually not removed).
-
![A man with tattoos on his right arm, dressed in black, is reaching up and working on a ceiling vent using a tool connected to a red hose. Another person is partially visible in the lower left corner, looking up at him.]()
STEP 13
Return Vents Agitated.
Technicians go to each return vents duct in your home and use compressed air tools or brush augers to agitate dust and debris toward the Nikro #HP 20 machine (when compressed air is used the register/vent covers are usually not removed).
-
![Person in black shirt and cap using a tool in an attic with exposed wooden beams and ventilation duct, insulating or sealing with reflective foil insulation.]()
STEP 14
In the trunk lines the technicians use the existing 8" circular access openings and uses compressed air tools or brush augers to agitate dust and debris toward the Nikro #HP 20 machine
-
![A person installing or repairing electrical wiring in a ceiling or wall cavity, with tools and safety equipment.]()
STEP 15
Small Access Openings
If needed, in the trunk lines the technicians uses cutting tools to create smaller access openings in the main trunk lines and uses compressed air tools to agitate dust and debris toward the Nikro #HP 20 machine
-
![Close-up view of a metallic HVAC or electrical component with duct tape covering a joint, placed on a concrete floor.]()
STEP 16
Acess Panels
8" circular access openings are sealed with sheet metal plates secured by screws and aluminum tape to return ducts to a like-new condition, if required one-inch access openings are sealed with pop-in plugs
-
![View of a HVAC unit with exposed internal components, partially obscured by a large, rough granite slab on the floor, with a cardboard box nearby.]()
STEP 17
Filter reinstalled. The filter is reinstalled and if the customer has a clean replacement filter the technician installs it.
-
![Smart thermostat on a white wall displaying a temperature of 63 degrees Fahrenheit and the message 'Heat Set To 63' in blue light.]()
STEP 18
Unit turned back on
We turn on the heating or cooling equipment back on according to the season, to verify that it is operational after cleaning.
-
![A section of a house exterior showing beige and yellow siding, a white downspout, and a window with a black object partially visible, possibly part of a ladder or equipment.]()
STEP 19
Dryer vent cleaning can be added on the day of service for an additional $80 or $180 if done alone. Includes cleaning from where the vent exhausts outside to where it connects to the back of the dryer. (Vents requiring ladders over 15 ft, roof vents, or vents located under low decks cannot be serviced.)
-
![A person using a vacuum hose to clear a clogged drain in the bathroom floor, with a floor drain and vent cover visible nearby.]()
STEP 20
EnviroCon can be added on the day of service for an additional $80 per system. EnviroCon is a Bacteriostat, Fungistat and Deodorizer.
-
![View inside a metal oven or kiln showing a hollow, rectangular cavity with a rough, unfinished interior surface on the left side and cleaner, smooth metallic walls on the right side.]()
STEP 21
Before and after photos. Your technician will show you photos of the inside of the ducts for you to see before and after for your service
-
![A person wearing a plaid shirt is inserting a credit card into a point-of-sale terminal on an orange tabletop. There is a potted plant on the right and a camera lens on the left.]()
STEP 22
Finalize. All equipment and supplies are removed from the jobsite and stowed on the truck, technician conducts a final walk-through, requests customer sign off and payment, and departs. Payment is due when the job is complete
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Air duct cleaning is the process of removing contaminants such as dust, dirt, and debris from the ductwork of a heating or cooling system. “Source Removal” is recognized as the method as the only acceptable method to properly clean and decontaminate air duct systems. Although duct cleaning is a fairly routine process, it does involve knowledge of the duct system and it’s various components. Conventional air duct systems consist of a supply and a return. The supply ducts of an HVAC system supplies heated or cooled air from the air handler to a main “trunk” line. The main trunk line carries the air to smaller “branch” lines which then distributes the air to various locations throughout the home.
-
Our pricing is as follows: $369 for Residential Air Duct Cleaning, includes Unlimited Supply Vents Ducts, Unlimited Return Vent Ducts, Main Return Lines, Main Supply Lines. All service openings and closings for a one system home. Additional systems are priced at $269 and dryer vent cleaning is $80 more when added on the same day.
-
How many systems do you have in the home (a system for us is considered a furnace or heat pump and can normally be told by the number of thermostats or condensers outside.)
-
Recommended every 3–5 years, or sooner if:
You’ve had recent renovations
You see visible dust blowing from vents
Someone in the home has asthma/allergies
There’s been a pest infestation
-
Cleaning your home's HVAC ducts can significantly improve your indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and even help prevent health issues. Here's why it’s important:
1. Remove Allergens & Dust Over time, ducts accumulate dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. These can circulate through your home, triggering allergies or respiratory issues.
2. Improve Airflow & Efficiency Dirty ducts restrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder. Cleaning them can reduce energy bills and prolong the system’s lifespan.
3. Reduce Odors Musty smells, smoke, or mildew odors often come from debris in ducts. Cleaning helps freshen your entire home.
4. Prevent Mold & Pests Moisture in ducts can cause mold growth. Rodents or insects may also nest there. Duct cleaning removes these risks.
-
If you don’t remember ever having your ductwork cleaned or if you haven’t within the past five years, it’s probably time. If your ductwork has been cleaned in the past, you will typically find access panels installed on the supply and return main lines near the furnace.
Have you noticed dust coming out from an air duct every time you turn on your home's HVAC system?
Have you seen dust or pet hair trapped in a vent?
Is there dust coating the grill on the return air registers? Open one of your vent covers and look inside. See if it contains any dirt, debris, or dust.
Pull out the air filter. If the air filter is clogged with dust, then air flow is being choked off. This lets more dust settle and build up in the return ductwork.
-
Absolutely not. All of our gas powered equipment is located outside, so the dirt is pulled to the machine outside and out of your home. Our procedures are designed to protect your home and furnishings from dust/dirt and we always leave the home cleaner then when we arrived.
-
We ask for 1- 2 hours per system in your home, so that we can ensure that our expert technicians have provided the best air duct cleaning service
-
Yes. Our machines are located outside and this prevents any debris in your air system from entering the home environment, so you can be home while the work is performed
-
Absolutely not. While our equipment is designed to be aggressive at removing debris from your air system, it is also gentle enough so that it does not damage your air ducts. The method is negative air cleaning or the "push-pull method". This method of air duct cleaning involves putting the air system under negative pressure, disturbing the debris inside the ducts and collecting it in one place.
-
In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all homes through regular use, there are several other factors that can increase the need for air duct cleaning:
-You Just Remodeled Your Home
-You Want to Improve the Efficiency of Your HVAC System
-You Have Pets
-You Have an Older Home
-You have Occupants with allergies or asthma
-You have a Cigarette or cigar smoker in the home
-
Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system takes air in and breathes air out. Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a lot of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the ductwork. While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, they may contribute to larger health issues or harbor contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders, or allergies.
-
Inspect YOUR AIR DUCTS
You can tell if your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system needs cleaning by one of two ways. First, with a screw driver, remove a floor or wall register. Then,
Use a small mirror and flashlight
-or
Use a digital camera to take a picture inside the duct.
If there is visible dust, dirt or debris, you should have your ducts cleaned.
-
The entire HVAC ductwork system should be cleaned. Failure to clean all the ductwork can result in re-contamination, thus minimizing the benefits of cleaning.
Just as you wouldn’t only clean half of your living room floor,
you also would not want to clean only part of your HVAC ductwork.
-all return vent ducts
- all supply vent ducts
-all main trunk lines
-
Research by the U.S. EPA has demonstrated that HVAC system cleaning may allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less likely to break down, have a longer life span, and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems.ption
-
All air duct cleaning services should follow the "source removal method”. This method requires that the entire HVAC system be put under negative pressure while a technician loosens all contaminants in each vent. The contaminants are removed via negative pressure through a closed system, ensuring no dirt gets into your home. View our Air Duct Cleaning Process
-
Sanitizer is not always recommended for application in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
We use EnviroCon which is Specific to the HVAC industry, and is highly effective in eliminating odor-causing microorganisms as well as those associated with mold, mildew and bacterial growth.
-
We do not remove or clean the blower fan and coils as a part of
our process. To clean the blower fan correctly it needs to be removed and cleaned and then reinstalled, this requires a HVAC license, (if anyone states they are cleaning your blower fan, please make sure they are removing it and that they have a license.
