Whole-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.
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Before
AfterTrusted Air Duct Cleaning for Houston Homeowners
Air duct cleaning in Houston typically costs $350-$750 for a complete residential system, with most single-family homes in neighborhoods like The Heights, Meyerland, and Sugar Land falling in the $450-$600 range. CleanRun Duct Repair & Cleaning has documented the inside of every duct run in 52,000+ homes since 2013, and we photograph each one before and after so you can verify what was actually removed. Call (346) 251-8919 for a written price before any work starts - Haven Standard Clause 1.
Houston’s Gulf Coast climate creates conditions you won’t find in drier markets. Our crews regularly pull out debris that has been baking in 95-degree attic plenums - the main distribution box connected to your HVAC unit - for months, turning ordinary dust into compacted, odorous buildup. The high humidity also means mold-friendly conditions in older ductwork, especially in pier-and-beam homes common in Montrose and the East End where crawl space moisture migrates upward. We’ve serviced homes from 1920s bungalows in the Heights to new construction in Bridgeland, and the duct conditions we document vary dramatically based on age, insulation, and whether the original installer sealed the joints properly.
Tomas Reyes established CleanRun in 2013 after watching too many homeowners pay for “cleaning” that consisted of a shop vac at the register - the visible grille where air enters your room - with no entry into the actual duct runs. Our approach is different. Every job starts with a written price. Every duct run is photographed. Every technician is background-checked, uniformed, and identified by name before arrival under Haven Standard Clause 3: Verified Crews. The 365-Day Done Right Promise is backed in writing, not mentioned in passing and forgotten.
What Our Air Duct Cleaning Service Includes
Residential Duct Cleaning
Residential Duct Cleaning covers the complete network of supply and return ducts, registers, and the plenum in a single-family home, townhome, or condo. In Houston, we see the heaviest buildup in return ducts - the pathways that pull air back to your HVAC unit - because they act as the home’s primary air intake, collecting pet hair, cooking grease, and construction debris from decades prior. CleanRun uses negative-pressure extraction, which means a powerful vacuum attached to your main trunk line pulls dislodged debris out while brushes scrub the interior walls, rather than simply blowing dust around. Our residential jobs include the Documented Photo Record of every accessible duct run, delivered as part of your standard job record.
Commercial Duct Cleaning
Commercial Duct Cleaning addresses the larger-scale HVAC systems found in office buildings, retail spaces, medical clinics, and multi-tenant properties throughout Houston’s Energy Corridor, Galleria, and Downtown districts. These systems often feature rooftop units with longer duct runs and more complex zoning, meaning debris can accumulate in branches that serve specific floors or departments. CleanRun’s commercial crews work with Rotobrush and Nikro equipment sized for 10-inch and larger ductwork, and we schedule around your operating hours to minimize disruption. Every commercial job receives the same written price guarantee and photo documentation, with additional attention to fire code compliance and indoor air quality standards relevant to your industry.
Supply Duct Cleaning
Supply duct cleaning targets the pathways that deliver conditioned air from your HVAC unit to each room - the ducts you feel when the AC kicks on in a Houston August. These runs often show the most visible debris at the register, but the real buildup typically sits at the first elbow or joint where airflow changes direction and particles settle. CleanRun’s technicians use flexible-shaft brushes and compressed air whips to navigate the bends common in Houston’s slab-on-grade homes, where ducts are often buried in concrete with limited access points. We photograph the interior before and after at every access point we open, so you see what was actually removed from the supply side specifically.
Return Duct Cleaning
Return Duct Cleaning focuses on the larger pathways that draw air back to your HVAC unit for reconditioning - these are the ducts behind your return air grille, often located in hallways or central living areas. Because return ducts pull unfiltered air from your home, they accumulate the most debris: dust, skin cells, pet dander, and the fine particulate that passes through standard grille filters. In Houston homes with original 1960s-1980s ductwork, we’ve documented return ducts narrowed by 30% or more from compacted buildup. CleanRun’s return duct cleaning includes the main trunk line and all accessible branches, with negative-pressure extraction to prevent debris from escaping into your living space during the process.
Full System Cleaning
Full System Cleaning encompasses every component of your forced-air HVAC system: supply ducts, return ducts, registers, grilles, the plenum, and the evaporator coil housing if accessible. This is what most Houston homeowners actually need when they call for “duct cleaning,” though many competitors quote a lower price for partial service and upsell later. CleanRun’s full system cleaning includes every accessible duct run with before-and-after photography, plus a written assessment of any duct damage, disconnected joints, or insulation degradation we observe during the process. The price is agreed in writing before we remove the first panel - Haven Standard Clause 1 - and covers the complete scope with no per-vent add-ons.
Video Inspection
Video inspection uses a flexible borescope camera - a thin, lighted tube with a video feed - to document the interior condition of your ductwork without disassembly. CleanRun offers this as a standalone service for Houston homeowners who want evidence before deciding on cleaning, or as the first step of any full cleaning job to identify problem areas and set realistic expectations. The camera reveals debris type and depth, moisture staining, mold growth, disconnected duct joints, and even construction debris left by original builders - we’ve found everything from soda cans to full drywall sections in new-construction homes in Cypress and Katy. Your video inspection footage is included in your job record and can be reviewed with the technician on site.
What happens when you call
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A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
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You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
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A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
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You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
Brands We Service for Air Duct Cleaning
CleanRun’s equipment roster includes professional-grade tools from Rotobrush, Nikro, Abatement Technologies, Honeywell, Aprilaire, and Guardsman - brands you can look up independently to verify specifications and industry reputation. Our Rotobrush systems use rotating cable brushes with HEPA-filtered vacuums for residential duct runs, while Nikro portable extractors handle the higher airflow demands of commercial negative-pressure jobs. We’ve found that Honeywell media air cleaners and Aprilaire whole-house dehumidifiers - common upgrades in Houston homes battling Gulf Coast humidity - perform significantly better when paired with clean ductwork, and our technicians are trained to note compatibility issues during inspection.
Whether your HVAC system uses Honeywell, Aprilaire, or any other make of air handler, condenser, or ancillary equipment, we can clean the connected ductwork without voiding manufacturer warranties or causing compatibility problems. Our crews document the brand and model of any visible components as part of the standard job record, and we’ll flag any concerns about duct configuration that might affect your equipment’s performance. If you’re considering an upgrade, the photo record from your cleaning provides baseline documentation of your current system’s condition.
BeforeAfterSigns You Need Air Duct Cleaning Right Now
- Visible dust plumes when your HVAC cycles on. If you see particles shooting from registers when the blower starts, that debris was sitting in your supply ducts and is now airborne in your living space. In Houston’s older homes, especially in neighborhoods like Oak Forest and Garden Oaks with original 1950s-1970s ductwork, this often signals years of accumulated buildup that standard filters cannot address.
- Uneven heating or cooling from room to room. When one bedroom stays stuffy while another freezes, restricted airflow from duct blockage is a likely cause - not necessarily a failing HVAC unit. We’ve restored balanced airflow in Houston homes where duct cleaning revealed partial blockages at joints that had never been properly sealed during original construction.
- Persistent musty or sour odors when the system runs. Houston’s humidity creates ideal conditions for microbial growth in ductwork, especially where fiberglass insulation lines the interior or where condensation collects at low points. The smell typically intensifies when the AC first kicks on after sitting idle, and it won’t resolve with air fresheners or filter changes.
- Recent renovation or construction work. Even with contractors who cover registers, drywall dust, sawdust, and insulation particles find their way into ductwork during kitchen remodels, room additions, and flooring replacements - all common in Houston’s booming renovation market. We recommend duct cleaning after any project that generated significant particulate, documented with before-and-after photos to prove what was removed.
- It’s been more than five years since your last documented cleaning. The NADCA - National Air Duct Cleaners Association - recommends cleaning every 3-5 years under normal conditions, but Houston’s climate accelerates buildup. If your previous “cleaning” came with no photo record, you have no verification that it happened at all. CleanRun’s Documented Photo Record on Every Visit, held since 2013, eliminates that uncertainty.
Our Air Duct Cleaning Process - Step by Step
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Written price delivered before work begins. Our technician arrives, inspects your accessible ductwork, and delivers a written scope and price - Haven Standard Clause 1. This includes the number of duct runs, any access limitations, and whether video inspection or coil cleaning is recommended. No work starts until you have the price in hand and agree in writing.
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Protective prep and access point creation. We lay protective coverings, seal registers not being cleaned to prevent cross-contamination, and cut necessary access points into the ductwork using industry-standard protocols that maintain structural integrity. Each access point is photographed before opening, and we’ll show you the location and reason for each one.
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Negative-pressure extraction with mechanical agitation. A high-powered vacuum attaches to your main trunk line, creating suction throughout the system. We then feed rotating brushes and compressed air tools through each duct run to dislodge debris, which the vacuum pulls out continuously. For Houston’s tighter duct configurations, we use flexible-shaft equipment from Rotobrush that navigates elbows and reducers without damaging interior surfaces.
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Component cleaning and system verification. Registers, grilles, and accessible plenum surfaces are cleaned and wiped. We verify that all access panels are sealed, filters are properly seated, and the system operates normally before departure. If we observed any duct damage, disconnected joints, or insulation failure during cleaning, this is documented with photos and explained in writing.
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Documented Photo Record delivered. Every before-and-after photo from every duct run is compiled into your job record, typically delivered electronically within 24 hours. This is not an extra service or upgrade - it has been standard on every CleanRun job since 2013. The record includes the technician’s name, date, equipment used, and any notes for future reference.
How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost in Houston?
A typical residential full system cleaning in Houston runs $450-$650 for homes with 8-15 duct runs, which covers most single-family properties in The Heights, West University, and Memorial. Smaller condos or townhomes with 4-6 runs may fall in the $350-$450 range, while larger homes in River Oaks, Tanglewood, or Sugar Land with 20+ runs, multiple HVAC systems, or complex attic ductwork can reach $700-$950. Commercial properties are priced by system size and accessibility, with most small-office jobs starting around $800.
| Service Type | Typical Houston Range | What Affects Price |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Full System (8-15 runs) | $450-$650 | Number of runs, attic vs. crawl space access, contamination level |
| Small Home / Condo (4-6 runs) | $350-$450 | System accessibility, whether video inspection is included |
| Large Home / Multi-System (20+ runs) | $700-$950 | Multiple HVAC units, complex zoning, extended duct runs |
| Commercial (per system) | $800-$2,500+ | Square footage, rooftop access, after-hours scheduling |
| Video Inspection Only | $150-$250 | Number of access points, system complexity |
Several factors move prices within these ranges. Attic ductwork in Houston’s summer heat requires additional safety protocols and often takes longer to access than slab-embedded systems. Homes with pets - especially multiple shedding animals - typically show heavier return duct buildup that requires more agitation time. Original construction quality matters too: we’ve found Houston homes where duct joints were never sealed, meaning debris has accumulated at every connection point for decades.
The most important price protection is avoiding the $79-$199 coupon model that dominates Houston’s air duct cleaning advertising. These prices universally convert to higher invoices once the crew arrives, often through per-vent surcharges, “mold” upsells, or mandatory sanitizing fees. CleanRun’s written price before work starts - Haven Standard Clause 1 - means the number you agree to is the number you pay. No per-vent pricing. No surprise add-ons. If we discover a condition that changes scope, we stop and get written approval before proceeding.
Every estimate is free, with no obligation. Call (346) 251-8919 for a written quote - we’ll inspect your system and deliver a documented price you can compare against any competitor.
Air Duct Cleaning Near Houston - Our Service Area
CleanRun serves homeowners throughout the Houston metro, with crews regularly working in Air Duct Cleaning in Bellaire, Air Duct Cleaning in Jersey Village, Stafford, Pearland, Humble, Pasadena, Missouri City, Deer Park, Fresno, Atascocita, and Sugar Land. Most scheduled jobs are completed within a week of estimate approval, with routing optimized to minimize drive time from our central Houston base. We’ve documented duct conditions specific to each area: the clay soil and foundation shifting common in Sugar Land that cracks duct seals, the older pier-and-beam construction in Bellaire with crawl space moisture issues, and the rapid new development in Atascocita where construction debris in new ducts is routine.
Serving Houston, TX - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Houston area and know this community well. Use the map below to see our service coverage - if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
Frequently Asked Questions - Air Duct Cleaning in Houston
Air duct cleaning is the mechanical removal of accumulated dust, debris, and contaminants from the interior surfaces of your HVAC ductwork, including supply ducts, return ducts, registers, and the plenum. In Houston homes, we commonly remove fine particulate, pet dander, pollen, cooking grease residue, construction debris, and in humid conditions, microbial growth - all documented in your before-and-after photo record. The process does not involve chemicals unless specifically requested and quoted separately for sanitizing purposes.
A residential full system cleaning for a standard Houston home takes 3-5 hours from arrival to completion, depending on the number of duct runs, contamination level, and access difficulty. Commercial jobs or homes with multiple HVAC systems may extend to a full day. We do not rush the process: every duct run is photographed, and the negative-pressure extraction requires sufficient time to clear dislodged debris completely.
Most Houston homeowners pay $450-$650 for a complete residential system cleaning, with smaller homes starting around $350 and large or multi-system properties reaching $700-$950. The exact price depends on duct run count, accessibility, and contamination level - all assessed and quoted in writing before work begins under Haven Standard Clause 1. Call (346) 251-8919 for a free, no-obligation written estimate.
Yes. CleanRun regularly cleans ductwork connected to Honeywell air handlers, media cleaners, and zoning systems, as well as Aprilaire whole-house dehumidifiers and ventilation controls. Our technicians document the brand and model of visible components during inspection and are trained to avoid configurations that could affect warranty coverage or system performance. Whether you have Honeywell, Aprilaire, or any other make, we can clean the connected ductwork properly.
We do not advertise same-day or emergency dispatch for air duct cleaning because it is a scheduled, labor-intensive service that requires proper preparation and cannot be performed well in a rushed window. For urgent air quality concerns - such as post-fire smoke damage or confirmed mold contamination - we prioritize scheduling and can often accommodate within 24-48 hours. All calls are answered by a live person, 24/7, who can assess urgency and schedule appropriately.
Every job is backed by the 365-Day Done Right Promise: if the work is not right, CleanRun makes it right - documented in writing on every invoice, not mentioned in marketing and forgotten. This covers workmanship defects, incomplete cleaning of quoted scope, and any damage caused by our crew. Haven Standard Clause 5: Accountable Workmanship requires that every customer receives this guarantee as a concrete deliverable, not a verbal assurance.
Clear a path to your HVAC unit and main registers, secure pets in a separate area, and ensure we have access to a working electrical outlet for our equipment. You do not need to move furniture covering floor registers - our technicians handle access and replace coverings. We’ll identify ourselves by name before entry, explain the scope again on arrival, and walk through the photo record with you after completion. Call (346) 251-8919 to schedule - estimates are free and include a written price before any commitment.
Schedule Your Air Duct Cleaning Service in Houston Today
Call (346) 251-8919 to speak with a live person and schedule your free estimate. You’ll receive a written price before any work starts, a Documented Photo Record of every duct run when we’re done, and the 365-Day Done Right Promise in writing - the same standards CleanRun has held since 2013. No coupons. No upsells. No uncertainty about what was actually done inside your walls.
Written by Tomas Reyes, Owner at CleanRun Duct Repair & Cleaning, serving Houston since 2013.