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.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterAir Duct Cleaning in Chicago, IL
Dryer vent cleaning in Chicago runs $120-$185 for a standard single-family home, while full duct repair and sealing work typically lands between $450 and $1,400 depending on the damage. What makes Chicago different is the housing itself: roughly 80,000 bungalows built between 1910 and 1940 had ductwork retrofitted mid-century, often by converting coal-fired gravity furnaces to gas, which left cramped basement runs that have never been professionally cleaned. For a written price before any work starts, call (806) 606-6902.
Why Chicago Homes Are Different
Chicago’s dominant housing type is the brick bungalow, roughly 80,000 of them concentrated on the Northwest and Southwest sides in neighborhoods like Portage Park, Clearing, and Marquette Park. These homes predate forced-air heating, so their ductwork came later, often as retrofits squeezing new trunk lines into basements built for coal furnaces. The original 1950s galvanized round ducts we pull out of these basements still show blackened residue from the coal era, layered over by decades of dust, pet dander, and debris that followed the gas conversion. That is a contamination profile unique to Chicago at this scale, and no neighboring suburb presents the same density of once-in-a-century cleanings.
Climate compounds it. Chicago homes stay sealed from November through late March to survive polar vortex stretches, which means indoor particulates recirculate through the ductwork for five-plus months without dilution. Lake Michigan’s summer humidity then pushes moisture into basement duct runs, and cool AC air condenses on that metal, creating the exact conditions that let mold colonize and carry into the next heating season. Two-flats, three-flats, and courtyard buildings from the same pre-war era add another layer: per-unit ductwork retrofitted into spaces never designed for it, with makeshift trunk lines and aging connections that leak conditioned air and pull in debris.
Our Main Chicago Services
These are the two services Chicago homeowners call about most often, each with its own dedicated page covering local conditions, pricing, and what the job looks like in this housing stock.
Air Duct Cleaning in Chicago
Whole-home air duct cleaning for Chicago bungalows and two-flats means pulling decades of accumulated particulate from runs that were retrofitted into spaces never designed for them. The work includes negative-pressure extraction on every supply and return run, with a camera inspection before and after so you can see exactly what was removed. Chicago’s long sealed-up winters make this dirtier work here than in most cities. Air Duct Cleaning in Chicago covers full pricing and what to expect.
HVAC Cleaning in Chicago
HVAC cleaning in Chicago goes beyond the ducts to the blower assembly, evaporator coil, and plenum, where dust and moisture from Lake Michigan summers collect and reduce system efficiency. In older bungalows with converted gravity furnaces, these components often carry residue from the coal era that standard duct cleaning never touches. HVAC Cleaning in Chicago explains the full scope and the documented photo record you receive.
What happens when you call
- 1
A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
- 2
You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
- 3
A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
- 4
You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
BeforeAfterDryer Vent Cleaning in Chicago
Dryer vent cleaning in Chicago is a fire-risk reduction job first and an efficiency job second. The bungalow-belt homes built before 1940 often have dryer vents that exit through foundation walls or run vertically through retrofitted chases, and a Chicago winter forces dryers into longer cycles while the vent itself is packed with lint that never gets the airflow to push it out. We clean every foot of the run, photograph it before and after, and hand you the record. For full detail on this service, see Dryer Vent Cleaning.
Dryer Vent Inspection
Signs you need it
Clothes take two or more cycles to dry, the dryer exterior gets hot to the touch, or you notice a burning smell during operation.
What it costs in Chicago
A camera inspection of the full vent run runs $89-$140 in Chicago, and it is included free with any full cleaning we perform.
How we do it
We run a camera from the dryer connection to the exterior termination, document every bend, restriction, and blockage, and show you the footage before recommending any work.
Vent Cleaning
Signs you need it
Lint is visible at the exterior vent termination, the flapper does not open during operation, or the dryer has not been cleaned in over a year.
What it costs in Chicago
A full dryer vent cleaning for a standard Chicago single-family home runs $120-$185, with the price written before we start.
How we do it
We connect a negative-pressure extraction unit at the dryer, run rotary brushes and air wands through the full run, and finish with a camera verification of the interior.
Lint Removal
Signs you need it
The dryer shuts off mid-cycle, the lint trap fills unusually fast, or you can see lint accumulation inside the vent opening.
What it costs in Chicago
Focused lint removal from a partially blocked run costs $110-$160 in Chicago, less than a full cleaning when the run is otherwise clear.
How we do it
We target the blockage with a sectioned auger and air pressure, remove the accumulated lint, and camera-verify that the full run is clear before we call it done.
What Dryer Vent Cleaning Costs in Chicago
| Item | Typical range in Chicago |
|---|---|
| Dryer vent inspection | $89-$140 |
| Full dryer vent cleaning | $120-$185 |
| Lint removal from partial blockage | $110-$160 |
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned in Chicago?
Every 12 months for a household running four or more loads per week, and every 6 months if the vent exits through a foundation wall or runs longer than 15 feet. Chicago’s sealed-up winters trap more lint in place than a southern city would see.
Why is my dryer taking so long to dry clothes in Chicago?
When the vent is packed with lint, the dryer cannot expel moisture, so it runs longer and hotter to do the same job. This is the most common cause we find in Chicago bungalows, where vertical vent runs and long horizontal stretches collect more buildup. Call (806) 606-6902 for a written quote and a camera inspection.
Duct Repair & Sealing in Chicago
Duct repair and sealing in Chicago addresses the leaky, disconnected, or rusted runs that older bungalow retrofits always seem to have. The converted gravity furnace systems in these homes often left sheet metal runs through unconditioned crawlspaces, and decades of Chicago seasons have opened joints that leak conditioned air and pull in basement dust. We locate every leak, seal every joint, and photograph the work so you can see what was fixed. More detail is on our Duct Repair & Sealing page.
Duct Sealing
Signs you need it
Some rooms are noticeably warmer or cooler than others, your utility bills climb each winter, or you can feel air leaking around duct joints in the basement.
What it costs in Chicago
Sealing a residential duct system in Chicago runs $450-$950, with the final price written before any work begins.
How we do it
We locate every accessible joint with a smoke test or pressure test, apply mastic sealant or foil tape rated for HVAC use, and photograph each sealed connection.
Metal Duct Repair
Signs you need it
You see rusted-out sections, disconnected joints, or crushed runs, especially in older Chicago basements with original galvanized ducts.
What it costs in Chicago
Repairing or replacing a damaged metal duct section in Chicago typically lands between $250 and $600, depending on length and access.
How we do it
We cut out the damaged section, fabricate and install a matching replacement, seal both connections with mastic, and photograph the finished work.
What Duct Repair & Sealing Costs in Chicago
| Item | Typical range in Chicago |
|---|---|
| Full duct system sealing | $450-$950 |
| Metal duct section repair | $250-$600 |
| Duct leak diagnostic with smoke test | $150-$250 |
Can leaky ducts really raise my heating bill in Chicago?
Yes. Leaking ducts in unconditioned basement or crawlspace areas dump heated air outside the living envelope, so your furnace works harder to keep the same temperature. Chicago bungalows with original retrofitted runs are the worst offenders we see. Call (806) 606-6902 for a written diagnostic quote.
How do I know if my ducts need sealing or replacing?
A smoke test shows where air escapes, and a camera inspection reveals rust, tears, or separation inside the run. We show you the evidence on site before recommending sealant versus replacement, so the decision is based on documentation, not guesswork.
Air Quality & Sanitizing in Chicago
Air quality and sanitizing in Chicago is a winter-long project because sealed homes keep whatever is in the ducts recirculating for months. In bungalows and two-flats with retrofitted ductwork, that means coal-era dust, pet dander, and mold spores from Lake Michigan’s humid summers stay in the air you breathe. We sanitize the full duct system after cleaning, using equipment from trade-recognized brands like Abatement Technologies and Honeywell, and document every step. See the full scope at Air Quality & Sanitizing.
Mold Treatment
Signs you need it
You see visible mold growth around registers or inside accessible duct openings, or your household has persistent musty odors that worsen with the furnace running.
What it costs in Chicago
Mold treatment for a residential duct system in Chicago runs $350-$800, depending on the extent of contamination and duct length.
How we do it
We clean the affected surfaces with HEPA-filtered extraction, apply an EPA-registered antimicrobial to all interior duct surfaces, and photograph the before and after.
UV Light Installation
Signs you need it
You have recurring mold or microbial growth on the evaporator coil, or a household member has documented respiratory reactions to indoor air.
What it costs in Chicago
Installing a UV light system at the evaporator coil in Chicago costs $400-$750, including the unit, wiring, and labor.
How we do it
We mount a UV-C lamp at the coil or plenum, wire it to run continuously, and verify the installation with a before-and-after photo record.
What Air Quality & Sanitizing Costs in Chicago
| Item | Typical range in Chicago |
|---|---|
| Mold treatment for duct system | $350-$800 |
| UV light installation at coil | $400-$750 |
| Whole-system sanitizing after cleaning | $150-$300 |
Does sanitizing actually remove mold from ducts in Chicago?
It kills and removes surface mold and spores when applied after a full HEPA cleaning of the duct interior. The key is the cleaning first, because antimicrobial works on surfaces, not through debris. We photograph every run before and after so you can verify the result.
Will a UV light help with Chicago winter air quality?
Yes, because a UV-C lamp at the evaporator coil prevents microbial growth on a surface that stays damp through the humid summer and dirty through the sealed-up winter. It works continuously, which matters in Chicago’s five-month closed-up season. Call (806) 606-6902 for a written installation quote.
Brands We Service in Chicago
We use equipment from Aprilaire, Honeywell, and Abatement Technologies on Chicago jobs, and we stock replacement parts locally for these systems so there is no week-long wait on a repair or install. See the full list at our brands.
Pricing for Air Duct Cleaning in Chicago, IL
| Service | Typical range in Chicago |
|---|---|
| Dryer vent inspection | $89-$140 |
| Full dryer vent cleaning | $120-$185 |
| Lint removal from partial blockage | $110-$160 |
| Full duct system sealing | $450-$950 |
| Metal duct section repair | $250-$600 |
| Duct leak diagnostic with smoke test | $150-$250 |
| Mold treatment for duct system | $350-$800 |
| UV light installation at coil | $400-$750 |
| Whole-system sanitizing after cleaning | $150-$300 |
What pushes price up in Chicago is access: bungalow basements with low clearance, retrofitted runs through crawlspaces, and vertical chases in two-flats all add labor time. Under Haven Standard Clause 1, the written price you approve is the price you pay, no per-vent add-ons, no day-of surprises.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Chicago
We work across Chicago’s bungalow belt and the surrounding neighborhoods, from the Northwest Side to the Southwest Side and up into the North Side greystones.
- Portage Park
- Clearing
- Marquette Park
- Logan Square
- Lincoln Square
Most Chicago jobs are reached within the same week you call, and scheduling is coordinated from our Chicago office.
Service Area - Cities Near Chicago
Our crews serve the full Chicago area, including Cicero, IL, Evanston, IL, Arlington Heights, IL, and Schaumburg, IL, with the same written upfront pricing and documented photo record on every job.
Serving Chicago, IL - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Chicago area and know this community well. Use the map below to see our service coverage - if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
FAQs About Air Duct Cleaning in Chicago
Most Chicago jobs are scheduled within the same week you call, and our Chicago office coordinates dispatch for the whole metro. We do not run promo slots or scarcity scheduling, so the timeline you get is based on the actual calendar, not a sales script.
For a single-family bungalow, no. For a condo or co-op in a courtyard building or greystone, the building association may need to know about any work in shared chases or common basement areas, and we can provide a written scope of work if the board requests one.
Yes, it applies on every Chicago job. If the work is not right, we make it right, and it is written on every estimate and invoice, not just stated in marketing. You get the promise in writing before we start.
For a free, written quote on any of these services in Chicago, call (806) 606-6902. We will put the price in front of you before any work begins.
What happens when you call
- 1A real person answersNo phone trees - talk to a local air duct cleaning pro.
- 2You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched. No surprises.
- 3We come out and measureLicensed & insured, at a time that suits you - the visit and the quote are both free.
- 4You get the price in writingLine-itemed, yours to keep, and nothing starts until you say go.
What Chicago Customers Say
"The dryer vent was almost completely blocked with lint. They showed me the photograph and I understood immediately why the dryer had been running twice."
- Lucia M."They found a disconnected duct in the crawl space that had been dumping conditioned air under the house for years. Photographed it, quoted the repair, fixed it."
- Devon A."On time, professional, and explained what the readings meant without talking down to me."
- Warren E.