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 Columbus, OH
Dryer vent cleaning in Columbus is a job shaped by two realities: the dominant 1970s-1990s ranch and split-level housing stock with full basements, and the humid continental climate where the Scioto and Olentangy river corridors push moisture into ground-level duct runs. Most homes we inspect have original sheet-metal trunk lines that have never been cleaned, carrying years of accumulated lint, plaster dust, and pet dander. If you’re looking for a written, no-surprise price before any work starts, call (806) 606-6902. Tomas Reyes and our Columbus crews photograph every duct run before and after, so you see exactly what was removed.
Why Columbus Homes Are Different
Columbus is a market with two distinct duct-cleaning problems running side by side. In the outer ring suburbs like New Albany, Powell, and Pickerington, post-2000 construction has put thousands of new forced-air homes into service, and many of them carry drywall dust and construction debris inside the ductwork before the first family moves in. At the same time, older inner suburbs like Reynoldsburg, Whitehall, and Grove City hold 1970s-1990s ranches and split-levels where the flex duct and sheet-metal trunk lines are frequently original and untouched. The Intel campus buildout northeast of the city is adding pressure on both fronts, accelerating new construction while older neighborhoods stay in place and age.
The clay-heavy glacial soil matters too. Full basements are the norm across Columbus, which means most trunk lines run at ground level through utility spaces that get damp in spring and after heavy rain. Humidity from the Scioto and Olentangy corridors adds mold and biofilm risk inside those runs. Central Ohio’s high seasonal pollen load, driven by surrounding agricultural fields and deciduous woodlands, produces a predictable February-April surge in calls from allergy sufferers. Our crews in the University District and Clintonville also see a third condition: ductwork crudely retrofitted into 1920s-1940s bungalows, with irregular plenums, disconnected flex runs hidden behind finished walls, and compactions so old they need multiple negative-pressure passes.
Our Main Columbus Services
Two services generate the majority of our Columbus calls: whole-system air duct cleaning for the older housing stock, and furnace and AC coil cleaning for the newer builds where construction dust has settled into the HVAC system itself.
Air Duct Cleaning in Columbus
Whole-system air duct cleaning in Columbus typically runs $450-$950 for the home, depending on the number of runs, system configuration, and how long the ducts have been accumulating material. In 1970s split-levels with full basements, the job usually involves the returns, supply runs, plenum, blower compartment, and registers. We photograph every run before and after as part of the standard job record. See the full service page here: Air Duct Cleaning in Columbus.
HVAC Cleaning in Columbus
HVAC cleaning in Columbus focuses on the mechanical components: the blower wheel, evaporator coil, condenser coil, heat exchanger, and drain pan. In newer Dublin and Hilliard builds, post-construction drywall dust coats the coil and blower within the first year of occupancy. In older Reynoldsburg systems, the coil is often carrying years of pet hair and pollen. Written pricing is delivered before any panel comes off. Details are on the dedicated page: HVAC Cleaning in Columbus.
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 Columbus
Dryer vent cleaning in Columbus is a direct response to the city’s older ranches and split-levels: full basements mean long vertical or horizontal vent runs, and those runs collect lint in ways short first-floor vents never do. In Reynoldsburg and Whitehall, we routinely find runs that have never been cleaned since the home was built, with 2-3 inches of compacted lint at the first elbow. The humidity from the river corridors makes the lint dense and clinging, and the pollen-heavy spring months add to the buildup. We offer a full documented photo record on every Dryer Vent Cleaning visit, so you can see the difference before you pay.
Dryer Vent Inspection
Signs you need it
Clothes take longer than 45 minutes to dry, or the outside vent flap barely opens during a cycle.
What it costs in Columbus
A dryer vent inspection in Columbus runs $95-$175 as a standalone call, and is included as part of a full cleaning when you book both together.
How we do it
We run a camera through the full vent run, measure airflow at the outside termination, and document every restriction with timestamped photos.
Vent Cleaning
Signs you need it
The laundry room feels humid during a dry cycle, or there’s a faint burned-lint smell when the dryer runs.
What it costs in Columbus
Full dryer vent cleaning in Columbus averages $125-$250, depending on run length and whether the termination is accessible from the ground or a second-story exterior.
How we do it
We use a HEPA-filtered negative air machine and a rotary brush sized to the vent diameter, working from the dryer connection to the outside termination, then re-photograph the full run.
Lint Removal
Signs you need it
The dryer shuts off mid-cycle from overheating, or the lint screen is clean but the dryer still underperforms.
What it costs in Columbus
Standalone lint removal for an obstructed vent typically lands between $150-$300 in Columbus, based on how compacted the material is and how many elbows the run makes.
How we do it
We break up compacted lint with a flexible auger, extract it under negative pressure, and circle back with the camera to confirm the full diameter of the vent is clear.
Vent Rerouting
Signs you need it
Your existing vent run exceeds 25 feet without a booster fan, or the termination points under a deck or into a soffit.
What it costs in Columbus
Rerouting a dryer vent in Columbus runs $350-$1,200, driven by the new run length, whether wall or floor penetrations are needed, and accessibility in finished basements.
How we do it
We remove the old run, install rigid metal duct with code-compliant supports and minimal elbows, seal every joint with foil tape, and terminate to the nearest exterior wall with a proper flap and bird guard.
Bird Guard Installation
Signs you need it
You hear scratching at the outside vent cover, or you’ve found nesting material around the laundry area.
What it costs in Columbus
A bird guard installation on an existing dryer vent typically ranges from $85-$200 in Columbus, with the final number set by the termination type and whether a ladder or lift is required.
How we do it
We mount a corrosion-resistant metal guard over the outside termination, secure it against the siding or brick, and photograph the finished install from both inside and outside.
What Dryer Vent Cleaning Costs in Columbus
| Item | Typical range in Columbus |
|---|---|
| Dryer vent inspection | $95-$175 |
| Full dryer vent cleaning | $125-$250 |
| Lint removal (obstructed vent) | $150-$300 |
| Vent rerouting | $350-$1,200 |
| Bird guard installation | $85-$200 |
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned in Columbus?
Once a year for most Columbus homes, and every six months if you run the dryer more than four loads a week or have a run longer than 15 feet. Call (806) 606-6902 and we’ll put the schedule in writing.
Will cleaning a dryer vent actually cut drying time in Columbus?
Yes. When a 1970s Columbus ranch vent is cleaned after years of accumulation, dry times typically drop by 20-40% immediately. Call (806) 606-6902 for a written quote.
Duct Repair & Sealing in Columbus
Duct repair and sealing in Columbus is usually about one thing: the air you’re paying to heat or cool is leaking into the basement before it reaches a single register. In our 1970s-1990s ranches, original flex duct has cracked at the connections, and sheet-metal trunk lines have separated at the seams. The humid conditions from the Scioto and Olentangy corridors make those leaks worse over time, drawing damp air into the system. We handle full Duct Repair & Sealing with a written price before any work begins, and the 365-Day Done Right Promise in writing on every job.
Duct Sealing
Signs you need it
Some rooms stay cold in winter or hot in summer no matter how you set the thermostat, or your utility bills have climbed without a change in usage.
What it costs in Columbus
Whole-system duct sealing in Columbus typically runs $850-$2,800, set by the number of runs, whether a basement is finished, and how much of the ductwork is accessible without demolition.
How we do it
We locate the leaks with a pressure test and smoke pencil, then seal every seam and connection with mastic or foil tape, never duct tape, and re-test to show the measured improvement.
Flex Duct Repair
Signs you need it
A flex run is visibly sagging, kinked, or disconnected in the basement, or one specific room gets almost no airflow while the rest of the house feels fine.
What it costs in Columbus
Flex duct repair in Columbus ranges from $180-$550 per run, depending on run length, diameter, and whether the connection point is reachable from an unfinished basement.
How we do it
We replace the damaged flex section, reconnect it with draw bands and a properly sized collar, suspend it with support straps every four feet, and seal both ends with mastic.
Metal Duct Repair
Signs you need it
The sheet-metal trunk line shows rust, separated seams, or crushed sections, or you can feel air blowing from joints in the basement.
What it costs in Columbus
Metal duct repair in Columbus usually lands between $500-$2,000, driven by how much of the trunk is compromised and whether the affected section is original to a 1970s home.
How we do it
We cut out the damaged section, fit a new galvanized replacement, screw and seal every joint with mastic, and photograph the repair before the access is closed.
Duct Insulation
Signs you need it
The basement feels cold near the ducts, condensation forms on the outside of the trunk in summer, or the air at the registers feels lukewarm.
What it costs in Columbus
Duct insulation in Columbus ranges from $500-$1,800, set by total linear footage, insulation R-value, and whether the runs are accessible or wrapped in place.
How we do it
We wrap exposed trunk lines in fiberglass or closed-cell insulation, seal all seams, and secure the material so it is not compressed anywhere along the run.
Mastic Sealant
Signs you need it
You can see gaps or cracks at duct connections, or previous foil tape has peeled away leaving the seam exposed.
What it costs in Columbus
Mastic sealing in Columbus is priced as part of whole-system sealing at $850-$2,800, or as a targeted repair for $150-$500 per connection area.
How we do it
We apply a brush-on mastic sealant to every accessible seam, collar, and take-off, working the material into the joint rather than over it, and let it cure before re-testing.
What Duct Repair & Sealing Costs in Columbus
| Item | Typical range in Columbus |
|---|---|
| Whole-system duct sealing | $850-$2,800 |
| Flex duct repair (per run) | $180-$550 |
| Metal duct repair | $500-$2,000 |
| Duct insulation | $500-$1,800 |
How much air leakage is normal in a Columbus duct system?
Older Columbus homes often lose 20-30% of conditioned air to duct leaks before sealing. After sealing, we retest and report the measured number in writing. Call (806) 606-6902 for a quote.
Can you seal ducts from inside a finished basement in Columbus?
Yes, with access panels opened at key points and sealing done from the interior where runs are reachable. The written scope covers every access point before work starts. Call (806) 606-6902.
Air Quality & Sanitizing in Columbus
Air quality and sanitizing in Columbus is driven by the moisture problem: full basements, clay soil holding ground moisture, and river-valley humidity create conditions where mold and bacteria can take hold inside duct runs and plenums. In Clintonville and University District bungalows, decades of dust and dampness have built up inside retrofitted central-air systems. Our Air Quality & Sanitizing work starts with a camera inspection, then we apply the right treatment and photograph the result in every run.
Mold Treatment
Signs you need it
The basement smells musty, or you see visible dark staining on registers, inside the plenum, or on insulation near the trunk line.
What it costs in Columbus
Mold treatment for ductwork in Columbus typically runs $850-$3,000+, depending on the affected square footage of the system and whether an antimicrobial encapsulant is required.
How we do it
We HEPA-vacuum the affected surfaces, kill the mold with an EPA-registered antimicrobial, and apply a moisture-resistant coating where the original material has been compromised.
Bacteria Sanitizing
Signs you need it
Anyone in the home has recurring respiratory irritation indoors, or the HVAC system smells stale no matter how often the filter is changed.
What it costs in Columbus
Bacteria sanitizing in Columbus ranges from $550-$1,800, based on the system’s total volume, including the plenum, blower compartment, and supply runs.
How we do it
We fog or spray a non-bleach sanitizer approved for HVAC contact surfaces, treating the coil, blower, and full trunk, then confirm coverage with our own inspection camera.
Odor Removal
Signs you need it
Odors from cooking, pets, or past tenants linger in the home, or a stale smell kicks on when the blower starts.
What it costs in Columbus
Odor removal for ductwork and air-handling surfaces in Columbus typically lands between $550-$1,800, depending on whether vapor-phase or contact treatment is used.
How we do it
We identify the odor source with a camera walk-through, remove the material if it is trapped debris, then treat the surfaces so the smell does not return on the next cycle.
UV Light Installation
Signs you need it
The coil or drain pan shows recurring organic growth after a cleaning, or the home has had repeat mold issues.
What it costs in Columbus
A UV light installed in a Columbus HVAC system runs $850-$2,500, based on whether one lamp is placed at the coil or a second is added at the return plenum.
How we do it
We mount the UV lamp with a shielded bracket directly facing the coil or plenum surface, wire it to the blower circuit, and confirm the bulb intensity with a radiometer before leaving.
Air Purifier Install
Signs you need it
Household members have persistent allergy symptoms, or the home sits close to agricultural fields or pollen-heavy woodlands where spring and fall are difficult indoors.
What it costs in Columbus
A whole-home air purifier in Columbus, installed, runs $950-$3,000+, with the range set by brand, filter stages, and whether the unit is installed at the furnace or as a standalone bypass.
How we do it
We cut an access into the return or supply plenum, mount the purifier cabinet, seal both connections with mastic, and walk you through filter replacement intervals before the final photo record.
What Air Quality & Sanitizing Costs in Columbus
| Item | Typical range in Columbus |
|---|---|
| Mold treatment (ductwork) | $850-$3,000+ |
| Bacteria sanitizing | $550-$1,800 |
| Odor removal | $550-$1,800 |
| UV light installation | $850-$2,500 |
| Air purifier install | $950-$3,000+ |
Can sanitizing actually remove mold from ductwork in Columbus?
Yes, when the treatment is matched to the material and the affected surfaces are cleaned first. Kill-only fogging without removal will fail. Call (806) 606-6902 for a written scope.
How long after sanitizing before the home is safe to occupy in Columbus?
Most treatments allow re-entry after two to four hours with the blower running. We provide the exact re-entry time in writing before the job begins. Call (806) 606-6902.
Brands We Service in Columbus
Our Columbus crews work with Rotobrush and Nikro extraction equipment, and we install Abatement Technologies and Guardsman products where the job calls for them. Common replacement parts are stocked locally. See the full list on our brands page.
Pricing for Air Duct Cleaning in Columbus, OH
| Service | Typical range in Columbus |
|---|---|
| Whole-system air duct cleaning | $450-$950 |
| HVAC cleaning (coil, blower, heat exchanger) | $350-$800 |
| Dryer vent inspection | $95-$175 |
| Full dryer vent cleaning | $125-$250 |
| Dryer lint removal (obstructed) | $150-$300 |
| Dryer vent rerouting | $350-$1,200 |
| Bird guard installation | $85-$200 |
| Whole-system duct sealing | $850-$2,800 |
| Flex duct repair (per run) | $180-$550 |
| Metal duct repair | $500-$2,000 |
| Duct insulation | $500-$1,800 |
| Mold treatment (ductwork) | $850-$3,000+ |
Prices in Columbus rise with finished basements that hide ductwork behind drywall, long multi-elbow dryer runs, and systems where compacted debris needs multiple extraction passes. Every CleanRun job carries a written price before any work starts, under Haven Standard Clause 1: no per-vent pricing, no visit fee, and no number that changes once the truck is parked.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Columbus
Our crews cover the entire Columbus metro, from the older basement-trunk ranches of the east side to the post-2000 builds in the northwest corridor. We know which neighborhoods hide disconnected flex runs and which newer subdivisions are still pushing construction dust through the returns.
- Clintonville
- University District
- Reynoldsburg
- Whitehall
- Grove City
Most Columbus neighborhoods are reachable within a 60-90 minute scheduling window once the job is confirmed.
Service Area - Cities Near Columbus
Beyond the city limits, we work across the central Ohio metro, including Westerville, OH, Dublin, OH, Hilliard, OH, and Delaware, OH. Each area carries the same written-price rule and documented photo record as our Columbus jobs.
Serving Columbus, OH - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Columbus 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 Columbus
Most jobs are scheduled within a few business days, and we confirm the date and time in writing before the crew arrives. The visit itself is not rushed; we photograph every run. Call (806) 606-6902 for current scheduling.
No, routine duct cleaning, sealing, and sanitizing do not require a permit in Columbus. Rerouting a dryer vent through an exterior wall may in some cases require a mechanical permit, and we handle that check for you as part of the written scope.
Yes. We cover Columbus proper plus the surrounding suburbs including Westerville, Dublin, Hilliard, and Delaware. Dispatch is coordinated from our Cleveland office while crews serve Columbus locally. Call (806) 606-6902 to confirm your address.
Every job in Columbus starts with a written price, ends with a documented photo record, and carries the 365-Day Done Right Promise in writing. Call (806) 606-6902 for your free estimate today.
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 Columbus Customers Say
"The before and after photographs of each run are the reason I used them. You cannot argue with what came out of the return."
- Marguerite O."Flat price agreed up front, no per-vent add-ons at the end. That was the whole reason I did not call the coupon company."
- Suzanne B."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.