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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After
Before
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Before
AfterAir Duct Cleaning in South Boston, MA
Dryer vent cleaning in South Boston costs between $89 and $179 and takes roughly an hour in a triple-decker. Most South Boston homes are brick rowhouses or triple-deckers built 1890-1930, originally heated by radiators with no ductwork at all. The central air systems you’ll find here are retrofits squeezed into floor joists and shallow wall chases, and they collect debris faster than purpose-built duct runs. Want a written price before any work starts? Call (806) 606-6902 and we’ll put one in front of you.
Why South Boston Homes Are Different
South Boston sits on a peninsula with Boston Harbor on one side and the Reserved Channel on two others, so damp, salt-laden air moves through building envelopes all year. That coastal humidity is not an abstract weather note; it settles inside the retrofit ductwork common in Southie’s housing stock. Triple-deckers and brick rowhouses here were built for steam and hot-water radiators. When the condo conversion wave of the 2000s and 2010s added central air, contractors ran flex duct through rim-joist cavities, shallow ceiling bays, and wall chases never designed for airflow. We commonly see flex duct passing through an uninsulated cavity directly above a damp basement slab; condensation forms on the duct exterior, and within a few heating seasons the interior shows microbial growth and debris accumulation.
Then there’s the three-in-one building factor. A South Boston triple-decker converted floor by floor often ends up with three separate, improvised duct systems, each with its own layout, its own leaks, and its own accumulation pattern. A cleaning visit on one of these buildings is not a single system job. It’s three small systems with three histories. That changes how we scope the work and how we price it: the written quote reflects what the camera actually shows inside each run, not a flat per-vent guess.
Our Main South Boston Services
Most South Boston homeowners call us first about two things: cleaning the air ducts that were retrofitted into their aging building, and cleaning the HVAC components that push air through them. Here’s how each job works here.
Air Duct Cleaning in South Boston
Our air duct cleaning runs negative-pressure extraction through every accessible duct run, including the shallow cavities common in South Boston retrofits. Before a single panel comes off, you get a written price. After the work, you get a photo record of the inside of each run, before and after. That record matters in Southie, where duct layouts are often improvised and you need to verify the work reached the problem areas. Air Duct Cleaning in South Boston covers the full process, local pricing, and what we photograph.
HVAC Cleaning in South Boston
HVAC cleaning in South Boston targets the blower, coils, and plenum where salt air and construction dust settle. Condo conversions leave drywall dust behind, and those particles get pulled through the return side and packed onto the evaporator coil. In older South Boston buildings, the coil may also draw air from a crawlspace or basement with elevated humidity, compounding the buildup. HVAC Cleaning in South Boston walks through coil cleaning, blower work, and the inspection steps we follow.
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 South Boston
Dryer vent cleaning in South Boston runs $89 to $179 for a standard single-run vent in a rowhouse or one floor of a triple-decker. The job matters here because most South Boston vents terminate through brick walls, and the short, moist runs common in building retrofits clog with lint faster than long straight runs in newer homes. When the vent passes through an uninsulated rim-joist cavity, that lint absorbs coastal moisture and packs into a dense mat that restricts airflow and raises the dryer’s operating temperature. Our Dryer Vent Cleaning process starts with a camera inspection and ends with a photo record of every foot of the run.
Dryer Vent Inspection
Signs you need it
Your dryer takes longer than one full cycle to dry a normal load, or the laundry room feels warmer and more humid than it used to during a cycle.
What it costs in South Boston
A camera inspection with a written condition report runs $49 to $89.
How we do it
We send a camera from the dryer connection to the exterior termination and record the location, material, and condition of every foot, then write up the findings with still frames from the video.
Vent Cleaning
Signs you need it
The exterior vent flap does not open fully when the dryer runs, or you can see lint at the exterior hood.
What it costs in South Boston
A full vent cleaning with agitation and extraction runs $89 to $179 for a standard single-run vent.
How we do it
We run a rotating brush through the entire run while a negative-pressure collector pulls loosened lint out, then photograph the interior before and after.
Vent Rerouting
Signs you need it
Your current vent path runs more than 25 feet or through multiple elbows and the system clogs within months of a cleaning.
What it costs in South Boston
Rerouting a vent in a South Boston brick wall or floor cavity runs $220 to $410 depending on the new path and wall penetrations.
How we do it
We map the shortest compliant route to the exterior, cut and seal the new penetration, and run rigid ductwork to code.
What Dryer Vent Cleaning Costs in South Boston
| Item | Typical range in South Boston |
|---|---|
| Camera inspection with written report | $49 - $89 |
| Standard vent cleaning (one run) | $89 - $179 |
| Vent rerouting with new termination | $220 - $410 |
Price varies with run length, the number of elbows, and whether we’re working with an old brick wall or a newer condo retrofit. The written quote is the same number you pay; nothing gets added after the camera goes in.
How often should dryer vents be cleaned in South Boston?
Every 12 to 18 months for most South Boston homes with a short vent run through a brick wall. If your vent passes through a rim-joist cavity or runs longer than 15 feet, check it annually and clean when the camera shows visible matting.
Will you show me what was inside the vent?
Yes. Every dryer vent cleaning includes a photo record of the run before and after. You can see the exact lint load we removed and verify the full length was cleaned. Call (806) 606-6902 for a written quote.
Duct Repair & Sealing in South Boston
Duct repair and sealing in South Boston typically runs $180 to $660 for partial repairs and $450 to $1,900 for full-system access, sealing, and insulation work. The cost depends on where the leaks are: retrofitted duct runs in South Boston tend to fail at the joints, the plenum connections, and the flex-to-metal transitions. Because many runs pass through unconditioned spaces like rim-joist cavities and basements, small gaps leak conditioned air into places you’re not paying to heat. That’s the problem we solve with Duct Repair & Sealing: find the leak, seal it with the right material, and document the before and after.
Duct Sealing
Signs you need it
Rooms on the top floor of your triple-decker stay cold in winter while the system runs constantly, or you can feel air moving around duct joints in the basement.
What it costs in South Boston
Basic duct sealing at accessible joints and plenum connections runs $180 to $420.
How we do it
We locate leaks with a pressure test and visual inspection, then apply fiber-reinforced mastic to every accessible seam and joint.
Flex Duct Repair
Signs you need it
The flex duct in your crawlspace or rim-joist cavity is torn, kinked, or crushed from the condo conversion, and airflow to one or two rooms is noticeably weak.
What it costs in South Boston
Replacing or re-supporting a section of flex duct runs $180 to $450 per run, depending on length and access.
How we do it
We cut out the damaged section, install new insulated flex duct with proper suspension and no kinks, and seal both connections with mastic and metal tape.
Duct Insulation
Signs you need it
Your ducts run through an unconditioned rim-joist cavity or basement and you see condensation, moisture staining, or rust on the duct exterior.
What it costs in South Boston
Insulating exposed duct runs in a basement or crawlspace runs $280 to $900 depending on linear footage and insulation type.
How we do it
We wrap exposed ducts in closed-cell insulation rated for the space, then seal all seams so the insulation stays continuous and moisture cannot reach the metal.
What Duct Repair & Sealing Costs in South Boston
| Item | Typical range in South Boston |
|---|---|
| Duct sealing at accessible joints | $180 - $420 |
| Flex duct repair or replacement (per run) | $180 - $450 |
| Duct insulation in unconditioned spaces | $280 - $900 |
Jobs that require opening finished walls or ceilings to access hidden runs in South Boston’s retrofitted buildings fall in the upper part of the range and are always quoted in writing before any cutting begins.
Can you seal ducts without opening my walls?
Yes, for the accessible portion of the system: basement runs, crawlspace runs, and exposed plenum connections. If the leak is inside a wall cavity, we’ll show you the test results and quote the specific access work before any opening is made.
How do I know the sealing was actually done?
You receive a photo record of each sealed joint and a written scope of work showing what was sealed and what was not accessible. Call (806) 606-6902 for a written estimate on your system.
Air Quality & Sanitizing in South Boston
Air quality and sanitizing work in South Boston runs $120 for a basic whole-home duct sanitizing treatment and $125 to $340 for UV light installation on the system. The coastal humidity that moves through Southie’s rowhouses and triple-deckers creates the exact condition where microbial growth takes hold inside retrofit ducts: cold metal, warm interior air, and moisture from a damp basement or rim-joist cavity. When the camera shows visible mold colonization or bacterial buildup, sanitizing is not a wellness add-on; it’s a necessary remediation step. Our Air Quality & Sanitizing process pairs the right treatment with the source of the moisture, because treating a surface without addressing the water source is just temporary.
Mold Treatment
Signs you need it
The camera inspection shows visible mold growth inside the duct run, or you have a persistent musty odor that gets stronger when the system runs.
What it costs in South Boston
Mold treatment for a standard duct run in South Boston runs $120 to $300 depending on the affected length and access.
How we do it
We remove visible growth with HEPA agitation and extraction, then apply an EPA-registered antimicrobial treatment and photograph the result.
UV Light Installation
Signs you need it
Your evaporator coil shows recurring microbial growth even after cleaning, or a household member has respiratory concerns and you want continuous disinfection at the coil.
What it costs in South Boston
UV light installation runs $125 to $340 including the unit, mounting, and electrical connection.
How we do it
We mount a UV-C lamp in the supply plenum directly adjacent to the coil so the full airstream passes through the treatment zone, then verify the installation with a photo record.
What Air Quality & Sanitizing Costs in South Boston
| Item | Typical range in South Boston |
|---|---|
| Whole-home duct sanitizing treatment | $120 - $220 |
| Mold treatment on visible growth (per run) | $120 - $300 |
| UV light installation at the coil | $125 - $340 |
The final price on a South Boston job depends on how many runs show growth and whether the access is through a basement bulkhead or an interior closet. We quote the number in writing before any treatment starts.
Does sanitizing fix the moisture problem in my ducts?
No. Sanitizing kills and removes existing growth, but the moisture source must be addressed separately, usually with better insulation, sealing, or drainage. We’ll show you both problems in the camera record and quote each fix separately.
Is the UV light safe for my family?
Yes, when installed correctly. The UV-C lamp sits inside the supply plenum where no direct light escapes into living space, and it runs continuously to treat the air moving past the coil. Call (806) 606-6902 for a written proposal.
Brands We Service in South Boston
We work on systems built around Rotobrush, Nikro, and Abatement Technologies equipment, and we stock Guardsman and Abatement Technologies parts locally for faster turnaround. Any brand we name on a quote can be verified before we start. Our brands page lists the full equipment roster.
Pricing for Air Duct Cleaning in South Boston, MA
| Service | Typical range in South Boston |
|---|---|
| Camera inspection with written report | $49 - $89 |
| Standard dryer vent cleaning (one run) | $89 - $179 |
| Vent rerouting with new termination | $220 - $410 |
| Duct sealing at accessible joints | $180 - $420 |
| Flex duct repair or replacement (per run) | $180 - $450 |
| Duct insulation in unconditioned spaces | $280 - $900 |
| Whole-home duct sanitizing treatment | $120 - $220 |
| Mold treatment on visible growth (per run) | $120 - $300 |
| UV light installation at the coil | $125 - $340 |
In South Boston, price goes up when runs pass through inaccessible wall chases, basements with low clearance, or triple-decker layouts where one building contains three separate systems. Every quote is written before work starts, and the price on that quote is the price you pay.
Neighborhoods We Serve in South Boston
CleanRun regularly works in the residential core of South Boston, including the older rowhouse blocks near the water and the converted triple-deckers further inland. Typical scheduling for South Boston runs is 2 to 5 business days depending on the season and the number of runs being inspected.
- City Point
- Telegraph Hill
- Andrew Square
- Fort Point
- D Street
Service Area - Cities Near South Boston
CleanRun serves South Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts metro. We also schedule work in Boston, MA, Worcester, MA, and Lowell, MA for homeowners outside the immediate Southie footprint. For clients relocating or managing properties in the Midwest, we provide Springfield, OH coverage under the same written-price standard.
Serving South Boston, MA - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the South Boston 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 South Boston
Most South Boston jobs are scheduled within 2 to 5 business days. Triple-deckers with multiple systems may need a longer block on the calendar, and the scheduler will tell you the exact time window when you book. The written estimate is prepared after the camera inspection, not before.
In most South Boston condo conversions, work inside your unit is at the owner’s discretion, but any penetration of a shared wall or common area duct chase may require board notice. We can describe the exact scope in writing so you can share it with your board before work starts.
We scope and quote each system separately; the written price reflects three systems, not one. The camera record includes each run from each floor so you can see exactly what was cleaned and what remains. Call (806) 606-6902 for a written estimate on your building.
If you’re ready for a written price and a documented record of the work, call (806) 606-6902. We’ll schedule the inspection, show you what’s inside the ducts, and put the quote in writing before any work starts.
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 South Boston 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.