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 Northridge, CA
Dryer vent cleaning in Northridge runs $89-$179 for a standard single-vent job, while full air duct cleaning for a typical 1,500-2,200 sq ft ranch home lands between $395-$650. Northridge’s housing stock matters here: most homes date from the 1950s-1970s, with attic duct runs that were patched, not replaced, after the 1994 earthquake. That means decades of Valley dust, Santa Ana-driven ash, and post-quake repair debris moving through systems that were never properly re-sealed. If your vents are breathing that into your living room, call (806) 606-6902 and we’ll put a camera in your ducts before we quote anything.
Why Northridge Homes Are Different
Northridge sits deep in the San Fernando Valley, where summer temperatures routinely cross 100°F and AC systems run at near-maximum load from June through October. That heat does something specific to ductwork: it bakes duct tape until the adhesive dries and the backing peels away, it degrades flex-duct seams, and it accelerates the breakdown of insulation wrap. When Santa Ana winds push fine dust and wildfire ash from the Santa Susana and Simi Hills across the Valley floor, any gap in your duct system becomes an intake port for that particulate load.
The 1994 magnitude-6.7 earthquake adds a layer most homes in other Valley neighborhoods don’t carry. Tens of thousands of Northridge homes had duct joints knocked loose or cracked during the shaking. During the 1994-1996 reconstruction rush, many of those joints were hastily taped rather than mastic-sealed. Three decades later, that tape has failed. In attics across Northridge, we routinely pull access panels and find fiberglass batt insulation being drawn directly into supply plenums through joints where the original mastic cracked during seismic movement and was never properly re-sealed. The camera shows what the eye can’t see, and what we see in Northridge is a contamination pattern tied directly to post-quake patchwork.
Our Main Northridge Services
Two services account for most of what Northridge homeowners call us about: full air duct cleaning and HVAC system cleaning. Both get into spaces that haven’t been opened since the mid-1990s in many of these homes.
Air Duct Cleaning in Northridge
Whole-system cleaning for the ductwork itself. We photograph every run before and after, so you see the difference between actual extraction work and a vacuum hose waved in the general direction of a vent. Full details on our Air Duct Cleaning in Northridge page.
HVAC Cleaning in Northridge
The blower, coils, drain pan, and plenum all collect what the filter misses, and in Northridge’s climate, a dirty coil means an AC system working harder through every 100°F week. We clean the full air handler and document the condition before and after with the same photo record. Northridge’s dust load from Santa Ana events makes coil cleaning a different job here than in coastal neighborhoods. See the HVAC Cleaning in Northridge page for the full scope.
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 Northridge
Dryer vent cleaning in Northridge addresses a specific hazard in these 1950s-1970s ranch homes: long, winding vent runs that snake through attics and out through eaves, collecting lint at every elbow. The heat of the Valley accelerates lint compaction, and the post-quake reconstruction left many vent runs with joints that were never properly connected in the first place. A clogged dryer vent in Northridge isn’t just an efficiency problem; it’s a fire hazard that builds silently for years. Our Dryer Vent Cleaning service starts with an inspection, because in this housing stock, you can’t safely assume the vent run is even intact.
Dryer Vent Inspection
Signs you need it
Your dryer takes more than one cycle to dry a load, or the laundry room gets noticeably hot and humid while the dryer runs.
What it costs in Northridge
Inspection is included with every cleaning job; as a standalone service in Northridge it runs $49-$89.
How we do it
We scope the entire vent run with a camera from both ends, checking for disconnects, crushed sections, and lint accumulation at every joint and elbow.
Vent Cleaning
Signs you need it
Clothes come out hot but still damp, or you notice a burning smell when the dryer has been running for 20+ minutes.
What it costs in Northridge
Standard single-vent cleaning in Northridge runs $89-$179 depending on run length and access.
How we do it
We run a rotating brush through the full vent run under negative pressure, pulling loosened lint out through the exterior vent rather than pushing it into the attic.
Lint Removal
Signs you need it
Visible lint caked around the exterior vent flap, or lint collecting quickly on surfaces in the laundry room even right after you clean.
What it costs in Northridge
Full lint extraction from the vent run and dryer interior connection is priced at $89-$149 for a standard Northridge single-story home.
How we do it
We remove accumulated lint from the vent run, the transition hose, and the dryer’s internal lint trap housing, then photograph the before and after.
Vent Rerouting
Signs you need it
Your current vent run has multiple elbows, runs more than 15 feet, or terminates somewhere other than a short, straight path to the exterior.
What it costs in Northridge
Rerouting a dryer vent in Northridge to a shorter, code-compliant path runs $150-$400 depending on the route and materials.
How we do it
We plan and install a new vent path that minimizes bends and total length, using rigid metal duct where possible, then seal and test the run.
Bird Guard Installation
Signs you need it
You’ve heard scratching or chirping from the wall where the dryer vents out, or birds keep building nests around the exterior vent cap.
What it costs in Northridge
A stainless or galvanized bird guard installed on an existing vent termination in Northridge runs $35-$75 for the part and the labor.
How we do it
We install a metal guard over the exterior vent opening that blocks birds and rodents while maintaining unrestricted airflow.
What Dryer Vent Cleaning Costs in Northridge
| Item | Typical range in Northridge |
|---|---|
| Dryer vent inspection (standalone) | $49-$89 |
| Standard single-vent cleaning | $89-$179 |
| Full lint extraction | $89-$149 |
| Vent rerouting | $150-$400 |
| Bird guard installation | $35-$75 |
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned in Northridge?
Every 12-18 months for most Northridge homes, and every 12 months if your vent run is long, has multiple elbows, or serves a household doing 5+ loads weekly. Post-quake rebuilt vent runs often collect lint faster. Call (806) 606-6902 for a specific recommendation.
Can a clogged dryer vent actually start a fire?
Yes. Lint is highly combustible, and a blocked vent traps heat inside the run. This is the most common cause of dryer-related house fires, and Northridge’s long, aging vent runs raise the risk. Call us at (806) 606-6902 for an inspection.
Duct Repair & Sealing in Northridge
Duct repair and sealing in Northridge nearly always traces back to the 1994 earthquake. The shaking cracked mastic seals at duct joints throughout tens of thousands of homes, and the reconstruction rush meant many repairs were done with tape, not proper sealant. Today, that tape has dried and peeled, and attic insulation is being drawn into supply plenums through joints that were never correctly re-sealed. Our Duct Repair & Sealing service restores those runs to a sealed, efficient state.
Duct Sealing
Signs you need it
Rooms in your Northridge home heat unevenly, your energy bills climb every summer, or you see dust accumulating on surfaces within days of cleaning.
What it costs in Northridge
Whole-system duct sealing in Northridge typically runs $400-$900 for a ranch-style home with 8-12 accessible attic runs.
How we do it
We locate every leak with pressure testing or visual inspection, then apply mastic sealant to all accessible joints, plenums, and connections.
Flex Duct Repair
Signs you need it
Sections of flex duct are sagging, kinked, or torn in the attic, or you can feel cold air escaping into the attic during summer.
What it costs in Northridge
Repairing or replacing damaged flex duct sections runs $150-$400 per run in Northridge depending on length and access.
How we do it
We cut out damaged or collapsed flex sections, replace them with properly sized and insulated flex duct, and seal every connection with mastic.
Metal Duct Repair
Signs you need it
You have rigid metal ductwork from the original 1950s-1970s build that’s rusted, separated at the seams, or visibly dented from post-quake movement.
What it costs in Northridge
Metal duct repair in Northridge runs $200-$550 per affected section depending on the type and extent of damage.
How we do it
We re-align separated metal sections, patch or replace damaged segments, and seal all seams with mastic to restore airflow integrity.
Duct Insulation
Signs you need it
Your attic ductwork has bare spots where insulation wrap has torn away, or the AC runs constantly and the air at the registers feels warmer than it should.
What it costs in Northridge
Re-insulating exposed duct runs runs $8-$15 per linear foot in Northridge, including materials and labor.
How we do it
We wrap exposed runs with proper R-value insulation, secure it at the seams, and photograph the finished work before closing the access.
Mastic Sealant
Signs you need it
Previous repairs used duct tape, or you can see cracked, peeling sealant at duct joints from the post-quake repair years.
What it costs in Northridge
Mastic sealing of accessible duct joints runs $50-$100 per joint in Northridge when done as part of a broader sealing job.
How we do it
We apply commercial-grade mastic sealant, not tape, to every joint and seam, building a permanent airtight seal that flexes with normal thermal movement.
What Duct Repair & Sealing Costs in Northridge
| Item | Typical range in Northridge |
|---|---|
| Whole-system duct sealing | $400-$900 |
| Flex duct repair/replacement | $150-$400 per run |
| Metal duct repair | $200-$550 per section |
| Duct insulation | $8-$15 per linear foot |
| Mastic sealing (per joint) | $50-$100 |
Why are my Northridge ducts leaking even after being “fixed” before?
Most post-1994 repairs used duct tape, not mastic. Tape adhesive fails within a few years in Northridge’s attic heat. Mastic is a paste that cures into a permanent, flexible seal. Call (806) 606-6902 for a camera inspection.
How do I know the sealing actually worked?
We photograph every sealed joint before and after, and you receive that documented photo record as part of the standard job file. You can see the mastic applied at each leak point. Call (806) 606-6902 for an estimate.
Air Quality & Sanitizing in Northridge
Air quality and sanitizing in Northridge deals with what the earthquake and the heat have pushed into your ducts: attic insulation fibers, decades of Valley dust, and in some homes, microbial growth in areas where condensation meets trapped debris. Santa Ana wind events make this a recurring issue, not a one-time fix. Our Air Quality & Sanitizing service treats the system after cleaning, so the problem doesn’t immediately return.
Mold Treatment
Signs you need it
You see visible mold growth inside supply registers or plenums, or you smell a musty odor that intensifies when the AC runs.
What it costs in Northridge
Mold treatment for duct systems in Northridge runs $600-$1,800 depending on the extent of the affected area and access.
How we do it
We apply EPA-registered antimicrobial treatments to affected surfaces after mechanical cleaning removes the organic material mold feeds on.
Bacteria Sanitizing
Signs you need it
Household members experience unexplained allergies or respiratory irritation that improves when the AC is off, especially during summer.
What it costs in Northridge
Whole-system bacteria sanitizing runs $300-$600 for a typical Northridge home, including all supply and return runs.
How we do it
We fog the entire duct system with an EPA-registered sanitizer, then run the blower to distribute treatment through every run.
Odor Removal
Signs you need it
Persistent cooking, pet, or smoke odors linger in the house even after airing out, because the ductwork is recirculating them.
What it costs in Northridge
Duct odor removal in Northridge runs $250-$500 depending on the source and number of affected runs.
How we do it
We identify the odor source with a camera inspection, clean the affected surfaces, and apply an appropriate deodorizer or sealant.
UV Light Installation
Signs you need it
You have recurring coil or plenum microbial growth despite regular cleaning, a common issue in Northridge homes where condensation pools on coils all summer.
What it costs in Northridge
UV light installation in the plenum or coil area runs $300-$700 per unit in Northridge, including the fixture and wiring.
How we do it
We mount a UV-C lamp in the supply plenum or above the coil, wired to run continuously or cycle with the blower, to prevent microbial growth on surfaces.
Air Purifier Install
Signs you need it
You live near the Santa Susana Pass corridor where Santa Ana winds push fine dust and ash through the neighborhood, and indoor air stays hazy.
What it costs in Northridge
Whole-home air purifier installation runs $500-$1,200 in Northridge depending on the unit and integration into your existing HVAC system.
How we do it
We install a HEPA or high-MERV filtration unit in the supply side of the system, sized to your blower capacity and square footage, and test airflow afterward.
What Air Quality & Sanitizing Costs in Northridge
| Item | Typical range in Northridge |
|---|---|
| Mold treatment | $600-$1,800 |
| Bacteria sanitizing | $300-$600 |
| Odor removal | $250-$500 |
| UV light installation | $300-$700 per unit |
| Air purifier install | $500-$1,200 |
Will sanitizing alone fix my Northridge air quality problem?
No. Sanitizing treats biological contamination, but it won’t remove the insulation fibers and dust that Northridge’s post-quake duct leaks are pulling in. Cleaning and sealing come first, then treatment. Call (806) 606-6902 for a written scope.
Is the sanitizing safe for my family and pets?
Yes. We use EPA-registered products applied according to label directions, and we ventilate the system before you re-occupy the space. If anyone in your home has chemical sensitivities, tell us and we’ll adjust the product selection.
Brands We Service in Northridge
Northridge homes carry a mix of original 1950s-1970s equipment and post-1994 replacements. We service and stock parts for Honeywell filtration systems, Aprilaire purifiers, and Abatement Technologies components, with common filters and UV lamps kept on the trucks for same-visit replacement. See our brands for the full list.
Pricing for Air Duct Cleaning in Northridge, CA
| Service | Typical range in Northridge |
|---|---|
| Dryer vent inspection (standalone) | $49-$89 |
| Dryer vent cleaning | $89-$179 |
| Duct sealing (whole system) | $400-$900 |
| Flex duct repair | $150-$400 per run |
| Metal duct repair | $200-$550 per section |
| Duct insulation | $8-$15 per linear foot |
| Mold treatment | $600-$1,800 |
| Bacteria sanitizing | $300-$600 |
| UV light installation | $300-$700 |
| Air purifier install | $500-$1,200 |
Prices in Northridge push higher when attics are tight, runs are hard to access, or the post-quake patchwork means extensive sealing is needed before cleaning can even matter. Every job starts with a written price that covers the whole system, no per-vent line items, and that price doesn’t change once the work begins.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Northridge
Northridge spreads across several distinct pockets, and the condition of ductwork varies block by block depending on when each tract was built and how heavily the 1994 earthquake hit it. We serve the full Northridge area and arrive at every job with a camera and a written scope, not a coupon book.
- Northridge Estates
- Sherwood Forest
- Devonshire Highlands
- Northridge West
- Porter Ranch border
Most Northridge jobs can be scheduled within the same week you call, and your written quote comes before any work starts.
Service Area - Cities Near Northridge
CleanRun serves Northridge and the surrounding San Fernando Valley communities with the same written-price, documented-photo standard. If you’re just outside the immediate area, we cover Chatsworth, CA, Canoga Park, CA, North Hills, CA, and Encino, CA as well. Call (806) 606-6902 and we’ll confirm your address.
Serving Northridge, CA - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Northridge 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 Northridge
Most Northridge appointments are scheduled within 3-5 business days of your call. We don’t overbook, and every job gets a full photo record, so a crew’s day has real time built in for the work. Call (806) 606-6902 for the next available slot.
Most Northridge HOAs don’t require approval for interior duct cleaning or repair, since it doesn’t change exterior appearance. Some communities with strict architectural guidelines may require notice for exterior vent changes or rerouting. Your property manager can confirm.
Yes. We serve the entire Northridge area, from the 1950s tracts near CSUN to the post-1994 rebuilds throughout the neighborhood. The age and repair history vary, and we scope each job based on what the camera actually shows in your ducts.
If you’re ready to see what’s actually in your ducts, call (806) 606-6902 today. We’ll schedule an inspection, put a camera in your system, and give you a written price before anything moves forward. No coupons, no bait pricing, no surprises. Just a documented record of the work, from the first photo to the last.
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 Northridge 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.