Duct Cleaning & Sealing — Cleaner Air, Better Efficiency
Your ductwork is the delivery system for everything your HVAC produces. When it’s dirty or leaking, your system works harder, your air quality suffers, and conditioned air never reaches where it’s supposed to go. NorTech uses high-powered vacuum extraction, pressure testing, and professional sealing — with before-and-after airflow measurements on every job.
Request a Free QuoteEvery duct service is backed by NorTech’s 1-year labor warranty. If any issue returns within 12 months, we come back and fix it.
15% Off Your First Duct Cleaning Service
New customers save on any duct cleaning or sealing service. Mention the code when you call or enter it at checkout.
Professional Duct Cleaning & Sealing Nationwide
The EPA estimates that the average home accumulates up to 40 pounds of dust, allergens, and debris in its ductwork each year. In Sun Belt markets like Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and Orlando — where HVAC systems run for 8 to 10 months annually — that buildup happens faster. Beyond air quality, leaky ductwork is one of the most overlooked sources of energy waste in residential homes. The EPA estimates 20 to 30 percent of conditioned air escapes through duct leaks before it reaches the living space. NorTech’s duct service combines high-powered vacuum extraction to remove contamination with professional pressure testing and sealing to close the leaks — delivering measurable improvements in airflow, efficiency, and air quality on every job.
Signs Your Ducts Need Cleaning or Sealing
Ductwork issues are easy to overlook because the damage happens out of sight. These are the most common indicators that your ducts are due for service.
Dust Buildup Around Registers
Visible dust accumulation on supply registers or return grilles shortly after cleaning is a clear sign of heavy debris buildup inside the duct system being pushed out with each cycle.
Rooms That Won’t Heat or Cool Evenly
Rooms that are consistently harder to condition than others often indicate duct leaks losing air before it reaches those registers, or blockages reducing airflow to specific duct runs.
Higher Than Expected Energy Bills
If your HVAC system runs longer cycles without maintaining set temperatures, leaking ducts may be the cause — forcing the system to compensate for air lost in unconditioned spaces like attics and crawlspaces.
Musty or Stale Air Odors
Persistent musty odors when the system runs can indicate mold growth inside the ductwork — particularly in humid climates. This requires cleaning and sanitization, not just filter replacement.
Recent Renovation or Construction
Construction debris, drywall dust, and insulation particles from nearby renovation work are commonly pulled into duct systems and distributed throughout the home. Post-renovation cleaning is always recommended.
It’s Been Over 5 Years
Even without visible symptoms, ducts in homes that haven’t been cleaned in 5 or more years typically contain significant accumulation — especially in high-usage climates where the system runs year-round.
Duct Cleaning & Sealing Services
NorTech addresses both sides of the ductwork problem — contamination inside the ducts and energy loss through duct leaks — in a single service visit.
Duct Cleaning
Full-system extraction of dust, debris, allergens, and contaminants from all supply and return duct runs — with sanitization treatment and airflow measurement.
We use high-powered negative pressure vacuum equipment that captures debris rather than redistributing it — not portable shop vac units that push contamination further into the system.
- Full supply & return duct inspection
- High-powered vacuum extraction
- Register & grille removal and cleaning
- Sanitization treatment applied
- Before & after airflow measurement
- Written service report provided
Duct Sealing
Pressure testing to quantify air loss, followed by professional sealing of gaps, holes, and poorly connected joints throughout the duct system.
Duct sealing delivers measurable, testable results. We measure leakage before and after sealing so you can see the actual improvement in system efficiency — not just an estimate.
- Duct pressure test to measure leakage
- Identification of all accessible leak points
- Mastic sealant or metal tape application
- Joint & connection sealing throughout system
- Post-sealing pressure test to verify results
- Written report with before & after measurements
What Leaky Ducts Are Actually Costing You
Duct leaks are one of the most common and least addressed sources of energy waste in residential homes. Here’s what’s actually happening when your ducts aren’t sealed.
Air Loss in Unconditioned Spaces
Leaks in attic or crawlspace duct runs dump expensive conditioned air directly into spaces you’re not trying to heat or cool — and your system runs longer to compensate.
Pressure Imbalances
Leaks create negative pressure in the living space, pulling unconditioned air in through gaps in the building envelope — adding humidity, dust, and outdoor pollutants to your indoor air.
Increased Equipment Wear
A system compensating for duct losses runs more cycles and longer run times — accelerating wear on compressors, heat exchangers, and blower motors.
Measurable Monthly Cost
The EPA estimates 20–30% of conditioned air is lost in a typical leaky duct system. On a $200 monthly cooling bill, that’s $40–60 per month going directly to waste.
What to Expect on the Day of Service
A NorTech duct service visit is systematic, documented, and completed with minimal disruption to your home. Here’s how the visit runs from start to finish.
Pre-Service Inspection
The technician walks the home, locates all supply and return registers, inspects accessible duct runs for visible contamination or damage, and records baseline airflow measurements at key registers.
Register & Grille Removal
All supply and return registers are removed, cleaned, and set aside. Access panels are opened where needed for full duct access.
High-Powered Vacuum Extraction
Negative pressure vacuum equipment is connected to the main trunk line, creating suction through the entire duct system. Compressed air agitation tools dislodge debris from duct walls and pull it into the collection unit.
Sanitization Treatment
An EPA-registered sanitizer is applied throughout the duct system to address any remaining microbial contamination and leave the ductwork fresh for the next season.
Leak Testing & Sealing (if applicable)
If duct sealing is part of the service, a pressure test is performed to quantify leakage. Identified leak points are sealed with mastic or metal tape. A post-sealing test confirms the improvement.
Post-Service Measurement & Report
Registers are reinstalled, the system is restarted, and final airflow measurements are taken at the same registers as the pre-service baseline. A written report documents all findings and before-and-after results.
How Much Does Duct Cleaning Cost?
Duct cleaning costs depend on the size of your home, the number of supply and return vents, and whether sealing or sanitization is included. NorTech provides a written upfront estimate before any work begins. Use code NORTECH15 to save 15% on your first service.
Duct Cleaning
Priced by home size and vent count. Includes extraction, register cleaning, sanitization, and airflow measurement.
Duct Leak Testing
Pressure test to quantify how much conditioned air your system is losing — included with any sealing service.
Duct Sealing
Priced based on duct system size and number of identified leak points. Before-and-after pressure test included.
Combined Service
Cleaning and sealing scheduled together in a single visit for the best value and most complete ductwork restoration.
What Homeowners Say About NorTech Duct Service
“The tech showed me photos of what came out of our ducts. I genuinely had no idea it was that bad. The house smells noticeably different when the system runs now — cleaner, no musty undertone.”
“Did the cleaning and sealing combo. They found two major leak points in the attic duct runs that I had no idea about. After sealing, two rooms that had always been warm are now cooling properly.”
“Thorough job. Tech explained the process before starting and walked me through the before and after readings. Took about three hours for a 2,400 square foot house. Would recommend doing cleaning and sealing together.”
“After a kitchen renovation the house was dusty constantly even with a new filter. NorTech cleaned the ducts and the difference was immediate. Should have done it right after the renovation finished.”
“Energy bill dropped about $35 the first full month after duct sealing. Not a huge number but it adds up — and the house holds temperature much more consistently now. Solid return on investment.”
“Good experience. The written report with before and after airflow numbers was a nice touch — shows you exactly what improved. Only thing I’d note is scheduling availability was a few days out, but worth the wait.”
Duct Cleaning & Sealing — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what homeowners ask most before scheduling duct service.
The EPA recommends duct cleaning when there is visible mold growth, evidence of rodents or insects in the ductwork, or ducts that are clogged with excessive dust and debris. For most homes without these issues, duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years is a reasonable interval. Homes with pets, recent renovations, or residents with allergies may benefit from more frequent cleaning.
A NorTech duct cleaning service includes a full inspection of supply and return ducts, high-powered vacuum extraction of dust, debris, and allergens from all accessible duct runs, sanitization treatment, register and grille cleaning, and a before-and-after airflow measurement at key supply registers. We also check for duct leaks during the cleaning process.
Duct sealing closes gaps, holes, and poorly connected joints in your ductwork. The EPA estimates that 20 to 30 percent of conditioned air is lost through duct leaks in a typical home — meaning your HVAC system is working harder than necessary to deliver the same comfort. Sealing leaks improves efficiency, lowers energy bills, and ensures conditioned air reaches every room as intended.
Common signs of duct leaks include rooms that are consistently harder to heat or cool than others, higher than expected energy bills, dusty registers shortly after cleaning, or a system that runs constantly without reaching the set temperature. A NorTech technician can perform a duct pressure test to measure exactly how much air is being lost.
Ductwork that contains mold, rodent droppings, insect debris, or heavy accumulations of dust and allergens can affect indoor air quality — particularly for household members with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory sensitivities. Cleaning removes these contaminants from the air distribution system.
Most residential duct cleaning jobs are completed in 2 to 4 hours depending on the size of the home, the number of duct runs, and the level of contamination. Homes with more extensive duct systems or significant buildup may take longer.
Duct cleaning costs depend on the size of your home, the number of supply and return vents, and any additional services like sealing or sanitization. NorTech provides a written upfront estimate before work begins. Use code NORTECH15 for 15% off your first service.
Yes. Every duct cleaning and sealing job performed by NorTech Services is backed by a 1-year labor warranty. If an issue related to our work arises within 12 months, we return and address it at no additional labor charge.
Duct Cleaning Available Nationwide
NorTech performs duct cleaning and sealing across major metros. View our full service territory.
Ready for Cleaner Air and More Efficient Ducts?
Get a free upfront estimate from a certified NorTech duct technician. Cleaning, sealing, or both — we measure the results before we leave. Use code NORTECH15 for 15% off your first service.
