If your vents, HVAC system, or kitchen extract flues look like they could start a dust bunny rebellion, you’re not alone. People often ask Google things like “air duct cleaning cost near me” because they sense something’s wrong, but have no idea what to expect price-wise or why it even matters.
The truth: air ducts are silent workhorses carrying tiny particles around your home or business. Over time, they collect dust, grease, allergens, and even mould, affecting air quality and system performance. Getting them professionally cleaned can make a bigger difference than just a dust-free vent cover.
Let’s break down the costs (without BS) and what drives them.
I was quoted £250… then £1,800. Why do duct cleaning prices feel all over the place
If you’ve ever searched air duct cleaning cost near me, you’ve probably seen wildly different prices and thought:
How can the same job cost that much more?
Here’s the truth most cleaning companies won’t explain upfront:
Duct cleaning isn’t a fixed service. It’s a condition-based one.
And condition changes everything.
This article breaks down duct cleaning cost from a real-world perspective, what drives prices up, when cheap quotes are risky, and how businesses in Manchester can avoid paying twice.
For a broader breakdown of cleaning costs and value, you can also read our main guide on the benefits and cost of hiring a cleaning company.
What duct cleaning really involves (not just what you see)
A proper duct clean isn’t someone vacuuming vents and leaving.
Professional-grade duct cleaning usually includes:
- Internal ductwork degreasing or dust extraction
- Cleaning of fans, motors, and access panels
- Removal of grease, carbon, and airflow blockages
- Safe disposal of contaminants
- Visual inspection evidence (before & after)
If a quote skips most of this, it explains the lower air duct cleaning prices but also the poor results.
The real average cost of duct cleaning in Manchester
Let’s talk numbers, realistic ones.
Air duct cleaning cost (homes & small premises)
- £200 – £500+
- Influenced by:
- Number of vents
- Duct length
- Access difficulty
This range reflects the average cost of duct cleaning when the job is done properly, not cosmetically.
If you’re seeing much lower prices, it’s usually vent-only cleaning, not full system work.
Kitchen extraction cleaning cost: where prices jump (for good reason)
Commercial kitchens are a different beast.
Grease doesn’t just sit on the canopy; it lines the entire system. That’s why the kitchen extraction cleaning cost is higher.
Typical commercial kitchen pricing
- £300 – £1,200+ per clean
- Depends on:
- Canopy size
- Duct layout
- Grease thickness
- Fan condition
For restaurants, takeaways, and hotels, this isn’t optional maintenance it’s fire risk control.
Commercial extraction cleaning: what businesses usually underestimate
Many businesses budget for surface cleaning, then get caught out by what’s hidden.
Commercial extraction cleaning costs rise when:
- Systems haven’t been cleaned regularly
- Access panels weren’t installed correctly
- Grease buildup has hardened over time
This is where the extraction system cleaning cost can escalate, not because companies are overcharging, but because the system has been neglected.
Deep extraction system cleaning cost: the “reset button.”
A deep extraction system cleaning is usually triggered by:
- Failed inspections
- Insurance requirements
- Fire risk assessments
- Years of missed maintenance
Deep extraction system cleaning cost
- £800 – £2,500+
It’s expensive, but it’s also a system reset that brings everything back to a safe, compliant condition.
Facilities managers on UK forums often say the same thing:
“Regular cleaning would’ve cost less than half of this.”
Why cheaper air duct cleaning prices often cost more later
Low quotes usually mean:
- No internal duct access
- No fan or motor cleaning
- No documentation
- No long-term airflow improvement
The result?
You pay again. And usually soon.
This is why understanding duct cleaning cost upfront saves money long-term.
How often should duct systems actually be cleaned?
General guidance:
- Residential systems: every 2–5 years
- Light-use kitchens: every 6–12 months
- Heavy-use kitchens: every 3–6 months
Regular maintenance keeps air duct cleaning costs predictable and avoids deep-clean emergencies.
How to keep duct cleaning costs under control
Smart operators do this:
- Schedule routine cleans (don’t wait for problems)
- Clean filters between professional visits
- Keep access panels clear
- Use one trusted provider consistently
This approach stabilises air duct cleaning prices and protects your equipment.
Final thoughts:
In Manchester, duct cleaning cost typically range from £200 to £2,500+, depending on system type, condition, and compliance requirements.
The price difference isn’t random; it reflects:
- Risk
- Labour
- Access
- Neglect history
If you’re managing a home, rental property, or commercial kitchen, duct cleaning isn’t just a service; it’s preventative risk management.
For a wider cost-and-value overview across all professional cleaning services, revisit the benefits and costs of hiring a cleaning company.
