Air duct cleaning: when it's necessary and how it's done
First an inspection, then a quote. Our experts clean ducts, equipment, air exchangers, wall-mounted air conditioners, and dryer vents for both residential and multi-unit properties, providing you with verified proof of cleanliness.
Free pre-quote camera inspection
Cleanliness verified after the work, not just promised
Residential, condominiums, and commercial buildings
Free estimate, price confirmed after inspection
Professional cleaning means cleaner air, a more efficient system, and fewer risks for your family.
Everything you need to know about air duct cleaning
Duct cleaning isn't always necessary. An inspection helps determine whether the buildup warrants service or if simple maintenance will suffice. At Confort Prestige, we first assess the condition of your system and provide a clear breakdown of what needs to be cleaned, when, and at what cost.
What we clean in a ventilation system
A complete cleaning covers three areas: the supply ducts, which distribute air to the rooms; the return ducts, which bring it back to the unit; and the central components of the system. For a central system, this means the ducts, wall vents, the unit housing, and the furnace filter, which is part of basic equipment maintenance.
The air exchanger is a separate case: its housing, core, and adjacent ducts are cleaned separately, as is the dryer vent, which is as much about indoor air quality as it is about fire prevention. We identify which of these elements are actually dirty before including them in your quote, and we never charge for a service your system does not need.
When cleaning is justified, and when it is not
The NADCA standard identifies three conditions: a significant accumulation of debris or the growth of microorganisms like mold, visible particles being released into the indoor air, and reduced airflow or a blockage in a system component, such as insulation detaching inside the ducts.
Conversely, a light layer of dust does not justify cleaning. We add three triggers that we see every month in the field: a recently completed renovation, water damage, and the purchase of a home with an unknown maintenance history. In these three cases, an inspection quickly provides the answer.
What public health authorities say, without exaggeration
The INSPQ is clear: no study has shown that duct cleaning directly improves the health of occupants. However, the presence of water or mold in the system can increase exposure to certain contaminants and cause irritation.
Air quality depends primarily on controlling sources of contaminants and humidity. Cleaning becomes relevant when contaminants have actually accumulated in the system. It is therefore not a substitute for humidity control or proper maintenance practices.
What the regulations require in Quebec
In Quebec, air duct cleaning is not governed by any regulated professional standards: there are no mandatory permits or required cleaning frequencies. As a result, the market is filled with many claims that are difficult to verify.
However, the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety does require an annual inspection and adjustment of mechanical ventilation systems, as well as filter maintenance as needed. The NADCA standard recommends inspecting system cleanliness once a year and ducts every two years for residential properties. Note the key word: inspect, not clean.
Our method, and the proof at the end
Cleaning is performed mechanically: rotating brushes dislodge dust while a HEPA vacuum keeps the system under negative pressure. Equipment, vents, and filters are also serviced. If a Health Canada-approved disinfectant is required, we will inform you of the product before it is applied.
Cleanliness is then verified based on the type of duct, using a surface test or a comparison of the cleaned areas. You will receive a report with photos and results as concrete proof of the work performed.
Cleaning a wall-mounted air conditioner or heat pump
A wall-mounted unit contains a filter, a coil, a blower wheel, and a condensate pan, all of which are exposed to a humid environment. Cleaning involves removing the front panel, washing the filters, cleaning the coil and blower wheel, and checking the drain.
We recommend an annual cleaning for systems used for both heating and cooling. If we already maintain your heat pump, this service can be performed during the same visit.
Residential, condominiums, and commercial buildings
A single-family home can be handled in one visit, whereas condominiums require a coordinated plan to access units and produce a report per building. Our team prepares this plan in advance and recommends addressing all building systems in the same campaign.
For commercial buildings, inspections are annual, and environments such as kitchens or workshops require tailored scheduling. Our services cover Terrebonne, Laval, the North Shore, the Laurentians, and surrounding areas.
How the cleaning process works
Every intervention follows the same process, from the camera inspection to the cleanliness test and the photo report provided at the end.
Camera inspection
No charge. We film the inside of the network and assess the buildup.
Mechanical cleaning and vacuuming
Rotating brushes, vacuum suction, and HEPA filtration for a complete clean.
Cleanliness check
Filter test and surface comparison to confirm the result.
Full report
Before and after photos, test results, and maintenance recommendations.
Four services, four durations, four prices
The price of a cleaning depends on the number of vents, the length of the ductwork, accessibility, and the actual condition of the ducts. The ranges below cover the majority of homes; the exact price will be provided in the free quote issued after the inspection.
The benefits of professional cleaning
Elimination of contaminants (dust, pollen, mold)
Optimal efficiency = reduced consumption
Less mechanical stress = extended warranty
Expert advice: Annual maintenance (ideally before summer) prevents 80% of breakdowns.
Our certified brands
Maintaining your system between cleanings
The key is the filter: checking it monthly during the heating season and replacing it as soon as it’s clogged protects both the unit and your home's air quality. Keep vents clear, don't close off half your registers, and monitor humidity levels, which Health Canada recommends keeping between 30% and 50%.
Running a vacuum over accessible grilles takes care of the rest. If you notice condensation in a duct or water near the unit, don't let it slide: this is the one scenario where waiting costs more than cleaning.
Why choose Confort Prestige
We are a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning company first, and duct cleaners second. This means our team can identify equipment, airflow, or humidity issues during an inspection, rather than selling you an unnecessary cleaning.
Since 2008, our technicians have been installing and maintaining the very same equipment they clean. Confort Prestige holds RBQ license 5837-8795-01 and OPC permit 122697, serving Terrebonne, Laval, the North Shore, the Laurentians, and surrounding areas.
Frequently asked questions
Comfort validated. By real people.
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Service available 7 days a week in the Laurentians and throughout the North Shore – emergencies handled within 24 to 48 hours.
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