Home air duct cleaning
Clean furnace and vent ductwork in local homes using a truck-mounted or portable duct cleaning system.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
Cleaning the supply and return ducts, vents and register covers in houses, often with a portable negative-pressure vacuum, rotating brushes and air tools. Many customers also add furnace or dryer vent cleaning.
Your first three steps
- Check local prices and decide on a flat rate by home size, then price your add-ons
- Look at training options and equipment suppliers, and compare a portable system with a larger unit before buying
- Get commercial general liability insurance and offer discounted first jobs to neighbours and local realtors for reviews
Who pays
Homeowners, people who have just bought or renovated a home, and landlords of small rental properties.
How it makes money
A flat price per home based on size and number of vents, with add-ons such as furnace cleaning, dryer vent cleaning and sanitizing.
Skills that help
- Comfortable with mechanical equipment
- Honest explaining and quoting
- Working in tight spaces such as basements and attics
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether you need cover for damage to ductwork or property
- Check whether your municipality requires a business licence
- Misleading ads and high-pressure upsells are common in this trade; clear quotes and before and after photos build trust
- Dust, mould and insulation such as vermiculite in older homes can be hazardous, so check proper safety gear and when to stop and refer on
- Winter is often busy in heating season, but cold weather and snow can slow travel and scheduling
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: home air duct cleaning
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an air duct cleaning business in Canada?
Estimates are typically around $3,000 to $15,000 to start, depending on whether you buy a portable or truck-mounted system, plus tools and your vehicle. Insurance is also worth pricing.
How much can a home air duct cleaning business earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many jobs you book and any add-ons such as furnace or dryer vent cleaning. Cold weather and snow can slow travel and scheduling.
What should I check before starting a duct cleaning business in Canada?
Check commercial general liability insurance, including cover for damage to ductwork or property, and whether your municipality requires a business licence. Check safety gear for dust, mould and insulation such as vermiculite in older homes, and keep quotes clear and honest.
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