Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about air duct cleaning, dryer vent safety, or indoor air quality? You're in the right place. Below you'll find honest, straightforward answers from Rochester's duct cleaning experts.
General Questions
Everything you need to know about scheduling, pricing, and what to expect when you work with MedCity Duct Cleaning.
How much does duct cleaning cost in Rochester, MN?
Most residential duct cleaning jobs in Rochester range from $300 to $600, depending on the size of your home, number of vents, and how many floors you have. MedCity Duct Cleaning offers a price match promise — if you get a lower quote from another licensed contractor, we'll match it. The final price depends on your specific home layout, square footage, age of the ductwork, and whether you need additional services like dryer vent cleaning, so we always provide a free, no-obligation quote after inspecting your system with our camera equipment.
How long does the cleaning process take?
A typical residential air duct cleaning takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of your home and the number of vents and returns. Smaller homes with one HVAC system usually take closer to 2 hours, while larger homes with multiple systems or difficult-to-access ductwork may take up to 4–5 hours. Brian works efficiently with the Rotobrush system but never rushes the job — every vent gets thoroughly cleaned.
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
You don't have to be home the entire time, but someone does need to be there when Brian arrives to unlock the door and show him where your furnace, vents, and returns are located. After the initial walkthrough, many Rochester homeowners run errands or work from another room while the cleaning is in progress. Brian will check in with you before he finishes to show you the before-and-after camera footage and answer any questions.
How do I schedule an appointment?
The easiest way is to call MedCity Duct Cleaning directly at (507) 289-4039 — Brian answers the phone himself during business hours (Monday–Friday 8am–6pm, Saturday 9am–3pm). You can also request a quote through our website, and Brian will call you back within a few hours. Same-day service is often available, especially for urgent dryer vent cleaning.
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
MedCity Duct Cleaning accepts cash, check, and all major credit cards, and payment is due when the job is completed. We don't currently offer formal financing plans, but our competitive pricing and price match promise mean you're getting the best value in Rochester. For larger commercial jobs or multi-service appointments, Brian can discuss payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
What is your service area?
MedCity Duct Cleaning primarily serves Rochester, MN and Southeast Minnesota, including Byron, Kasson, Stewartville, Pine Island, Eyota, Dover, Chatfield, Zumbrota, and Dodge Center. If you're located outside these areas but still in the greater Rochester region, give us a call — Brian may still be able to accommodate you depending on scheduling and distance.
Air Duct Cleaning
The most common questions Rochester homeowners ask about residential air duct cleaning services and the Rotobrush system.
How often should air ducts be cleaned?
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends having your air ducts professionally cleaned every 3 to 5 years. However, Rochester homeowners with pets, allergies, recent renovations, or smokers in the home may benefit from more frequent cleaning — every 2 to 3 years. If you've never had your ducts cleaned and you've lived in your home for more than 5 years, it's time to schedule a free camera inspection so you can see exactly what's inside your ductwork.
What is the Rotobrush system and why do you use it?
The Rotobrush system is a professional duct cleaning tool that combines a rotating brush with a high-powered HEPA-filtered vacuum to scrub the walls of your ductwork and remove dust, debris, and contaminants. Unlike cheaper "blow-and-go" methods that just blast air through the ducts, the Rotobrush physically scrubs each duct section while simultaneously vacuuming up the loosened debris, so nothing ends up blowing back into your home. Brian can show you the difference with before-and-after camera footage from your own ductwork.
Will duct cleaning be messy or dusty in my home?
No, professional duct cleaning with the Rotobrush system is not messy when done correctly. The Rotobrush has a built-in HEPA filtration system that captures 99.97% of dust and allergens at the source, preventing them from entering your living space. Brian also uses drop cloths to protect your floors and works carefully around your furniture and belongings.
Do you clean the furnace and AC unit too?
Yes, a complete air duct cleaning includes cleaning the furnace blower, evaporator coil, and all accessible components of your HVAC system. These are critical areas where dust and debris accumulate, and cleaning them improves system efficiency and air quality. Our process addresses the entire ventilation system — not just the ductwork — so you get the maximum benefit.
What about mold in my air ducts?
If Brian discovers mold during your free camera inspection, he'll show you exactly where it is and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include antimicrobial fogging or sanitizing in addition to the standard Rotobrush cleaning. Mold in ducts is often caused by moisture from condensation, leaks, or high humidity, so it's important to address the root cause to prevent it from returning.
How do I know if my ducts need cleaning?
Common signs include visible dust blowing from vents when your furnace or AC kicks on, musty odors when the system runs, frequent dusting needed throughout your home, or allergy symptoms that worsen indoors. You might also notice reduced airflow from certain vents or higher-than-usual energy bills. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a free camera inspection — Brian will show you exactly what's inside your ductwork.
Want to see what's in your ducts?
Schedule a free camera inspection — no obligation.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Critical safety questions about dryer vent cleaning and fire prevention for Rochester homeowners.
How often should dryer vents be cleaned?
Dryer vents should be professionally cleaned at least once a year, or more frequently if you do large amounts of laundry or notice warning signs like longer drying times. FEMA reports approximately 2,900 clothes dryer fires per year in the United States, and lint buildup in dryer vents is a leading cause. MedCity Duct Cleaning uses the Rotobrush Dryer Vent Vacuum with a specialized brush attachment to thoroughly remove all lint and debris.
What are the signs of a clogged dryer vent?
The most obvious sign is that your clothes take longer than one cycle to dry completely, or they come out hotter than usual but still damp. You might also notice a burning smell when the dryer runs, excessive lint around the dryer or outside vent opening, or the dryer itself feeling extremely hot to the touch. If the outside vent flap doesn't open properly when the dryer is running, that's another red flag — call us right away, as these are all fire hazards.
Can a dirty dryer vent really cause a fire?
Yes, absolutely. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 in 6 house fires is caused by dryer vent issues, most commonly lint buildup restricting airflow. When lint accumulates in the vent, it traps heat and creates a highly flammable environment, and a single spark from the dryer's heating element can ignite the lint. Read more on our dryer vent cleaning page.
How long does dryer vent cleaning take?
Most residential dryer vent cleanings take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the length of the vent run and how much lint has accumulated. Shorter, straight vent runs are quicker, while longer runs that go through attics or up through the roof take more time. MedCity Duct Cleaning offers same-day service, so if you're noticing warning signs, you can often get it fixed the same day you call.
Do you clean dryer vents that vent through the roof?
Yes, MedCity Duct Cleaning can clean dryer vents that exit through the roof, though these installations are more complex and may take longer than wall-exit vents. Brian uses the Rotobrush system to access the vent from inside and thoroughly clean the entire run, including the vertical section leading to the roof vent. Roof-vented dryers are more prone to lint buildup because lint has to travel upward against gravity, so annual cleaning is especially important.
Concerned about your dryer vent?
Same-day dryer vent cleaning available for safety concerns. Don't wait.
Call (507) 289-4039 NowHealth & Safety
How clean air ducts impact your family's health, allergies, and energy bills in Rochester homes.
Does duct cleaning help with allergies and asthma?
Yes, professional duct cleaning can significantly reduce airborne allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores that circulate through your home's ventilation system. The EPA estimates that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, and since the average American spends 90% of their time indoors, reducing these contaminants can make a noticeable difference. Many Rochester homeowners report breathing easier and experiencing fewer symptoms after a thorough Rotobrush cleaning.
Is duct cleaning really worth it for indoor air quality?
Yes, especially if you've never had your ducts cleaned or if it's been more than 5 years since the last cleaning. Every time your furnace or air conditioner runs, it circulates air through ductwork that may be coated with dust, pet hair, pollen, and other contaminants, sending those particles into every room of your home. The Rotobrush system physically scrubs these contaminants from duct walls and removes them with HEPA filtration. Brian can show you the before-and-after camera footage so you can see exactly what was removed.
Can dirty air ducts make you sick?
While dirty air ducts alone rarely cause serious illness in healthy individuals, they can aggravate respiratory conditions, allergies, and asthma by circulating dust, mold spores, bacteria, and other irritants throughout your home. If there's mold growth in your ductwork, that can pose more serious health risks, especially for children, elderly family members, or anyone with compromised immune systems. A free camera inspection can identify these issues.
Do clean ducts save energy and lower utility bills?
Yes, clean air ducts can reduce your heating and cooling costs by improving your HVAC system's efficiency. When ducts are clogged with dust and debris, your furnace and air conditioner have to work harder to push air through the system, which can increase energy consumption by 25 to 40 percent. By removing obstructions with the Rotobrush system, MedCity Duct Cleaning restores proper airflow so your system doesn't have to strain — meaning lower energy bills and less wear on your HVAC equipment.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help with honest answers and expert advice. Give Brian a call during business hours or request a free quote through our contact form. We offer free camera inspections so you can see exactly what's inside your ductwork before making any decisions — no pressure, no sales pitch, just the facts.
Get Answers and a Free Estimate
Call us today or request your free quote online. We'll inspect your ducts with our camera equipment and give you honest recommendations — no obligation.