Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Duct Cleaner

🎯 Role Definition

A Duct Cleaner (Air Duct Cleaning Technician) inspects, cleans, sanitizes, and documents HVAC ductwork, dryer vents, and related air-distribution components to improve indoor air quality, system efficiency, and occupant health. This role requires hands-on technical skill with rotary brush systems and HEPA vacuums, an understanding of HVAC components and airflow, excellent safety practices (PPE, confined space awareness), and strong customer-facing communication. Ideal candidates combine mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a commitment to following NADCA and local code best practices.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Cleaner / Janitorial Technician
HVAC Helper or Apprentice
Handyperson / Maintenance Tech

Advancement To:

Lead Duct Cleaner / Crew Lead
HVAC Service Technician
Facilities Maintenance Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Air Quality Specialist / Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Technician
Mold Remediation Specialist
Dryer Vent Technician / Fire Safety Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Inspect residential and commercial HVAC systems, supply and return ducts, registers, grills, coils, blowers and plenums using inspection cameras and borescopes to identify contamination, obstructions, or damage before cleaning.
Perform full-system air duct cleaning using HEPA-equipped negative-air vacuums and turbine systems combined with rotary brushes, air whips, and agitation tools to dislodge dust, pollen, pet dander, and microbial growth.
Clean and sanitize blower motors, fan blades, coils, air handlers, and accessible plenum surfaces using appropriate non-corrosive cleaners and antimicrobial treatments, following manufacturer guidelines.
Remove and clean diffuser grills, return registers and supply vents; reinstall or replace damaged components and advise customers on recommended repairs and upgrades.
Conduct dryer vent cleaning and inspection, removing lint and obstructions to reduce fire risk and restore proper dryer performance; provide before-and-after photos and safety recommendations.
Apply duct sealing techniques where applicable (mastic, foil tape, aerosol sealing) to reduce leakage and improve HVAC efficiency; document changes and test results.
Use inline air movers and negative pressure containment for large commercial jobs to prevent cross-contamination and maintain indoor air quality during cleaning operations.
Perform static pressure and airflow measurements before and after service to quantify improvement and provide technical reports to customers and building managers.
Identify signs of mold, vermin activity, asbestos‑containing materials, or other hazardous conditions and follow company protocols for containment, referral, or safe work stoppage; complete incident reports as required.
Prepare accurate job estimates, material lists, and time projections; communicate scope, pricing, and safety procedures clearly to customers and property managers.
Operate vacuum trucks, vans, ladders, scissor lifts, and hand/power tools safely while following lockout/tagout and fall-protection procedures when required.
Maintain and calibrate cleaning equipment (HEPA filters, hoses, rotary tools, compressors) and track preventive maintenance, filter replacement schedules, and equipment logs.
Capture high-quality before-and-after photos and video evidence for client records and marketing; upload job documentation to company systems or CRM.
Follow all OSHA, NADCA, and local regulations; wear appropriate PPE such as respirators, gloves, eye protection, and coveralls and maintain fit-testing and respirator maintenance records.
Coordinate with HVAC contractors, facility engineers, and other trades to sequence work correctly (e.g., coil servicing, filter replacement, mechanical repairs) and avoid business disruption.
Educate customers on best-practice maintenance schedules, filter selection and replacement, and ways to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Safely access attics, crawlspaces, mechanical rooms, and rooftops to perform work while minimizing damage to insulation, ductboard, and finished surfaces.
Respond to emergency calls for clogged dryer vents, major airflow complaints, or contamination events and triage the issue for immediate remediation.
Comply with company scheduling, reporting, invoicing, and timekeeping procedures; close out work orders with detailed notes on procedures performed, materials used, and recommended follow-ups.
Supervise and train junior technicians or apprentices on equipment operation, safety procedures, NADCA techniques, and customer service standards.
Maintain inventory of supplies (mastic, tape, antimicrobial agents, replacement registers) and order parts to ensure uninterrupted serviceability.
Participate in quality assurance inspections and follow corrective action when service outcomes do not meet company or NADCA standards.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc service requests such as filter swaps, coil rinses, and spot remediation work that complement full duct cleaning jobs.
Contribute to the organization’s maintenance and IAQ strategy by providing feedback on recurring system issues and recommending preventative measures.
Collaborate with sales and operations teams to scope complex proposals, prepare technical estimates, and advise on resource needs for large commercial projects.
Participate in scheduling, route planning, and job planning to maximize technician productivity and reduce travel time.
Assist in documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials to help scale best practices across the team.
Help monitor customer satisfaction, follow up on service outcomes, and support warranty or rework requests promptly.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency operating HEPA vacuum systems, truck-mounted vacuums, and portable negative-air machines used for duct cleaning.
Skilled in using rotary brush systems, air whips, compressed air tools, and mechanical agitation devices to loosen and remove duct contamination.
Ability to perform dryer vent cleaning safely and thoroughly, understanding lint traps, transition ducts, and termination points.
Competence with inspection devices including borescopes/inspection cameras and the ability to interpret recordings/photos to document contamination and repairs.
Knowledge of HVAC system components (air handling units, coils, plenums, filters, dampers) and how duct cleaning affects system performance.
Experience applying duct sealing materials (mastic, foil tape, aerosol sealants) and understanding leakage testing basics.
Familiarity with HEPA filter maintenance, filter rating basics (MERV), and proper disposal of contaminated waste per regulations.
Capability to measure and interpret airflow and static pressure using manometers, anemometers, and pitot probes; record baseline and post-cleaning metrics.
Strong understanding of PPE, respirator selection and fit testing, and handling of cleaning chemicals in accordance with SDS/MSDS.
Ability to identify potential asbestos-containing materials and follow asbestos awareness protocols (do not disturb; escalate per company policy).
Competence driving and operating service vehicles, loading/unloading equipment, and performing basic vehicle upkeep relevant to field operations.
Experience with work documentation tools and mobile job-tracking apps or CRM systems (job photos, service notes, timecards).

Soft Skills

Clear, professional communication with customers and facility staff, explaining scope, safety precautions, and expected outcomes.
Strong attention to detail for thorough inspections, proper cleaning, and accurate documentation of work performed.
Customer-service orientation with the ability to de-escalate concerns and explain technical issues in plain language.
Physical stamina and dexterity for climbing ladders, entering crawlspaces, and carrying equipment repeatedly during a shift.
Problem-solving mindset to diagnose airflow complaints and recommend practical, cost-effective solutions.
Time management and organizational skills to complete scheduled routes and maintain accurate records.
Teamwork and mentoring ability to train less-experienced technicians while maintaining job quality.
Safety-first attitude with consistent adherence to PPE, lockout/tagout, and confined-space protocols.
Reliability and punctuality to meet scheduled appointments and maintain customer trust.
Adaptability to work across residential, commercial, and industrial environments with variable access and scheduling constraints.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training, trade school or certificate in HVAC technology, building systems, or industrial maintenance.
NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) training or ASCS certification preferred.
OSHA 10/30 and EPA 608 certifications desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

HVAC Technology
Building Maintenance / Facilities Management
Mechanical Trades / Sheet Metal
Environmental Health or Industrial Hygiene (beneficial)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1 to 5 years of hands-on duct cleaning, HVAC service, or related mechanical/maintenance experience.

Preferred:

2+ years of professional air duct cleaning or HVAC maintenance experience, experience with commercial systems and large-scale cleaning equipment, and demonstrated knowledge of NADCA best practices and local codes.