Quick Answer
After comparing several established duct cleaning companies in Ottawa, five stood out: Colair, 1 Clean Air, Ottawa Duct Cleaning Inc., Advanced Air Quality and Bytown Duct Cleaning. All five are well reviewed and offer solid service, with the main differences coming down to pricing, equipment, certifications and how each company handles the job.
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Transparency note: Published by Colair. Competitor information comes from public websites and review listings, checked October 2, 2026. If something has changed, let us know and we’ll update it.
Ottawa Duct Cleaning Companies Compared
Ottawa homes run the furnace or air conditioner for most of the year, so dust, pet hair and debris keep circulating through the ductwork. When it’s time to hire a duct cleaning company, the differences between providers can be significant, from the equipment they use to how they price the job and the certifications they hold.
We compared five established duct cleaning companies serving Ottawa, including Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans and Nepean, on published pricing, equipment, certifications, customer reviews and services offered, so you can see what separates them before you book.
“Not listed” means we couldn’t find it on the company’s website, not that they don’t offer it, so ask when you call.
| Colair | 1 Clean Air | Ottawa Duct Cleaning | Advanced Air Quality | Bytown | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google rating | 4.9★ (876) | 4.8★ (2,578) | 4.9★ (295) | 4.8★ (52) | 4.8★ (39) |
| In business | Since 2015 | Not listed | 25+ years | Since 1993 | Since 2014 |
| Published price | $299 (promo, reg. $399) | Quote only (~$500) | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Equipment | Truck-mounted | Truck-mounted | Not listed | Truck-mounted | Not listed |
| Certifications | IICRC | NADCA | Not listed | NADCA | Not listed |
| Before & after photos | Every job | On request | Yes | Camera inspection | Yes |
| Dryer vents | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Commercial | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Also offers | HVAC, insulation, chimney cleaning | HVAC, insulation, carpet cleaning | — | Coil cleaning, asbestos services | — |
| Based in | Ottawa & Kingston | Ottawa (+9 locations) | Stittsville | Carp | Ottawa |
How We Compared
We started with the duct cleaning companies Ottawa homeowners see most often on Google and HomeStars, then kept only the ones that clean ducts as their main business and have a real track record here. For each one we checked the same things:
- Google rating and review count, straight from each company’s Google Maps listing.
- Years in business, as stated by the company.
- Published pricing: can you see a price before you call?
- Equipment: truck-mounted or portable. Here’s why it matters.
- Certifications such as NADCA (the National Air Duct Cleaners Association) or IICRC (the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).
- Proof of work, like before and after photos.
Every company here is well reviewed, so we ranked them on what matters most to homeowners: a clear price, proven equipment, certification and proof of work. Each profile also ends with who it’s best for.
5 Best Duct Cleaning Companies In Ottawa
1. Colair Duct Cleaning
Ottawa & Kingston · That's us
- 4.9 (876)
- In business
- 2015
- Equipment
- Truck-mounted
- Certifications
- IICRC
What stands out
- The only company here that publishes its price: $299 for up to 10 vents (currently $100 off the regular $399), $15 per extra vent.
- High-powered truck-mounted vacuum with an 8" hose, plus air whips and scorpion brushes to loosen stuck-on dust.
- Before and after photos on every job, not just on request.
- Does it all: duct cleaning, dryer vents, furnace blower and AC coil cleaning, sanitizing and commercial work, plus HVAC, insulation and chimney cleaning.
Things to consider
- Want the full system done? The Platinum package ($486) adds furnace blower cleaning, AC coil cleaning and sanitizing.
Best for: Homeowners who want to know the price before anyone shows up.
Sources checked October 2, 2026: Google listing · Pricing packages
2. 1 Clean Air
Preston St., Ottawa + 9 other locations · 1cleanair.ca
- 4.8 (2,578)
- In business
- Not listed
- Equipment
- Truck-mounted
- Certifications
- NADCA
What stands out
- Over 2,500 Google reviews.
- Truck-mounted units rated at 15,000 CFM, plus an infrared camera for inspecting ducts.
- Seven-time Consumer Choice Award winner with an A+ BBB rating.
- A one-stop shop: HVAC, insulation, Aeroseal duct sealing and carpet cleaning too.
Things to consider
- No published price. Their website suggests a typical cleaning costs around $500.
- Before and after photos are offered on request rather than as standard.
- A larger, multi-location company across Ontario and Quebec, so the experience can vary by crew.
Best for: Homeowners who also want carpet cleaning.
Sources checked October 2, 2026: 1cleanair.ca · Google listing
3. Ottawa Duct Cleaning Inc.
Stittsville · ottawa-duct-cleaning.net
- 4.9 (295)
- In business
- 25+ years
- Equipment
- Not listed
- Certifications
- Not listed
What stands out
- Family-owned and operated, with more than 25 years in the business.
- A 4.9 Google rating, with reviews that often mention work matching the quoted price.
- Before and after pictures are part of their process.
- Strong in the west end: Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Barrhaven and Nepean.
Things to consider
- No prices, equipment details or certifications listed on their website. Ask about all three when you call.
Best for: West-end homeowners who want a long-established family business.
Sources checked October 2, 2026: ottawa-duct-cleaning.net · Google listing
4. Advanced Air Quality
Carp · advancedairquality.ca
- 4.8 (52)
- In business
- 1993
- Equipment
- Truck-mounted + camera
- Certifications
- NADCA
What stands out
- Cleaning Ottawa ducts since 1993.
- Truck-mounted vacuums, robotic equipment and infrared video inspection.
- Heavy commercial experience, including HVAC coil cleaning and exhaust systems.
Things to consider
- Only 52 Google reviews, so there's less recent feedback to go on.
- No published price.
- Based in Carp, so check availability if you're in the east end.
Best for: Specialized commercial work, like asbestos-related jobs.
Sources checked October 2, 2026: advancedairquality.ca · Google listing
5. Bytown Duct Cleaning
Bank St., Ottawa · bytownductcleaning.ca
- 4.8 (39)
- In business
- 2014
- Equipment
- Not listed
- Certifications
- Not listed
What stands out
- Smaller local operator cleaning Ottawa homes since October 2014.
- A perfect 5/5 from 136 reviews on HomeStars.
- Reviewers mention before and after photos and clear explanations of the work.
Things to consider
- Weekday hours only (Monday to Friday, 9 to 5).
- No prices, equipment details or certifications listed on their website.
Best for: Homeowners who prefer a smaller, local crew.
Sources checked October 2, 2026: bytownductcleaning.ca · Google listing · HomeStars
Which One Is Right For You?
| If You Want… | Look At |
|---|---|
| To know the price before you call | Colair |
| Ducts, dryer vents, HVAC and insulation in one call | Colair |
| Residential and commercial service | Colair |
| Before & after photos on every job | Colair |
| Carpet cleaning too | 1 Clean Air |
| A smaller local crew | Bytown Duct Cleaning |
Whoever you call, three things separate a good hire from a bad one:
1. Compare the total, not the starting price
A “from $189” or “$99 whole house” ad tells you very little. Ask for the total for your home: how many vents are included, what each extra vent costs, and whether the main trunk lines are covered. Canada’s Competition Bureau considers advertising a price you can’t actually get, because of mandatory extra fees, to be misleading (“drip pricing”). Most Ottawa homes pay $300 to $600 for a proper cleaning.
2. Check how long they’ve really been in Ottawa
Every company on this list has years of Ottawa history you can check. Before you book anyone, look up their local address and how long their Google listing has been collecting reviews. A company that just arrived may be fine, but it hasn’t proven itself here yet.
3. Read the reviews, not just the stars
Look for detailed reviews spread out over years, mentioning the price paid and the technician by name. Read the 1- and 2-star reviews too. How a company responds to a complaint tells you a lot.
Red Flags With Any Company
Walk Away If You See These
- A rock-bottom “whole-house” price that doesn’t say how many vents are included.
- A price that changes once the crew is inside your home.
- Unsolicited calls or door-knocking with a limited-time deal.
- “We found mold,” with pressure to pay for treatment on the spot.
- Lots of short, vague 5-star reviews posted in sudden bursts.
- No local address, company history or insurance you can verify.
Our guide to low-ball duct cleaning offers goes deeper on how bait-and-switch pricing works.
Questions To Ask Before You Book
- What's my total price, including tax, and is it in writing?
- How many vents are included, and what does each extra vent cost?
- Do you clean the return vents and the main trunk lines?
- Do you use truck-mounted equipment or a portable vacuum?
- Are your technicians certified (NADCA or IICRC)?
- Will I get before and after photos?
- How long have you been operating in Ottawa?
Common Questions
How much does duct cleaning cost in Ottawa?
Most Ottawa homeowners pay $300 to $600 for a proper whole-home cleaning, depending on the size of the home and the number of vents. Of the companies above, Colair publishes $299 for up to 10 vents, and 1 Clean Air’s website puts a typical cleaning at around $500. See our Ottawa duct cleaning cost guide for prices by home size.
Is duct cleaning really worth the money?
It’s worth it when there’s a reason: you’ve just moved in, finished a renovation, have pets, or can see dust and debris blowing out of the vents. The U.S. EPA notes there’s no proof that routine cleaning prevents health problems, so be wary of anyone promising it will. We cover this in is duct cleaning a waste of money?
How often should Ottawa homes get their ducts cleaned?
Most duct cleaning professionals recommend every 3 to 5 years, and sooner after a renovation or if you have pets or allergies. Here’s how to tell when it’s time.
What do NADCA and IICRC certifications mean?
NADCA (the National Air Duct Cleaners Association) and the IICRC (the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) are the two industry bodies that certify duct cleaning technicians. Certified technicians have passed an exam and follow an industry cleaning standard. Either one is a good sign, but still ask what’s included and what it costs. Note that the EPA doesn’t certify duct cleaners, so an “EPA-certified” claim is a red flag.
What are people saying about Ottawa duct cleaning companies?
All five companies above average 4.8★ or higher on Google. Across their reviews, homeowners most often praise technicians who show up on time, explain the work, show before and after photos, and charge the price they quoted. The most common complaints in the industry are prices that grow once the crew is inside and being charged for more vents than the home has.
The Bottom Line
Ottawa has several well-reviewed duct cleaning companies, and all five here have earned their ratings. If you want a clear, flat-rate price before you book, IICRC certification, truck-mounted equipment and photos of every job, all from one company that also handles dryer vents, HVAC and insulation, that’s where Colair stands out.
Whoever you choose, ask every company the same questions. The right one will answer them without hesitating.
Sources: Google Maps business listings for each company; HomeStars — Air duct cleaning in Ottawa; NADCA — About the National Air Duct Cleaners Association; U.S. EPA — Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?; Competition Bureau of Canada — Drip pricing. Company details from each company’s own website, checked October 2, 2026. Ratings change often, so check Google for the latest.
