What's included
- Tops, sides and undersides of exposed spiral and rectangular ducts
- Duct hangers, straps and visible fittings
- Cobweb and dust removal along full duct runs
- Grease film on ducts near commercial kitchens (with degreasing as needed)
Not included
- Cleaning the inside of the duct system
- Insulation repair, sealing or painting
- Any work requiring the duct to be opened
Why it matters
Open ceilings are popular in restaurants, breweries, gyms and modern offices, but the tops of exposed ducts collect a thick blanket of dust that is visible from below and can fall when the HVAC cycles on.
Because the dust sits on top of the duct, it is invisible from directly underneath but obvious from mezzanines, stairs and angled views.
Grease-laden dust near kitchens is harder to remove the longer it sits, so a regular schedule saves money.
How AELC providers clean exposed ductwork
Every AELC Network Provider follows the AELC Source-Control Method: do not move the contamination; capture it or contain it. For exposed ductwork, that means:
- Identify. Measure duct runs by linear foot, note diameters, heights and any grease load, and confirm the reach class needed.
- Protect. Cover or clear tables and equipment beneath the work zone.
- Capture. Vacuum the top surface first with a HEPA source-capture vacuum on a high-reach pole and a duct-top or curved brush head.
- Contain. Damp-wipe sides and undersides with microfiber on an extension pole.
- Clean. Degrease ducts near kitchens with a cleaner suited to the duct finish, then rinse-wipe.
- Verify. Inspect from multiple angles, including from any mezzanine, and photograph.
Typical reach class: Standard to Extended Reach. About AELC reach classes.
How often should exposed ductwork be cleaned?
| Setting | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|
| Restaurants and breweries | Every 3 to 6 months |
| Gyms and retail | Every 6 months |
| Offices with open ceilings | Every 6 to 12 months |
| Warehouses | Every 12 months |
Grease, lint, humidity and how visible the area is can shorten these intervals. See how often high dusting should be done.
How much does exposed ductwork exterior cleaning cost?
Typical range: $1.00–$3.00 per linear foot (per linear foot of duct). Large diameters, grease and heights that require a lift raise the price. Lift rental is usually passed through at cost.
Prices are set by each independent provider. Ranges reflect published market data and AELC time standards. See the full above-eye-level cleaning cost guide.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
- Staff should not climb ladders to dust ducts over occupied space.
- Keeping kitchen hood filters on schedule reduces grease film on nearby ducts.
Safety and when to stop
- Work requiring a lift is classified as AELC Elevated Access and needs a trained operator and a job-specific safety plan.
- Stop if insulation is damaged and fibrous or if dust may contain hazardous material; escalate to the facility.
See the full list of red-light conditions and what AELC does not do.
Industries that need it
Exposed Ductwork Exterior Cleaning: frequently asked questions
Do you clean inside the ducts?
No. AELC cleans the outside of exposed ductwork. Duct interiors are cleaned by HVAC duct-cleaning companies.
Will dust fall on my tables during cleaning?
The source-capture method vacuums dust at the surface, and providers protect the area below, so very little falls. Work is scheduled when the space is closed when possible.
How high can you reach without a lift?
Floor-based high-reach systems commonly reach surfaces in the 20 to 24 foot range. Higher work is planned as Extended Reach or Elevated Access.
How is exposed duct cleaning priced?
Usually per linear foot, adjusted for diameter, height and grease. Lift rental is added at cost if needed.
Last updated October 4, 2026. Reviewed by the AELC Method team. Above Eye Level Cleaning is a national network of independently owned cleaning companies; local providers set their own prices and perform the work.