Air Duct Cleaning FAQ & What to Expect
Your complete guide to understanding how McNally’s duct cleaning works, what we can (and can’t) clean, and how to prepare for your appointment.
At McNally’s Heating & Cooling, our goal is to make the duct cleaning process clear, safe, and efficient for every homeowner. Below you’ll find the most commonly asked questions—answered in detail—so you know exactly what to expect when our team arrives.
How Our Duct Cleaning System Works
We use the Rotobrush BrushBeast™ — a portable, HEPA-filtered duct cleaning machine designed for residential applications.
See product details here: (link provided internally by McNally)
Is the machine truck-mounted?
No. The Rotobrush is a portable indoor unit.
This allows our technician to bring the system directly to each supply and return vent for more thorough cleaning.
Does the Rotobrush have a HEPA filter?
Yes. The machine uses a high-grade HEPA filter and a sealed collection bag to capture dust, debris, and contaminants as they are removed from your ductwork.
How long is the hose?
The Rotobrush uses a 25-foot hose.
This is ideal for most single-family homes but has limitations for certain high or difficult-to-reach duct runs (more on that below).
Important: What Type of Ductwork Can Be Cleaned?
It depends.
If the registers are located in the ceiling with an attic above them, the ductwork often uses flex duct, which cannot be cleaned with Rotobrush equipment.
The brush can tear flexible ducting — so customers should verify whether their attic runs are metal or flexible before scheduling.
Can you clean flexible duct?
❌ No.
Flex duct will tear and cannot be cleaned safely with the Rotobrush.
Important customer prep:
If your registers are in the ceiling, please confirm the duct material before your appointment.
Registers the Rotobrush Cannot Clean
Some vents have openings that are too small or have bends that restrict the brush from moving through the duct.
Baseboard Registers
The duct behind baseboard registers is typically under 2.25″ high, and although our hose is 2″,
➡️ It cannot make the sharp turn in the ductwork.
In these cases, we can still clean the main trunk line, but not the individual “runs.”
Narrow 2¼” × 10″ Registers
The brush can sometimes fit, but:
➡️ Success depends on how many bends are in the duct run.
Our tech will evaluate these on-site.
Wood Flush-Mount Floor Registers
If your wood registers are sealed, glued, or lacquered into the flooring:
➡️ We cannot remove them.
We avoid this to prevent damage to wood flooring or the register itself.
✅ Registers That Can Be Cleaned
Floor Registers (4″ × 8″ or larger)
These are ideal for Rotobrush cleaning.
Homeowners can check by simply removing a floor register and measuring the opening.
🛠 What Does the Cleaning Process Look Like?
Our technicians follow a structured top-to-bottom approach:
- Second Floor – Supply & Return Vents- We start upstairs and clean each register individually using the Rotobrush.
- First Floor – Supply & Return Vents- Each vent is cleaned with the brush while dust is captured by the HEPA system.
- Basement – Supply & Return Vents- Including any low-level returns.
- Main Trunk Line & Return Drop- These are often the dirtiest parts of a system and get a deeper, more aggressive cleaning.
How Long Does Duct Cleaning Take?
Most standard homes require 2–4 hours, depending on:
- Number of vents
- Accessibility
- Type of ductwork
- Whether sanitation/fogging is added
Do You Offer Sanitizing / Fogging?
Yes!
After cleaning, we can apply EnviroCON, a safe, non-corrisive sanitizing product used for disinfection and odor control.
It is commonly used in HVAC sanitation and is safe for homes and pets.
What Does Duct Cleaning Cost?
Prices vary by:
- Size of home
- Number of registers
- Whether sanitation is added
- Complexity of duct layout
Call us for a free estimate: (630) 363-9067
Customer Prep Checklist Before Your Appointment
To help your cleaning go smoothly:
✔ Make sure vents and registers are accessible (move furniture if needed)
✔ Verify duct material if you have ceiling registers
✔ Check any floor registers for wood sealing
✔ Remove delicate items from areas where the technician will be working
✔ Ensure pets are secured for safety and comfort
What Are the Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning?
Homeowners typically notice:
• Cleaner air & reduced dust
• Better airflow
• Reduced odors
• Improved HVAC efficiency
• Lower allergy triggers
• Longer equipment lifespan
• Potential energy savings
Want to Hire Us?
Interested in hiring a McNally technician for your air duct cleaning? Great! Call us today, and we can answer all your questions and get you a free estimate on cost before you decide to hire us.
Emergency service is always available, 24/7/365.
Save even more with our Pot of Gold Maintenance Plan.
No job is too big or too small!
Get A FREE Estimate Today! Call (630) 363-9067 or send us a message!☘️
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