Air Duct Cleaner Job Description + Free Template [2025]

Imagine posting an ad for a qualified duct cleaner, and your inbox is immediately flooded with candidates. But when you sift through them, you find none with HVAC experience or the necessary certifications. 

Where did your ad posting go wrong? 

A key turning point was the lack of a job description outlining the necessary skills and qualifications. To stand out in a competitive hiring market and attract top talent, a strong job posting is the first essential step. 

In this guide, you’ll find expert tips on what to include in a duct cleaner job description that draws in the right people.

To simplify things, we’ve also included a ready-to-use template to help air duct and HVAC contractors who operate their own air duct cleaning division get started quickly. 

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Air Duct Cleaner Job Description Template

Use this job description template to guide your next job posting and attract qualified leads to your team: 

• Key responsibilities:

  • Clean air ducts, dryer vents, and HVAC systems using approved industry methods and equipment to remove dust, debris, etc. 

  • Inspect ductwork for signs of damage, breakdowns, or mold. 

  • Know how to use specialized equipment, such as rotary brushes or vacuums. 

  • Perform daily maintenance and troubleshoot electrical work. 

  • Set up work areas and equipment safely and efficiently. 

  • Communicate clearly with clients about services and findings, offer recommendations, and professionally answer questions. 

  • Follow all company safety protocols and maintain cleanliness at job sites. 

  • Document work completed and report any issues. 

  • Stay updated on industry advancements, new equipment, and techniques. 

• Required qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent. 

  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

  • Proven experience in duct cleaning, HVAC, or a related field. 

• Preferred certifications:

  • NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) Certification.

  • HVAC Technician Certification (EPA 608 or similar).

  • OSHA 10/30 Certification.

• Skills and competencies:

  • Strong knowledge of air duct systems and HVAC operations.

  • Ability to use cleaning tools and equipment safely.

  • Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. 

  • Clear and respectful communication with customers and team members. 

  • Time management and the ability to work independently. 

• Physical requirements:

  • Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs regularly.

  • Comfortable working in confined spaces, attics, or crawl spaces. 

  • Able to climb ladders and work at various heights. 

  • Tolerance to a dusty work environment and exposure to cleaning agents. 

  • Ability to stand, bend, kneel, or crouch for extended periods. 

Whether you’re just starting your business or looking to expand your team, just copy and paste the template, and you’re good to go! 

Psst: If you need an HVAC technician job description instead, here’s a template you can use. 

Next, let’s clarify some things and describe what an air duct technician does.

What Does an Air Duct Cleaning Technician Do?

An air duct cleaning technician inspects, cleans, and maintains ductwork and air conditioning systems within residential or commercial buildings. 

Their primary mission is to improve indoor air quality, ensure optimal HVAC system performance, and enhance energy efficiency by removing debris, dust, mold, and allergens from air ducts and vents. 

This creates a healthier environment, supports better airflow, lowers utility costs, and extends equipment life by reducing the strain on heating and cooling systems. 

Air duct or HVAC techs work in different settings, including industrial facilities, construction sites, office buildings, and private homes. They are often required to access tight or enclosed spaces such as attics, crawlspaces, and basements. 

Moving on, let’s see what their primary responsibilities are. 

What Are the Primary Responsibilities of an Air Duct Cleaner?

An air duct cleaner’s core responsibilities are: 

• Cleaning: Clean a duct system using the right equipment, such as air compressors, vacuums, etc. 

• Inspecting: Examine air ducts for mold, dust, and debris and remove them safely. 

• Sealing: Plug access holes, use aerosol sealant through ducts, or paste over large holes. 

• Maintaining: Change air filters, vacuum, seal supply ducts, or clean drain pans. 

In addition to all these technical duties, air duct cleaners should have strong customer service skills. They should be able to: 

• Explain the cleaning process and recommended actions clearly and respectfully. 

• Document all services performed using tools like ServiceTitan, which lets you collect all job information in a single app.

Most importantly, they must provide a trustworthy, transparent experience that builds customer confidence. Often, the air duct cleaning industry gets a bad rep for duping or misleading customers, so technicians must be honest, respectful, and focused on delivering real value.     

Next up: the qualifications an air duct cleaning technician must have. 

What Qualifications Are Required to Become an Air Duct Cleaning Technician?

Becoming an air duct cleaning technician doesn’t require a college degree, but candidates must have a foundational education and hands-on training to be qualified for the job.

Here are the most common qualifications: 

• High school diploma or GED: It’s the minimum requirement for entry into the field, ensuring basic literacy, math, and communication skills necessary for technical work and customer interaction. 

• Technical training or trade school: A completed trade school program in HVAC is not always required, but it’s welcome. It might improve job prospects as it shows advanced skills. 

• On-the-job training: Experience in the field demonstrates that the candidate knows basic duct cleaning procedures, the necessary safety precautions, and how to use the equipment. 

• Valid driver’s license: Traveling to different job sites in company vehicles is a must, so a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are usually required.

• Ability to pass a background check or drug test: Technicians work in homes, which involves a huge degree of trust, so employers often require background checks and drug testing as part of the hiring process. 

Aside from these qualifications, air duct technicians should also have certain certifications. 

What Certifications Are Commonly Required for Air Duct Cleaners?

Not all HVAC roles require certifications, but they’re a welcome addition to a potential candidate’s resume. They improve job prospects, demonstrate professionalism, and ensure safety and industry standards compliance. 

Here’s what many employers prefer: 

• NADCA: Shows commitment to industry best practices and technical excellence in duct system inspection and cleaning. 

• HVAC technician training (if applicable): For HVAC installers who handle refrigerants, for instance, EPA 608 certification or the equivalent is federally required. It ensures safe and compliant installation practices. 

• OSHA safety certification: Often required for working on construction sites, OSHA safety training covers essential safety procedures, hazard recognition, and workers’ rights. 

• Employer-sponsored or in-house training: Many companies offer paid training or support for certification costs as part of an employee’s professional development and onboarding process. Often, it includes manufacturer-specific training or industry-recognized credentials. 

In the next section, let’s talk about the essential skills of an air duct cleaner. 

What Skills Are Essential for an Air Duct Cleaner?

Aside from all the qualifications and certifications, the ideal candidate must have a good array of technical and soft skills. 

Technical skills

• Mechanical aptitude: Understanding how the HVAC and ventilation system works and how to clean components safely. 

• Tool proficiency: Ability to use specialized and power tools, including industrial vacuums, air compressors, and cleaning equipment designed for duct cleaning. 

• Basic understanding of HVAC systems: Knowledge of airflow, filtration, and common duct system issues to ensure thorough cleaning. 

• Safety awareness: Familiarity with safety protocols, PPE, and procedures for working in confined or elevated spaces. 

Soft skills

• Attention to detail: A methodical approach to duct cleaning services to avoid damage, hidden dust, or other debris. 

• Communication: Ability to clearly explain services, findings, and recommendations to customers, keeping a professional and respectful tone. 

• Teamwork and reliability: While some jobs don’t require a team, the candidate should work well with others nonetheless. They should also show up on time for the job and follow through with jobs consistently. 

What about the physical demands of the job? Let’s talk about that next.

What Are the Physical Demands of an Air Duct Cleaner Job?

The role of an air duct cleaner is more than just vacuuming some dust. 

It’s a physically demanding job requiring technicians to work in challenging environments. You must set clear expectations about the job right from the start so candidates are prepared for what’s to follow: 

• Crawling in tight spaces: Technicians work in confined areas such as attics, crawlspaces, and inside duct systems, so they need to be comfortable with enclosed environments. 

• Lifting and carrying equipment: The job regularly involves lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. 

• Standing, bending, and kneeling for extended periods: Technicians must have strong physical endurance, as they’re required to stand, crouch, or kneel for long periods. 

• Working in different environments: Work takes place in homes, attics, basements, or commercial buildings, which may be hot, cold, dusty, or dirty. 

How a Field Service App Empowers Air Duct Cleaning Technicians

Running a successful air duct cleaning company involves more than just hiring the right people, using the right tools, or providing the right training. 

It’s also about keeping the right technology at your disposal.

ServiceTitan’s Field Service App is a modern field service app that empowers technicians to work efficiently, stay organized, and communicate tasks clearly. The results? Greater customer satisfaction and job efficiency. 

Here are the key benefits of the Field Service App: 

• Real-time job updates: Instantly receive details, changes, and dispatch information for each job, so techs arrive fully informed every time. 

• Simplified scheduling and routing: With built-in GPS, dispatchers can optimize routes to reduce drive time and increase daily productivity. 

• Easy customer communication: Confirm appointments, send updates, and build estimates with just a few taps while on the go. 

• Digital invoicing and photo documentation: Say goodbye to missing paperwork and delayed jobs by uploading forms into the app and triggering them automatically at key junctions of the job cycle. 

• Custom job checklists and task tracking: Ensures technicians tick all the boxes at every job and follow company-approved procedures with step-by-step instructions. 

Overall, the Field Service App is a powerful tool for ensuring consistency and efficiency across all jobs, ensuring techs have everything they need to close more sales and complete their work faster, maximizing profitability. 

Justin Tarr, owner of Daffy Ducts, has this to say about ServiceTitan: 

“I wanted to grow this business in a way where our trucks could become their own business units. [...] None of the software that we had previously allowed me to do anything remotely close to that. 

But ServiceTitan had it all, and has added so much more since then that really makes it easy and effective for us to be able to manage the way we want to manage.” 

Over to You!

Hiring the right air duct cleaning technician, whether full-time or part-time, starts with a clear job description. 

You can use the template we provided or outline your own, but make sure to add details about the candidate’s responsibilities and qualifications and the role’s physical demands to set realistic expectations right from the start.

ServiceTitan is a leading software tool for commercial and residential companies, helping them streamline their daily operations, from scheduling and dispatch to invoicing and customer communication. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to the most common questions asked by air duct cleaning contractors like you. 

What equipment does a duct cleaner typically use?

The equipment a duct cleaner uses includes: 

• Vacuum systems 

• Rotary brushes

• Borescope or inspection cameras

• Cutting tools

• Sealant or access door kits

• Disinfectants and mold inhibitors

• PPE (personal protective equipment)

What is the average salary for a duct cleaner?

The average salary for a duct cleaner ranges from $43,870 to $58,017 annually, but it can be higher (up to $71,993). 

What are the working hours of a duct cleaner?

Most dust cleaners work a standard 40-hour week, starting at 8:00 AM and finishing at 5:00 PM. But some companies might offer appointments during the evening to accommodate busy schedules or even Saturdays. Technicians might also be required to be on call for urgent jobs. 

Working hours also depend on seasonal fluctuations. It generally gets busier during spring and fall (allergy season). 

How does a duct cleaner’s role differ from that of an HVAC technician?

There are a few key differences between a duct cleaner and an HVAC technician: 

• Duct cleaners specialize in cleaning and maintaining ductwork to improve air quality.

• HVAC technicians handle the mechanical and electrical parts, as well as refrigerant-related components. 

Learn how to write job descriptions for an HVAC installer here.