ACR—the industry standard from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association—was updated in 2025 and is available as a free digital download. For homeowners, that’s good news: it’s a clear, public benchmark you can point contractors to and build into your expectations and scope of work.

What ACR covers (in plain terms):

• Assessment: how systems should be inspected and cleanliness verified.
• Cleaning: source‑removal methods, access, and equipment practices.
• Restoration: what to do when components are damaged or contaminated.
• Safety: how technicians protect occupants, equipment, and themselves.

How this helps you:

• Apples‑to‑apples quotes: ask bidders to reference ACR 2025 in their scope.
• Better outcomes: request before/after photos and cleanliness verification, not just “we vacuumed the vents.”
• Fewer surprises: the standard clarifies access points, sealing, and what’s included (supply, return, trunks, blower, coil housings, etc.).

Smart homeowner checklist:

• Ask if the company follows ACR 2025 and has relevant certifications/training.
• Confirm negative‑pressure collection and proper agitation tools (brushes/air whips/compressed air).
• Get a written report with photos and recommendations for the next check.