We have a custom home we purchased in January 2022 in College Station. We did not build the home, but bought it from a local builder. We just had our spring air conditioner check done with the local company that installed the unit and they are telling us we need our ducts cleaned to the tune of $1400. The technician claimed that there was some excess dust that appears to him to be construction dust. Does this sound right? It does not seem right that a brand new unit should have this issue or if there was dust in the ducts it should have been cleaned prior to move in?

Any thoughts?

Agreed. If they installed it, and it needs a $1400 cleaning, it was poorly installed. If that was after only 1 year, are they expecting that OP needs a $1400 annual cleaning as maintenance?

Not a yearly maintenance. They said they typically suggest a duct clean every 10 years, but the technician noticed the dust and buildup that he thought was from the building process.

Unnecessary and they're just wanting your money.

It's possible if the filters were not changed often during construction. However, if there is THAT much dust seems like it would not be sealed well somewhere.

My ideas:
First talk with the builder to see what he might be able to do or
orchestrate others to do IF they want him to continue hiring them.
Some One Year Warranties are extended a bit out of courtesy and possible good reviews posted on line.

No action?
Review your equipment warranties, then sign up for the annual maintenance contracts, with whomeever
services your brand ... could be this same company and you just got a newbie at last inspection.

Change your filter more often until no contruction dust evident then resume prescribed filter changes.
IF this dust shortens the life of some equipment, then demand warraties are in place to cover it, presenting
the documentation of dust present uipon purchase.

Indeed it's possible there's a hole in ductwork allowing dust to enter.
You & HVAC techs should be vigilant inspecting ducts & comparing energy bills with others.
You can also seek out a blower test for the HVAC closed system that would suggest a leak, if any.
This used to be offered by AeroSeal but they no longer service this area. I have no leads to offer yet.

When we did our remodel, our GC recommended buying the biggest pack of relatively cheap filters and change them out weekly, which we did and sometimes in 3-4 days. They got filthy quickly so since you weren't around during the construction, I agree with others on here saying that maybe filters were not in place or just crapped out. I sure would like for the AC guy to point it out and look for myself to see the buildup.