How not to get scammed by duct cleaning?
Duct cleaning is an essential service for maintaining indoor air quality and HVAC efficiency, but unfortunately, not all companies operate with integrity. Every year, unsuspecting homeowners fall victim to duct cleaning scams that leave them with little to no actual service—or worse, unexpected high charges.
At Midwest Duct Cleaning, we believe in transparency and helping homeowners make informed decisions. To protect yourself from fraudulent duct cleaning services, here’s what to watch out for and how to choose a company you can trust.
Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals
You’ve probably seen ads for duct cleaning services offering a “whole-house cleaning” for just $99 or other extremely low prices. While this might sound like a great deal, it’s often a red flag.
Scam companies use these offers as bait, only to upcharge customers upon arrival. They might claim to find excessive mold, charge extra for vents and returns that weren’t “included” in the base price, or simply do a superficial job without truly cleaning the system.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Be cautious of prices that seem too low—professional duct cleaning requires specialized equipment and trained technicians, which come at a fair cost.
- Get a detailed quote before scheduling your service.
- If a company insists on raising the price after they arrive, it’s a major warning sign.
Check for Proper Licensing and Insurance
A legitimate duct cleaning company will have the proper credentials, including business licensing, liability insurance, and industry certifications. Without these, you could be risking not only your money but also potential damage to your HVAC system.
One of the most respected certifications in the industry is from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Companies that are NADCA-certified follow strict standards and best practices, ensuring quality service.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Ask for proof of business licensing and insurance before hiring a company.
- Look for NADCA certification or other professional affiliations.
- If a company refuses to provide credentials, move on to another option.
Look for Online Reviews and Reputation
Scam companies tend to have little to no online presence—or worse, they create fake reviews to appear legitimate. Checking a company’s Google reviews, Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, and customer testimonials can give you a good idea of their reputation.
Beware of businesses that have:
- Only 5-star reviews with no details—these could be fake.
- No online presence at all—a lack of reviews or a basic website may indicate a fly-by-night operation.
- Frequent complaints about hidden fees, poor service, or aggressive sales tactics.
At Midwest Duct Cleaning, we take pride in our long-standing reputation for honesty and professionalism. We encourage potential customers to check our reviews and see for themselves!
Understand the Equipment and Methods Used
Not all duct cleaning services are created equal. Some companies only use shop vacs and basic brushes, which barely remove any debris. Others might claim to clean your ducts but actually do little to nothing, relying on customers not knowing the difference.
Professional duct cleaning requires HEPA-filtered vacuums, negative air pressure systems, and powerful agitation tools to remove built-up dust, allergens, and contaminants effectively.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Ask what type of equipment the company uses—if they can’t explain, that’s a red flag.
- Look for companies that use negative air pressure systems and high-powered vacuums.
- Be wary of services that take less than 30 minutes—a proper duct cleaning takes time.
Avoid High-Pressure Sales Tactics
One common scam in the duct cleaning industry involves scare tactics. A technician might claim they found mold or serious contamination in your ducts and insist you need expensive additional services immediately. While mold can be a real issue, dishonest companies use it as a way to upcharge unsuspecting customers.
Reputable companies will:
- Show actual proof if they detect an issue.
- Explain the problem without pressuring you into a decision.
- Offer a second opinion if needed.
At Midwest Duct Cleaning, we take an honest, no-pressure approach. If there’s an issue with your ductwork, we’ll show you exactly what’s going on and let you decide the best course of action.
Call Midwest Duct Cleaning for Honest, Professional Service
When it comes to duct cleaning, choosing the right company makes all the difference. Avoid falling victim to scams by checking credentials, reading reviews, and understanding the cleaning process before hiring a service.
If you’re looking for a trusted, professional, and transparent duct cleaning company in the Kansas City Metro Area, Midwest Duct Cleaning is here for you. We've been in business since 1986 and love helping out our community.
✅ Licensed & Insured
✅ Honest Pricing—No Hidden Fees
✅ State-of-the-Art Equipment
✅ Highly Rated by Local Homeowners
Contact us today!
Blog Contact Form
FOLLOW US
RECENT BLOGS
Contact Midwest Duct Cleaning Today!
Please call our office or submit a service request form to discuss your individual needs. We promise to respond right away to discuss your specific requests.
Contact us for a FREE Service Quote
Footer Form
Recent Ductwork Topics
Serving Your Neighborhood
Address One
9111 W 51st Terrace
Merriam, KS 66203
Service Areas
Kansas City & Overland Park
Managed by Tekkii