Avoiding Scams - How Air Duct Cleaning Should Work

As a homeowner, you've probably considered getting your air ducts cleaned. After all, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 20 to 40 percent of homes have dirty air ducts and they recommend getting this service completed regularly. Having clean air ducts is a great way to ensure cleaner indoor air for your home.

Who Should Be Doing It?

Any reputable company should know how important it is for these cleanings to be done right if they are going to put their name behind them. The number one thing that separates a reputable company from an amateur trying to make a quick buck is the equipment they use. Professional companies should be using professional equipment such as:

• Blowers
• Vacuum pumps
• High velocity air tools 
• Filters and brushes
• Thermometers 

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) advises consumers to seek out reputable companies that offer reimbursement guarantees. Also, ask about the company's experience and certifications before agreeing to work with them.

The NADCA also offers these additional guidelines for hiring an air duct cleaning contractor:

• Hire technicians who are IICRC-certified (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).
• Make certain the business is insured and bonded.
• Request copies of all state registrations.
• Pay by check or credit card so you can stop payment if you're not satisfied with the results.

Keep in mind that some companies may offer a cash-back guarantee if you are not fully satisfied with their work. This is an indication of a company that has confidence in its product and services.

What Dangers Are There With Air Duct Cleaning?

What To Expect For The Cleaning Process?

The typical process for air duct cleaning consists of: 

• A thorough inspection of the entire heating and cooling system by an experienced technician, 
• Custom-blowing your supply and return registers to ensure that your equipment is balanced because unbalanced systems can cause poor airflow resulting in comfort issues, 
• Deep cleaning returns and supply ducts 
• Cleaning coils 
• Sweeping condensate drain lines 
• Professionally purging gas lines 
• Removing debris from blower motor housing 
• Checking refrigerant levels 
• Sanitizing the system 
• Turning up the heat and checking for proper airflow.

The only way to achieve this level of detail is by using a UL listed company that specializes in air duct cleaning. If you don't know which companies are reputable then search the internet for "duct cleaning scams" so you can read some horror stories from consumers who got taken advantage of because they thought their HVAC system needed major repairs which was not always the case.

Before getting an Air Duct Cleaning quote, make sure you take all precautions to protect yourself from scams. Ask questions like: How long does it take? What will be used? Will my air vents get wet? Is there anything that is toxic or dangerous about this process? Reach out to Midwest Duct Cleaning and we’ll be happy to answer all these questions and more! Call 913-648-5300