Is Air Duct Cleaning a Scam, or is it Worth Doing?
You've probably seen the coupon mailers that come to your home showing pictures of air ducts coated in dust and debris, right next to an "after" photo of the same looking shiny and new . The implication is clear: if you do not have your air ducts cleaned, you might as well be breathing in the contents of your vacuum cleaner bag.
Air ducts are designed to be difficult to see. They are behind walls, above your ceiling, and through your basement. The average homeowner has no idea what their air ducts look like on the inside, so seeing a shocking picture can scare anybody into thinking that they need to have their ducts cleaned immediately.
But is that true?
Unfortunately, as with all businesses, there are scammers out there. Here's a breakdown of how to determine when you actually do need air duct cleaning services.
Signs of a Scam
The Company Isn't Offering a Full-Service - If the company you are working with seems to be offering to do little more than show up with a wet-dry vac, that is not a proper cleaning service. Full-service will also include cleaning and inspection of the HVAC unit itself, and all its intricate components.
The Price Is Extraordinarily Low – A full-service air duct cleaning typically costs $500 and up (price varies depending on the size of your home and a few other factors.) If you see a company advertising a $79 "whole house special," you can bet they are not going to do a careful or thorough cleaning.
The Company Is Unable to Provide Certifications – Every HVAC cleaning company should be certified by the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA). If your air ducts are insulated, the company must also be certified by the North American Insulation Manufacturer's Association (NAIMA). Each of these associations has rigorous standards which must be met before company will be certified. If they are unable to prove certification, they are running a substandard operation.
The Representative Warns of Impending Disaster - If the company representative doing your inspection comes to you with dire warnings of illness, or a system that is about to break down any second, consider getting a second opinion before you hand over any money. This is a scare tactic often used by unscrupulous salespeople.
When to Have Your Ducts Cleaned
If You Recently Had Home Renovations- There could be a lot of harmful material in your air vents after a renovation. This is especially true for older homes which may have asbestos or lead paint dust kicked up into the air during construction.
If You Have Issues with Animals - Rats, mice, squirrels, raccoons, and other critters can sometimes chew into your ductwork, and nest. If this has happened, a thorough cleaning of your ductwork and HVAC system is required.
You Have Mold Problems - If mold has infiltrated your home, it can be very hazardous to your health, and more to the point, it can set up shop in your air ducts. Get your air ducts inspected for mold, and if any is found, they must be cleaned immediately.
There Are Recurring Respiratory Illnesses in Your Family – If someone in your family is continually becoming ill, and there does not seem to be a clear reason for that, there may be an issue with your air ducts request an inspection, and cleaning if necessary.
If You Can See Dirt and Debris - If you can see dust or other build-up coming from your vents, and it cannot be easily brushed or vacuumed away, that may be an indication that your entire system is in need of a professional cleaning.
As always, one of the best ways to make sure you do not fall victim to a scam is to ask friends and family for their recommendations. Reputable companies always do good work, so be sure to ask around
Air ducts are designed to be difficult to see. They are behind walls, above your ceiling, and through your basement. The average homeowner has no idea what their air ducts look like on the inside, so seeing a shocking picture can scare anybody into thinking that they need to have their ducts cleaned immediately.
But is that true?
Unfortunately, as with all businesses, there are scammers out there. Here's a breakdown of how to determine when you actually do need air duct cleaning services.
Signs of a Scam
The Company Isn't Offering a Full-Service - If the company you are working with seems to be offering to do little more than show up with a wet-dry vac, that is not a proper cleaning service. Full-service will also include cleaning and inspection of the HVAC unit itself, and all its intricate components.
The Price Is Extraordinarily Low – A full-service air duct cleaning typically costs $500 and up (price varies depending on the size of your home and a few other factors.) If you see a company advertising a $79 "whole house special," you can bet they are not going to do a careful or thorough cleaning.
The Company Is Unable to Provide Certifications – Every HVAC cleaning company should be certified by the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA). If your air ducts are insulated, the company must also be certified by the North American Insulation Manufacturer's Association (NAIMA). Each of these associations has rigorous standards which must be met before company will be certified. If they are unable to prove certification, they are running a substandard operation.
The Representative Warns of Impending Disaster - If the company representative doing your inspection comes to you with dire warnings of illness, or a system that is about to break down any second, consider getting a second opinion before you hand over any money. This is a scare tactic often used by unscrupulous salespeople.
When to Have Your Ducts Cleaned
If You Recently Had Home Renovations- There could be a lot of harmful material in your air vents after a renovation. This is especially true for older homes which may have asbestos or lead paint dust kicked up into the air during construction.
If You Have Issues with Animals - Rats, mice, squirrels, raccoons, and other critters can sometimes chew into your ductwork, and nest. If this has happened, a thorough cleaning of your ductwork and HVAC system is required.
You Have Mold Problems - If mold has infiltrated your home, it can be very hazardous to your health, and more to the point, it can set up shop in your air ducts. Get your air ducts inspected for mold, and if any is found, they must be cleaned immediately.
There Are Recurring Respiratory Illnesses in Your Family – If someone in your family is continually becoming ill, and there does not seem to be a clear reason for that, there may be an issue with your air ducts request an inspection, and cleaning if necessary.
If You Can See Dirt and Debris - If you can see dust or other build-up coming from your vents, and it cannot be easily brushed or vacuumed away, that may be an indication that your entire system is in need of a professional cleaning.
As always, one of the best ways to make sure you do not fall victim to a scam is to ask friends and family for their recommendations. Reputable companies always do good work, so be sure to ask around
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