Choosing an air duct cleaning firm is difficult. Unfortunately, these types of services are on every street corner. It has become one of those trades that everyone enters because it seems so easy to persuade people of the health benefits of air duct cleaning. In fact, many telemarket their services and scare people into believing that air duct cleaning is a life and death service. Although we have openly stated that we believe clean air ducts help those with serious respiratory issues, at the same time, agreeing to air duct cleaning simply because the service has said it is dangerous not to have your air ducts cleaned is never a reason to do so. In fact, government consumer protection websites usually state that if health is the only reason the sales agent gives for cleaning, you should probably say no. On the other hand, if you have contacted a cleaning firm because you feel your health is at risk, then that is a different reason altogether. To help you through the sea of providers, here are our eight tips for choosing a cleaning firm to clean your air ducts.
Don’t be fooled by medical claims
Do not choose a provider that dwells on the medical reasons for cleaning your ducts. There is some controversy as to whether or not air duct cleaning does in fact help. Of course, it can't hurt, but there is no need to buy services solely based on this fact.
Mold requires an expert
If you allow a cleaning firm to examine your air ducts and the representative says you need the air ducts cleaned because of mold, see proof before you agree to the services. Much along the same lines as general health benefits, unscrupulous companies will say you have mold just to scare you. As we have stated before, mold suggests a problem within the home. Mold is created only in wet environments, and if there is mold in the airways, there must be moisture. All the cleaning in the world is not going to help you, if you do not have a professional find the cause of the moisture and fix the problem. The water could be coming from an air conditioner pipe, it could be from a leaking tap, or it could be from condensation from something else. The air ducts should be cleaned only after the mold source is found and fixed. To be sure, air duct cleaners are not mold specialists. Again, if you call the cleaning firm because you know there to be mold, and you want it removed, that is another story. The firm is not trying to find a reason to get you to buy the service.
Legitimate provider
You cannot see your air ducts after the job is done, so it is difficult to know whether the cleaners even cleaned them properly. For this reason, you should probably check into the company's credentials before hiring them. Verify whether the company has the necessary licenses to operate, and call any local consumer affairs offices to determine whether there have been complaints lodged against the company and its workers. One or two minor complaints may not be an issue, as not everyone can be satisfied, but if there are many issues, or the issues cause alarm for you, avoid the company. Also, make a phone call to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) to inquire about cleaners in your area.
Air duct cleaning is not routine maintenance
Should a cleaning firm suggest that commercial duct cleaning is a required part of routine furnace maintenance, avoid the company. Neither the government, mortgage companies, nor furnace experts recommend cleaning air ducts on a regular basis. There are usually serious reasons for cleaning your air ducts such as controlling a vermin infestation, removing hazardous chemicals that are residing in the air ducts, dislodging a blockage of debris which is stopping the air flow, and retrieving items that have fallen or been thrown into the ducts. Cleaning air ducts is not done on a regular schedule, and has nothing to do with furnace maintenance, or the efficient operation of either the furnace or the air conditioner.
Avoid chemical treatments
Often, sales agents will try to upsell you on other products and services when cleaning your air ducts. These chemicals are to be avoided, and you should not allow them to be sprayed into your air ducts. If the cleaning firm aggressively tries to sell you these services, it is probably a good idea to find another provider. And, if you are calling around in an effort to decide which company to hire, ask them about chemicals, so that you can hear their responses. Honest air duct cleaners will tell you both the pros and cons of using chemicals. They will not dwell on the supposed benefits of chemical sprays. Both the Canadian and American governments have issued cautions about the use of sprayed chemicals in air ducts.
Be wary of hourly services
Many cleaning firms charge a set rate depending on the number of floors in a home. Usually, you know how much the cleaning will cost before the job is started. If, however, an hourly rate is charged (and by the way, there is nothing illegal about this method), be sure to obtain a written estimate in advance. The estimate allows you to determine whether you can afford the cleaning, and also, it protects you against unscrupulous firms. If the company refuses to provide in writing, the number of hours or days required to complete the job, and the hourly rate, then move on. Really, you should request quotes from three different companies before choosing one.
Ask questions and verify standards
Each cleaning service is different in terms of its knowledge and experience. Before hiring any air duct cleaning company, ask questions, so that you can compare the answers with the other two companies that you are considering. Ensure that the company complies with NADCA standards and the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association if ducts are lined.
About the EPA
When asked about credentials and other standards of cleaning, if the firm states the company is EPA approved, this is an outright lie. The United States Environmental Protection Agency does not certify air duct cleaners, nor does it enforce any sort of quality control standards. Further, the organization cannot and does not endorse companies, but rather, it will provide you general information about the topic in question.
