Scam Alert: Avoid “dirty” duct cleaners

The scenario: You get a flyer in the mail from a company offering to clean the air ducts at your home for only $99. Intrigued by the low price, you contact the company and set up an appointment.

When the company arrives at your house, the rep tries to sell you on a bunch of other services, including carpet cleaning or mold remediation, to improve the air quality inside your home. If you don’t bite at these invoice-increasing items, he gives your ducts a cursory cleaning before moving on to the next mark somewhere in your area.

That lowball offer should have been a red flag to avoid that firm. A reputable company will charge $400 to $1,000 to clean the ducts in a typical 2,000-square-foot house, says the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). A quality job should take two pros, who’ll use specialized tools, about 8 to 15 hours to complete.

Even more important to know is that there’s no proof that cleaning ducts prevents health problems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Nor do studies conclusively show that dirty ducts increase levels of airborne particulates in a home. Still, there are times when you should get your ducts cleaned:
• Have the ductwork cleaned if it contains visible mold buildup or has debris coming out of supply registers, or if the ducts are infested with vermin. Check for problems by removing the registers and shining a flashlight into the ductwork.
• Consider having your ductwork professionally inspected if someone in your home is suffering from unexplained allergies or illness. Before you do that, however, a doctor should rule out other causes.

To find a reputable duct cleaner, get referrals from the company that services your furnace. You’ll also find NADCA member contractors in your area on the association’s Web site. Before you sign a contract, ask for evidence of contamination, including a lab report if mold is a concern. And be sure the company cleans the entire HVAC system, including the ducts, heat exchanger, and air handler.

After the work has been completed, insist on a thorough visual inspection—all components of the HVAC system should be free of visible dust and debris. A top-shelf pro might even use remote photography to show you the clean ducts.

Essential information: Read “Filtering the Claims” for information on air purifiers.

Comments

[Duct Cleaning]

You offer some very good points, but what about those of us that aren't members of NADCA? We do quality work and have been cleaning ducts for many years. Our philosophy lies somewhere in between the scam artists and the $1000 duct cleaning. For $189 Duct-911.com will use a rotary brush and do a very thorough job cleaning ALL the ducts for one low price.

True, the a-coil is not included, but we feel that's only fair since not all houses have central air. There are many ethical air duct cleaning companies that believe the "NADCA way" is not the only way. Furthermore, many homeowners aren't comfortable spending $1,000 for duct cleaning. Spending $189 and getting the vast majority of the contaminants is what they are seeking.

[Norm]

Beware 1st Nation Restoration, Lebanon, NJ

This is very good advice. We had a terrible experience with 1st Nation Restoration (air duct cleaners based in Lebanon, NJ). We got quotes from the NADCA certified companies which were in the range of $850-1200 for 2 zone cleaning.Thinking to save money we called on these guys who over the phone gave no estimate but kep mentioning the coupon. We thought that overall the job should come out cheaper. They also claimed to be NADCA certified which they weren't. They has separate charges for every single thing (Blower cleaning; AC coil cleaning; sanitizer; sealer - you name it). Their bill was over $2000. To make you feel better they sell you "warrenty" to do the job again at a reduced price (basically to rob you again).

[Air Duct Cleaners in New Jersey]

Great Post. I have an air duct cleaning business in New Jersey. I have to constantly go up against the shady businesses who run ads for $99 whole house.

I use a very expensive negative air cleaning system and I am part of the NADCA.

Great post. This industry is growing, but their are a lot of companies out there giving guys like me a bad name.

[Home Inspection Tampa]

It is very true that we should always try to avoid dirty ducks. However I think it is better to hire a professional for he work rather going for harmful cleaners.

[Ductworks - Your Air Duct Cleaning Expert]

Very good article. While NADCA certification does not guaranty quality workmanship, it does guarantee that the company has an understanding the functionality of residential/commercial HVAC systems and the safety of employees and building occupants.

The price range of $400 to $1000 is accurate. A typical job will take 8 man hours, and the average industry wage is at $15 an hour. The amount of time that is spent working at the home typically relates to quality of work. Anything less than $400 would not be able to cover labor, materials, vehicle, insurance, and other overhead items....