Is Air Duct Cleaning a Scam?
When it comes to maintaining your home’s air quality, there is significant debate around one question: Is air duct cleaning a scam?
In this article, we explore the various benefits of cleaning your air duct and how to ensure you hire the best hands.
Is Duct Cleaning Really Necessary?
It is necessary to have your air ducts cleaned for reasons such as:
Improved indoor air quality
A clean air duct removes dust and other allergens that could cause a musty smell in your home and make you sick. Cleaning up your air ducts would remove these unwanted smells and irritants, thereby improving your indoor air quality.
Reduces air pollution
Cleaning your air ducts helps rid your HVAC system of pollutants such as pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and other pollutants. These pollutants can cause many respiratory problems or serve as triggers for anyone with an already existing condition.
Combats mold
Air ducts are commonplace for mildew and mold growth, especially in homes with high humidity. When dust and other allergens mix with moisture, mold grows. The spores can move through vents and spread throughout your home, completely infesting it. Regular duct cleaning can prevent mold growth and reduce health risks.
Helps your HVAC system last longer
Clean air ducts help your HVAC system work more efficiently. Dirty ducts cause your system to work harder, as the trapped dirt obstructs proper airflow. Overworking the system can lead to wear and tear of internal components, which will shorten its lifespan. It can also lead to higher energy costs because the system now requires more energy to function properly.
Provides safety
Debris and dust can become fuel if fire sparks get into your ducts. Imagine a gas leak or two metal components rubbing against each other long enough to create sparks with a generous amount of debris in your vents. It is a recipe for disaster. It is important to clean out your air ducts to avoid this from happening.
Is Air Duct Cleaning a Scam?
There is a general perception that air duct cleaning is just a way for cleaning companies to extort money from clients. This misinformation claims that duct cleaning bears no considerable benefits to indoor air quality.
However, these notions are not true, as duct cleaning has proven to improve indoor air quality and extend the life of HVAC systems.
7 signs you are hiring a fake air duct cleaning company
You can tell that you are hiring a fake air duct cleaning company by these signs:
Lack of proper licensing
An air conditioning contractor’s license is one of the most important documents in the duct cleaning industry. In Florida, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issues such licenses. If a contractor states that they are qualified only to find that they are using another contractor’s license, it shows that they are not capable of getting their own license, and this could be a red flag.
Unbelievable prices
When the price you’re charged for duct cleaning is too good to be true, it probably is. Cleaning your air ducts requires expertise, high-powered equipment, and time. If the prices you’re quoted seem lower than what you would expect from a company that claims to have the best hands, you’re probably talking to the wrong air duct cleaning company. Where there is quality service, expect reasonable pricing.
Pricing without inspection
To get the proper quote or pricing to clean your air ducts, skilled professionals will perform thorough inspections of your entire HVAC system. This helps them know what cleaning techniques to use and the type of equipment they need. Companies that provide quotes over the phone without coming to inspect your ducts are a red flag. Such companies will deliver subpar work, if they even deliver at all.
Equipment used
Duct cleaning or HVAC cleaning requires different types of equipment because of the variety of components used to assemble the system. For example, a duct board needs only air to clean it as brushes can damage its surface. Flexible ductwork requires soft bristle brushes specifically designed to clean it without damaging it. Metal ductwork can withstand either air or brushes when cleaning in most cases. If a company lacks the recommended equipment for the job, it’s likely because they are not certified or just putting on a show as a duct cleaning company.
Customer reviews
Reviews never lie, as customers always share their experiences working with a company. Sometimes, just looking at a company’s rating or reviews from customers is all you need to know. Bad reviews can tell you that a company is untrustworthy and will not deliver advertised services or might do sub-par work.
Lack of certification
The NADCA oversees the HVAC/duct cleaning industry. The organization provides educational resources, certifications, training, and industry guidelines to make sure companies meet standards. The NADCA awards two certificates: Air system cleaning specialists (ASCS) and certified ventilation inspectors (CVI). Companies with these certificates are confirmed to have the best industry practices, knowledge, and skills required for duct cleaning. If a company you are considering for hire does not have workers with these certifications, you are likely dealing with a fake air duct cleaning company.
Duct cleaning vs HVAC cleaning
Duct cleaning typically includes cleaning ductwork alone, but HVAC system cleaning includes cleaning parts of the air conditioner, like the evaporator coils, heat strips, wires, and drain pans. For the best results, both the ducts and the HVAC system need to be cleaned by a trained and experienced air conditioning technician. If the company you want to hire differentiates duct cleaning from HVAC cleaning, then it may be a red flag.
FAQ
1. Is air duct cleaning a waste of money?
No, air duct cleaning is not a waste of money. It can provide various benefits to your home, health, and even your HVAC system.
2. Is it possible to clean your own air ducts?
While you could clean some parts of your ducts on your own, it is better to contract a technician who knows the intricacies of the duct and can properly handle the components of your HVAC system.
3. Is air duct cleaning a sham?
Air duct cleaning is not a sham, but you could fall prey to scam artists who are posing as air duct cleaning companies. Ensure to pay attention to the red flags listed in this article to spot one.
Wrapping Up
Air duct cleaning is essential for many reasons and provides you with the chance to have cleaner, fresher airflow in your home or office. While there is misinformation going around about the need to clean your ducts, understand that when dust and debris accumulate in your HVAC system, the air being pushed out can become polluted and lead to health risks.
Cleaning your ducts is a serious business that requires the best hands to ensure that your system is properly managed. Ties360 offers professional hands to manage all things pertaining to duct cleaning. With over 20 years of experience and a team of trained workers, you can expect better results from your HVAC system. Send a quote today!
