Maintaining clean air ducts in your home is essential for ensuring a healthy indoor environment. However, the process of hiring a duct cleaning service can be fraught with pitfalls, especially with the prevalence of scams. I’m Josh from Mold and Air Duct Pros, based in Cleveland, Ohio, and I’m here to guide you on how to avoid these scams.
1. Beware of “Whole House Specials”
Many companies advertise unbeatably low prices, such as $99 or $249 for a “whole house special.” While these offers may seem enticing, they are often marketing tactics designed to draw you in. Once these companies gain access to your home, they begin the process of inspection, which is typically when the upcharging begins. Suddenly, additional costs are incurred for services like cleaning return lines and furnace blowers, leaving customers with significantly higher bills than initially advertised.
2. Understanding Upcharging Tactics
Once in your home, unscrupulous service providers may pressure you into add-ons and upselling. This might include cleaning parts of your system that were not previously discussed or agreed upon, such as additional ducts, returns, or fans. It’s crucial to be aware of this tactic and understand the full scope of services being offered before allowing work to proceed. A legitimate and transparent company should provide you with a detailed quote, outlining all services and costs upfront.
3. The Importance of NADCA Certification
To protect yourself, always check if the company is NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) certified. Certified companies are mandated to follow the NADCA cleaning process. This thorough process requires the cleaning of the entire system, including the furnace, ducts, returns, and registers. NADCA certification serves as a guarantee that the company adheres to industry standards and practices safe and effective cleaning methods.
4. Choose the Right Cleaning Method
The method used to clean your air ducts significantly affects the outcome. We recommend opting for companies that employ the negative air machine process. This method is more effective compared to alternatives like Roto brush or Ram air systems. The negative air machine creates a vacuum that ensures debris and contaminants are efficiently removed from your air ducts, thereby improving air quality and system performance.
Conclusion
Hiring a professional duct cleaning service is crucial for maintaining a healthy home environment; however, it’s equally important to avoid falling victim to scams. To ensure you’re receiving quality service, scrutinize attractive offers, be wary of upcharging, choose NADCA-certified professionals, and insist on the proper cleaning method. At Mold and Air Duct Pros, we are committed to providing transparent, high-quality duct cleaning services. If you require a reliable partner for duct cleaning, feel free to contact us at Mold and Air Duct Pros, where our team will be happy to assist you in ensuring your home remains healthy and your experience remains positive.
