There’s a lot of talk about indoor air quality these days, and more and more households are exploring options for HVAC system cleaning. When it comes to the home improvement and repair industry, most contractors out there take great pride in a job well done, and are honest and fair. But like any industry, air duct cleaning is not immune to scammers who set out to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. In fact, the industry is plagued with fraudulent service providers eager to cheat homeowners. And now, with the COVID-19 pandemic dragging on and on, swindlers are on the prowl to an even greater degree, pouncing on homeowners who are already concerned about the health and safety of their families.
When it comes to air duct cleaning specifically, homeowners should beware of what we like to call ‘blow-and-go’ companies that often hook unsuspecting homeowners with bargain-basement prices, then do an inferior job, only cleaning what the homeowner can see, and leaving dirt and contaminants deep within the system. In fact, these types of contractors can cause more harm than good by agitating rather than removing dust, debris, and pollutants in air ducts. If not removed completely, all those pollutants then circulate throughout the ductwork and make their way into the air that you and your family breathe.
Deceitful contractors also up-sell add-on services, persuading the homeowner to pay for unneeded services. For instance, they may falsely lead homeowners to believe they have mold or other toxic substances in their HVAC systems, or use scare tactics to convince a homeowner that urgent repairs are necessary.
Buyers beware! When all those flyers appear in your mailbox for air duct cleaning deals that seem too good to be true, they probably are! When tempted with great savings and a chance to mark off one of those daunting tasks on your to-do list, it’s easy to jump at what seems like a great bargain. But before diving in, take a pause and ask yourself if the deal is going to save you money, or possibly cost you more in the long run.
It’s important to know the signs of a scam, and as a homeowner, you can take steps to ensure you don’t fall prey to dishonest tactics. CLICK HERE to learn how to spot common home improvement schemes.
A Few Words About the Cost of Air Duct Cleaning
Just like other products and services, cheaper is rarely better when it comes to air duct cleaning. Even the best bargain hunters know there are some instances when you can skimp, but other times when something is worth the investment.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), duct cleaning services typically – but not always – range in cost from $450 to $1,000 for each heating and cooling system. Naturally, several factors influence cost, like the type of ductwork in the home, the size of the HVAC system, accessibility to the system, the number of technicians needed to do the job, level of contamination, climate, and other environmental factors.
Keep in mind that while air duct cleaning is not a “one-size-fits-all” service, in the long run, homeowners can recoup some of the cost with lower utility bills! Having your home’s air ducts thoroughly cleaned helps the system run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Plus, clean systems typically have a longer lifespan and operate more effectively than dirty systems, also leading to lower utility bills.
Ready? Here’s How to Find the Most Qualified Air Duct Cleaning Companies!
When you’re ready to tackle those air ducts, make sure you choose a qualified contractor to ensure the job is done right – one who is certified for the task. NADCA members have technicians on staff with advanced training and certification in HVAC system cleaning, and they follow a higher standard when it comes to customer service.
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) makes it really simple for homeowners to find an air duct cleaning professional. All it takes is a zip code to search our online directory to find a NADCA member in your area.
(Reprinted with permission from NADCA.com)
