Avoid Duct Cleaning Scams During the Holidays

With the holidays and winter fast approaching, you may be preparing to seal up your house to keep out the cold. This act of sealing off the house also keeps any fresh air from coming in, which can raise the concentration of indoor allergens and pollutants. Your HVAC system pulls in these contaminants and recirculates them throughout your home 5 to 7 times per day. Over time, this recirculation causes a build-up of contaminants in the ductwork. Adding air duct inspection and cleaning to your winter preparations list can prevent this build-up and limit your exposure to airborne contaminants.

When it comes time to hire a professional, a common fear among homeowners is that they might fall for a scam and lose a lot of their hard-earned money in the process.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here are a few ways homeowners can avoid falling victim to duct cleaning scams this holiday season and get their HVAC system cleaned before temperatures begin to drop.  

1. Do Your Research

Research online reviews for companies in your area, determine what services they offer and how long they have been in business. Check that the company has the proper licenses for the job and is fully insured, and don’t forget to request a copy of their license as proof. When discussing home projects with potential contractors, always ask if the company has the right equipment to effectively perform the job and if they have cleaned homes like yours.

To find a company that you can trust to get the job done right, you should also ask your neighbors for references. Neighbors can be a great resource for contractor recommendations.

2. Don’t Fall for those Unbelievable Offers

Avoid bait-n-switch tactics and advertisements for “$99 whole house specials.” Those low prices typically do not cover the costs of the service provided or equipment used. With these deals, homeowners can expect substandard work or a higher price tag when the job is done.

Another trick commonly used by scammers is to fake a much bigger, more expensive problem than actually exists during low-cost cleanings. Don't rely on an “instant” mold test or let them convince you to do extensive work that costs hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars more. In cases like these, it’s best to get a second opinion.

Ask the company how long the process is expected to take and how much it is expected to cost in advance. The average home may cost an average of $450 to $1,000 to clean properly. The estimated duration relies on several different factors such as the type of system, the size of your home, the level of contamination, and the number of crew members needed to complete the project.

If a company gives you a set time and cost without first inspecting your home, you should consider getting a second opinion.

3. Hire a NADCA Member

HVAC technicians who are certified by NADCA follow a higher standard in air duct cleaning and customer service. With advanced training and certifications in HVAC system hygiene, you can rest assured that your money is well-spent and use the savings for all those holiday presents.

Certifications are often required for contractors to bid on work to be done for commercial, healthcare and industrials buildings. Why should your home be any different? Earning a certification in a trade is a sign that the person doing the work is better trained, has met certain requirements, and has proven their proficiency in their field.

When searching for a certified contractor, you may notice companies claiming they are certified by using the NADCA logo on their website. This too can be a scam. Be sure you’re hiring a true certified professional by visiting the Find a Professional feature on NADCA’s website to begin searching for a certified air duct cleaning professionals in your area.