Is Air Duct Cleaning a Scam?

Air ducts circulate cooled and heated air in your home. Over months and years, dust and dirt settle in these ducts. Pollen, mold, and other dirt also build up inside them. Air duct cleaning companies use big vacuums to suck all this crud out of your home’s ductwork. However, some air duct cleaners make confusing claims. They pressure you to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars immediately to clean your ducts.

So, should you get your ducts cleaned or not? Good question. On one hand, cleaning removes mold, dust, and other dirt from your ducts. This helps you breathe easier. But on the other hand, some cleaners scam homeowners with expensive services they might not need.

To duct or not to duct? Keep reading this article to learn when you need air duct cleaning. And how to avoid sneaky companies trying to vacuum the money from your wallet!

What is air duct cleaning?

Air ducts allow heated or cooled air to flow throughout your home. The typical home accumulates dust and other particles in the ductwork over months and years. Air duct cleaning companies use specialized tools to dislodge debris and suction it out of supply and return ducts. Getting those air ducts cleaned improves the air quality in your home. With less fuzz and dirt blowing around, the air seems fresher. Cleaning also helps your HVAC system run more efficiently since airflow improves.

While air duct cleaning might sound silly, it can be helpful. But is it always necessary? Keep reading this article to figure out when you need it!

When to Perform Air Duct Cleaning

Experts disagree on how often you need air ducts cleaned. Factors like the number of occupants, pets, if anyone smokes, and filtration levels impact cleanliness. Air ducts may need cleaning every 3-5 years. New ductwork rarely needs cleaning, unless you also have renovations going on as well. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to call in a duct cleaner, here are five signs that indicate you may need to get your ducts cleaned:

Visible mold growth:

If you can see mold growing in your ducts or other parts of your HVAC system, it’s time to call the professionals. Mold can cause serious health problems, so it’s not something to ignore.

Pest infestation:

If you’ve got critters like rodents or insects making themselves home in your ducts, that’s another sign that it’s time for a cleaning. Not only are pests gross, but they can also cause damage to your ducts and spread diseases.

Excessive dust and debris:

If your ducts are clogged with dust and debris, especially after a renovation project or other messy event, it’s probably time to get them cleaned. All that gunk can circulate through your home and affect your air quality.

Uneven airflow:

If you notice that some rooms in your house are getting less airflow than others, it could be a sign that your ducts are blocked or damaged. A professional duct cleaner can help identify and fix the problem.

Allergies or respiratory issues:

If you or someone in your family suffers from unexplained allergies or respiratory problems, dirty ducts could be to blame. Cleaning them out can help improve your indoor air quality and alleviate those symptoms.

Post Renovation:

If you have just finished renovation in your house, there’s a chance that the ductwork has accumulated a significant amount of dust and debris. This dirt can spread all over your house through the vents. It’s bad for your air quality and health. A thorough duct cleaning can return things to their clean state.

5 Scams to Watch Out For With Air Duct Cleaning

Speaking of red flags, some pretty shady companies out there will try to scam you when it comes to air duct cleaning. Here are five scams to watch out for:

Bait and switch pricing: They’ll give you a super low price over the phone but then jack it up once they’re in your house.

Scare tactics: They’ll try to convince you that your ducts are full of mold or other scary stuff, even if they’re not.

Unproven health claims: They’ll say that dirty ducts can cause all sorts of health problems without any scientific evidence to back it up.

Cheap equipment: They’ll use low-quality tools that can damage your ducts or stir up more dust.

Chemical overload: They’ll go crazy with the chemical biocides and sealants, which can harm your health if not used properly.

So, how can you avoid these scams? Read on to learn more about how to avoid these scams.

5 Ways to Avoid These Scams

Do your homework: Before you hire anyone, do some research on the company. Check their website, read reviews, and see if they have certifications or training. If something seems off, trust your gut and move on.

Get references: A reputable company should happily provide references from satisfied customers. Give them a call and ask about their experience. If the company can’t or won’t give you references, that’s a red flag.

Ask questions: Be bold and ask the company about their process, equipment, and pricing. A legit company will be upfront and transparent about what they do and how much it costs. If they’re vague or evasive, that’s a warning sign.

Watch out for too-good-to-be-true deals: If a company offers a super low price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. They might hit you with hidden fees or upsells once they’re in your house. Stick with a company that offers fair, transparent pricing.

Trust your instincts: If something about the company or their approach feels off, don’t hesitate to walk away. It’s better to take a little more time to find a company you feel good about than to rush into a decision you may regret later. Remember, a reputable air duct cleaning company will be professional, knowledgeable, and transparent throughout the process.

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Hire a Professional Duct Cleaner

If you decide to get your air ducts cleaned, hire a professional who knows what they’re doing, like Got Dust Duct Cleaning. Our skilled duct cleaning experts deliver competitively priced, all-encompassing duct support. As the leading air duct cleaning service provider in Ontario, we commit to keeping you informed about our findings and collaborating with your budget without relying heavily on discounts (though we do have exclusive offers).