Red Flags you must know and check before choosing your Air-Duct Cleaning service provider
There are service providers out there that play unfair. They will do whatever they can to get you in their net, and by the time you realize you were trapped it is most likely too late.
Here are some things you should know and take in consideration, BEFORE you make a final decision on who is going to be your service provider.
1. Cut Rates "If it's too good to be true, it probably is!" Many like to outbid their competition by offering amazing deals you cannot refuse, or ridiculously low prices to simply help them get in the door to up-sale for more work, telling you they need to inspect your system, and then they come up with "reasons" why the service you need is out of their original scope and price, or find other "excuses" to get more money from you, or even simply do unprofessional and unthorough job before they leave. Professional Air-duct cleaning takes good amount of time to complete a thorough service, normally 2-6 hours, depends on how many HVAC units, the amount of supply and return ducts to service, and work complexity, and requires professional technicians who know what they are doing, as well as professional equipment. If you get an offer like "Whole House Air-Duct Cleaning for $99" you must assume this price is neither firm nor final, and that you will end up paying more, and/or that there are services not included in the price. Once they come over, they WILL up-sale! Make sure to ask these questions before setting up an appointment, and ask it in writing so you have a proof of what was agreed with you. With Ductor Clean Air all these services are included in our package price: - Does the price also include ducts inspection for mold and mildew? - Does the price include unlimited wall and ceiling supply vents? - Does the price include unlimited return ducts? If not then how many ARE included in the service? - Do you sanitize the ducts as part of the service? Is it included in the price? - Do you clean the furnace as part of the service? Is it included in the price?
2. BAIT-AND-TRAP "If you don't ask they won't tell" Many companies will try to sell you either unwanted services, or will claim their price "does not include this and that", and that you need to pay extra for these services, and you end up paying way more on top of what you already agreed to pay, far more than you originally thought and expected. While you were told what is included in the price, they did not tell you what is NOT included, simply because you did not know what to ask, and they will tell you that only when they come over. In short - the BAIT is that great price you get from them online or over the phone with minimum information they want you to know, and the TRAP is them coming to your home, putting you in an uncomfortable situation and pressure to make a decision here and now, possibly even offering you a "discount that is only for today", and if they leave the offer "leaves with them". Make sure you get all the service details of what they promised to included (as well as what is not included) in writing (email or text).
3. FREE ESTIMATES AND PRICE CONFUSION Free On Premise Estimates and Price Confusion Some companies will try to offer you free on premise estimate, just to come over to convince and up-sale you to more expensive version of their service. They may also not be very clear with the details and the price breakdown, so by the time they are done with the service you find yourself asked to pay way more than what you originally thought you would. To avoid that situation, be sure you understand the details of the service, the process, what is being done exactly, what is NOT included (so you are not surprised when they do these part and ask you to pay for them), and the best would be to ask for it in details and writing (text or email). You need to be strong and handle pressure because they are at your property, face to face, and not on the phone. Price and details confusion are a common trap (especially if the list of what services are included, what services are not included, and a blur price breakdown are not clear). They will focus on up-sale to provide you more expensive version of the service you need.
4. DON'T GET SCARED Don't Get Scared! Some companies may look into your ducts, inspecting them and showing you pictures of moldy ducts that may not be even yours, and will try to get in your pocket and make you pay them ridiculous amount of money to take care of it for you. Even and especially in case these are actually your ducts, don't get scared for having mold in your ducts. You can still take a few hours to check prices and ask for quotes from other companies to compare your options and make a calculated and an educated decision.
5. BLOW-AND-GO Professional Air-Duct Cleaning takes time! The technicians need to bring their equipment inside the house (like large Air-Negativity Vacuum Machine, power tools, snakes and special brushes, spray or Fogger, sometimes also Air-Compressor is needed, etc.). The process itself is complex and time consuming, and can take 2-6 hours per house, depending on how many HVAC systems being serviced, the amount of supply vents and return ducts, the complexity of the work, etc. With that said, some companies may be performing simple vacuum of the ducts with basic shop vacs and quickly announcing on "successful job completion". If it happened to you, then you must have been scammed! Thoroughly cleaning HVAC air-duct system can take 2-3 hours per HVAC system. If your service provider left after 20 minutes, or even 1 hour, most likely you are a 'blow-and-go' victim. Moreover, reputable experts will inspect various parts of your system and not just the vents. During the inspection process, before the job even started, you can already determine if the technicians really know what they're doing or not.
6. OTHER THINGS TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON? Good smell does not always mean good work! Make sure your service provider is cleaning the ducts and only after that sanitizing and deodorizing the ducts with disinfectants. Doing so when the ducts are dirty or not thoroughly cleaned means wetting the dust in your ducts, and in fact potentially solid ground for bacteria and mold build up. Clean Air-Ducts does not mean no allergies anymore! Your home can contain allergy or asthma particles, including irritants, and your air-ducts are only one of many places they could be hiding. Yes, the ducts are one more place they can hide, so by getting your air-ducts cleaned you do eliminate that option, but it does not mean that your entire home is allergy/pathogens free. You need to be aware of that fact and have your expectations set accordingly. Leaving the place clean! When Ductor Clean Air's technicians finish their job, they make sure your place is at least as clean as they found it. Service Provider Reputation. Always check for reviews (preferably Google or any other reliable platform). Choose your service provider by combining good reputation with good price.
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When did you last have your Dryer-Vent Cleaned? It is recommended to clean the dryer vents annually or it may turn to become a RISK OF FIRE.
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Get FREE Duct Enviro-Friendly Disinfectant (Fogging) and FREE Furnace Cleaning with any Air-Duct Cleaning Service.
COMPLETE AIR-DUCT CLEANING SPECIAL PACKAGE
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CLEANING UNLIMITED SUPPLY VENTS (on walls and ceilings)
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CLEANING UP TO 5 RETURN (INTAKE) DUCTS
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SANITATIZIG all serviced ducts
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FURNACE - vacuuming any visible dust and debris
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FILTER(S) - replacing old filter(s) with new filter(s)
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BEFORE & AFTER PICTURES (per request)
As Low As
249/unit
$
AIR DUCT
Cleaning
As Low As
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CLEANING THE DRYER VENT DUCT (up to 15 ft long, and exits through a side wall between ground level and up to 15 ft high)
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LONG DRYER DUCTS (in case of dryer ducts longer than 15 ft, there will be a charge of $8 per additional ft
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$149 SPECIAL PRICE when we do your air-duct cleaning at the same time. Servicing Dryer-Vent alone is $179.
149/ea
$
DRYER VENT
Cleaning
* WHEN REQUESTED WITH
AIR-DUCT CLEANING
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UV LIGHT SYSTEM includes Base/Mount, 10 FT Power Cord, and Dual (2) UV Bulbs
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PROFESSIONAL INSTALL
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ONE (1) SPARE UV BULB (lasts 8000-9000 hours, equals to 11-12 months)
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CUSTOMER EDUCATION (how to replace a UV Bulb yourself without paying a technician). By using 1 bulb at a time, this system will work 3 years non-stop!
Time Limited Offer
UV LIGHT
+ Installation
COMPLETE UV LIGHT
AIR SANITATION PACKAGE
199/ea
$
* FREE WITH AIR-DUCT CLEANING SERVICE
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DUCTS SANITATION - using Enviro-Friendly (Human and Pets Safe) Disinfectant
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PROFESSIONAL FOGGER OR SPRAY are used to efficiently distribute disinfectants, sanitizers or deodorizers in a fine mist throughout the ducts to kill or eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other airborne pathogens
0/ea
$
SANITATION
Of Serviced Ducts
0/ea
$
FURNACE
Cleaning
* FREE WITH AIR-DUCT
CLEANING SERVICE
BATHROOM FAN
Cleaning
* PROVIDED ONLY WITH AIR-
DUCT CLEANING SERVICE
25/ea
$
THE COMPETITION
AIR-DUCT Cleaning (Complete Cleaning Package)
FURNACE Cleaning
FREE with Air-Duct Cleaning Package
$49 - $119 (each)
$199 / per HVAC System
$249 - $649 per HVAC System
Ducts SANITATION - with Enviro-Friendly Disinfectant
FREE with Air-Duct Cleaning Package
$15 - $30 (per duct)
Cleaning/Brushing Unlimited Duct grills/covers
FREE with Air-Duct Cleaning Package
$49 - $119 (each)
BATHROOM FAN Cleaning (grill/cover, motor, & blades)
$25 / each
$35 - $55 / each
Cleaning UNLIMITED FLOOR VENTS (if exist)
$99 / unlimited
$25 - $45 / each
DRYER-VENT Cleaning (up to 10 ft duct length)
$99
$99 - $199
LONG DRYER-DUCTS (over 10 ft duct length)
$8 / per additional ft
$8 - $15 / per additional ft
UV Light System + Installation (dual (2) bulbs)
$299
$399 - $599 (single (1) bulb)
SPARE UV Bulb (lasts approximately 11-12 months)
FREE with any
UV light Installation
$89 - $129 (each bulb)
Regular $249
$
AIR DUCT
Cleaning
249/unit
Regular $49
$
FURNACE
Cleaning
49/ea
Regular $129
$
DRYER VENT
Cleaning
129/ea
Regular $30
$
BATHROOM FAN
Cleaning
30/ea
Regular $399
$
UV LIGHT
+ Installation
399/ea
Regular $8/ea
$
SANITATION
Of Serviced Ducts
8/ea
Regular $249
$
AIR DUCT
Cleaning
199/unit
Regular $49
$
FURNACE
Cleaning
0/ea
Regular $129
$
DRYER VENT
Cleaning
99/ea
Regular $30
$
BATHROOM FAN
Cleaning
25/ea
Regular $399
$
UV LIGHT
+ Installation
299/ea
Regular $8/ea
$
SANITATION
Of Serviced Ducts
0/ea
Total: $0
Total: $0
0
Total: $
Job Elements
Total: $0
Total: $0
0
Total: $
Pick and Choose - Service Calculator
Total: $
0
Total: $
0
Total: $
0
Total: $
0
0
Grand Total: $
We, at Ductor Clean Air, have a mission, and we take it very seriously:
"To be the most honest and trustworthy HVAC Air Duct and Dryer Vent Cleaning Service Provider"
We are working hard and investing a lot of effort to meet our promise to all of our clients.
We believe that adhering to these simple principles, combined with superb service, is the right way to run a business and become successful. It is a win-win situation to all parties.
With that said, we know there is tough competition out there that does not play by the same rules. You may find companies that will offer you outstanding price online or over the phone, but this will quickly change once their people are at your door step, and you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation and under pressure.
* WE NEVER DO! * WE NEVER DID! * WE NEVER WILL! *
So, what are those things you need to know, and keep an eye out for to avoid such unpleasant experience?
1. CUT RATES
Like the well knows say "If it's too good to be true, it probably is!", this can come into play here.
Many like to outbid their competition for offering ridiculously low prices to simply help them get in the door to up-sale you for more work, telling you they need to inspect your system and come up with "reasons" why the service you need is out of their original scope and price, or find other excuses to get more money from you, or even simply do unprofessional and unthorough job before they leave.
Air-duct cleaning requires professional technicians who know what they are doing, professional equipment, and it takes good amount of time to complete a thorough service. If you get an offer like "Whole House Duct Cleaning for $99" you MUST assume this will not be the final price you will end up paying.
Make sure to ask these questions before setting up an appointment, and ask it in writing so you have a proof of what was agreed with you:
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Do you inspect for mold and mildew, and is it included in the price? (Ductor Clean Air's technician do mold and mildew inspection for no additional cost, and will provide pictures of what has been found in your ducts).
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Do you sanitize the ducts as part of the service? (Ductor Clean Air's technicians are using professional Fogger to sanitize the ducts with Enviro-Friendly Humans and Pets safe Disinfectant for no additional cost - it is part of our air-ducts cleaning standard. Some companies charge $7-$15 per duct for that service - so if for example you have about 20, you can end up paying $140-$300 for sanitation alone).
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Also, do you use Fogger for sanitizing the ducts? (Foggers are used to distribute disinfectants, sanitizers, or deodorizers in a fine mist throughout a space to kill or eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. This is especially useful in situation where traditional cleaning methods may not be effective (such as in large or complex environments like HVAC Air-Ducts. Ductor Clean Air's technicians are using professional fogger to sanitize the ducts with disinfectants. This is the professional and preferred method for such application).
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Do you clean the furnace as part of the service? (Absolutely! Ductor Clean Air's technicians will open the furnace and clean any visible dust and debris, remove the old filter and vacuum all the duct from the return trunk, replace the filter with a new one and close the furnace for no additional cost - it is part of our air-ducts cleaning standard. Some companies may charge you for such service anywhere between $35-$65).
2. BAIT-AND-TRAP
Many companies will try to sell you either unwanted services or will claim their price does not include "this and that" and that you need to pay extra for these to be taken care of, and you end up paying way more on top of what you already agreed to pay, far more than you originally expected. While you were told that the price includes all your vent, etc., they may say that their price covers only small amount of vents, and not all the system parts, etc.
In short - the BAIT is that great price you get from them online or over the phone, and the TRAP is them being there, at your house, putting you in an uncomfortable situation and pressure to make a decision now", possibly even offering you a "discount that is only for today", etc. With Ductor Clean Air's this will never happen. This is against our company policy and all technicians are forbidden of doing it. Honest and trustworthy company will never bait-and-trap its customers.
Make sure you get all the details of what is included (and also what is not included) from your service provider, preferably in writing (email or text).
FEW EXAMPLES:
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Floor Vents - floor vents are normally being cleaned individually, one-by-one, with powered tools (special snakes and brushes), while this is not always the case when the vents are on the walls or ceilings. The reason is simple - floor vents tend to get way more dirty than those on the walls and ceilings, because of gravity. Things fall on the floor and simply get into the floor vents, causing them to get very dirty over time (especially if pest sleep on them, kids play with toys that have small parts that can fall inside the vents, vent in the kitchen tend to be super dirty over time, etc.). Because of these reasons and the individual process, many companies will charge separately to clean the floor vents, and this is fair and also common, but you need to know this up-front and ask how the floor vents are charged? Is is a flat-fee for unlimited floor vents and ducts (like we at Ductor Clean Air's do), or there is a charge per each floor vent (like many other companies do, and in that case you MUST know how many floor vents you have because this can get to be super expensive when you multiply the cost by the amount of floor vents you have all over your house)
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Furnace Cleaning - some companies may charge you to have your Furnace cleaned. That's okay and fair as long as you know up-front and can decide if to do it or not. Scammers will handle your ducts and then tell you the furnace needs to be taken care of too, but it has additional charge (as mentioned above, Ductor Clean Air's technicians provide this service for no additional cost as part of our air-duct cleaning standard).
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Same idea goes when it comes to ducts sanitation, cleaning and brushing all the supply and return grills/covers, replacing the filters. Though these are all included in Ductor Clean Air's service for air-duct cleaning, other companies usually charge for these services and you need to know if they do and how much it will cost you in the end.
3. FREE ESTIMATES AND PRICE CONFUSION
Some companies will try to offer free estimation, just to come over to convince and up-sale you to more expensive version of their service. They may also not be very clear with the details and the price breakdown, so by the time they are done with the service you find yourself asked to pay way more than what you originally thought you would. To avoid that situation, be sure you understand the details of the service, the process, what is being done exactly, what is NOT included (so you are not surprised when they do these part and ask you to pay for), and the best would be to ask for it in details and writing (email). Price Confusion (when the services that are included and not included as well as the cost breakdown are not clear) and Up-Sale (when the focus is on selling a more expensive version of the service) are RED FLAGS.
4. DON'T GET SCARED
Some companies may look into your ducts, inspecting them and showing you pictures of moldy ducts that may not be even yours, and will try to get in your pocket and make you pay them ridiculous amount of money to take care of it for you. If you are not sure these are your ducts, or if the mold you saw in the pictures is actually really mold, or if you have any other doubt, simply say you would like to get a second opinion before making a decision and get another company to look at it.
5. BLOW-AND-GO
Professional air-duct cleaning takes time! The technicians need to bring their equipment inside the house (like large Air-Negativity Vacuum Machine, powered snakes and special brushes, Fogger, sometimes also Air-Compressor is needed, etc.). The process itself is complex and time consuming. With that said, some companies may be performing simple vacuum of the ducts with basic vacuums and quickly announcing on "successful job completion". If you have one of these than you must have been scammed. Thoroughly cleaning HVAC air-duct system can take at least 1 hours and up to 3 hours, depends on the complexity and the amount of vent exist per system. If your service provider left after 20, or even 45 minutes, most likely you are a 'blow-and-go' victim. Moreover, reputable experts will inspect various parts of your system and not just the vents. During the inspection process, before the job even started, you can already determine if the technicians really know what they're doing or not.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST: WHAT ARE THE OTHER THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW AND BE KEEPING AN EYE ON?
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Good smell does not always mean good work! Make sure your service provider is cleaning the ducts and only after that sanitizing and deodorizing the ducts with disinfectants. Doing so when the ducts are dirty or not thoroughly cleaned means getting the dust in your ducts wet, and in fact potentially solid ground for bacteria to build up.
-
Clean Air-Ducts does not mean no allergies anymore! Your home can contain allergy or asthma-including irritants, and your air-ducts are only one of many places they could be hiding. Yes, it is another place they can hide and by getting your air-ducts cleaned you do eliminate that option, but it does not mean that your entire home is allergy/pathogens free. You need to be aware of that fact and have your expectations set accordingly.
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Leaving the place clean! Ductor Clean Air's technicians will neither leave any dirt or dust, nor old filter anywhere in your home. We make sure that by the time we complete the job, your place is at least as clean as it was when we can over. This is a rule we enforce and strongly keep.
