Air Duct Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health benefits of an air duct cleaning?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and very small particles of dust. The removal of such contaminants from the air duct system and home should be considered as one component in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality.

Can air duct cleaning lower energy bills?

Research by the U.S. EPA has demonstrated that air duct cleaning may allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems have a longer life span, are less likely to break down, and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems.

What is the normal price range for the air duct cleaning service?

The Environmental Protection Agency says that "duct cleaning services typically - but not always - range in cost from $450 to $1000 per heating and cooling system, depending on the services offered, the size of the system to be cleaned, system accessibility, climactic region, and level of contamination" and type of duct material.

Consumers should beware of air duct cleaning companies that making sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning - such claims are unsubstantiated. Consumers should also beware of "blow-and-go" air duct cleaning companies. These companies often charge a nominal fee and do a poor job of cleaning the heating and cooling system. These companies may also persuade the consumer into unneeded services with and/or without their permission.

If you have knowledge of a practicing "blow-and-go" air duct cleaner, contact your local Better Business Bureau to report the company, and your local, federal, and state elected officials to demand legislation.

How should I select an HVAC system contractor?

Interview as many local contractors as you can. Ask them to come to your home and perform a system inspection and give you a quotation. To narrow down your pool of potential contractors, use the following pre-qualifications:

• Make sure the company is a member in good standing of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and is NADCA certified to perform HVAC system cleaning.
• See if the company has been in business long enough to have adequate experience.
• Inquire whether the company is in good standing with your local Better Business Bureau.
• Get proof that the company is properly licensed and adequately insured.
• Make sure that the company is going to clean and visually inspect all of the air ducts and related system components.
• Avoid advertisements for "$99 whole house specials" and other sales gimmicks.
• Ask if the company has the right equipment to effectively perform cleaning, and if the company has done work in homes similar to yours. Get references from neighbors if possible.

How long does it take to clean a home HVAC system?

The amount of time it takes to clean a residential HVAC system depends on many variables such as the size of the home, the number of systems, the extent of the contamination and the number of HVAC cleaners performing the job. Ask at least two contractors to inspect your system and give you a time estimate for your particular system. This will give you a general idea of how long the job should take as well as an idea of how thoroughly the contractor plans to do the job.

How can you measure the effectiveness of an HVAC system cleaning?

The best way to determine if the HVAC system cleaning was effective is to perform a visual inspection of the system before and after cleaning. If any dust or debris can be seen during the visual inspection, the system should not be considered cleaned. While you can perform your own visual inspection using a flashlight and mirror, a professional cleaning contractor should be able to allow you better access to system components and perhaps the use of specialized inspection tools.

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