Very few people understand air duct cleaning procedures, making running into a scam very easy. Scams are common in industries like HVAC and air duct cleaning. At Superior Air Duct Cleaning, we want to prevent homeowners like you from being taken advantage of and overcharged for simple duct maintenance or poorly performed jobs. Today’s blog covers the top air duct cleaning scams to avoid and how to spot them.
These are the top air duct cleaning scams to watch out for:
- Bait-and-switch discounts
- Blow-and-go scams
- Upsell services
- Unlicensed inspections
Bait-and-Switch Coupon Deals or Discounts
In a bait-and-switch scam, companies will send out discount flyers promoting air duct cleaning deals for low rates. After inspecting your ducts the technician will upcharge for more services your home may not need.
According to Home Advisor, average air duct cleaning costs range from $400 to $500. Larger homes contain more ducts, so cleanings can be between $700 to $1000.
Factors that influence air duct cleaning costs include home-size, sanitation assessment, rodent inspection, mold, or repairs. Remember to educate yourself as much as possible to avoid air duct cleaning scams and overpaying on non-existent or specific services. Read further to learn how to tell when your home needs air duct cleaning services.
What Is a Blow-and-Go Air Duct Cleaning Scam?
Blow-and-go is a common scam where technicians perform mediocre cleaning services for bargain rates. Many cleaning companies offering discounted deals take on multiple projects in one day to maintain their daily profits. Technicians only clean visible areas of the ducts leaving dirt to collect in deep areas of the vents. Technicians that conduct these poor services cause more harm as dust moves and spreads through the air affecting your respiratory system.
A thorough air duct cleaning should take between 3-4 hours for standard homes or half a day for large homes. To avoid scams, educate yourself on traditional air duct cleaning services, how often you should get your air ducts cleaned, and signs your home needs air duct cleaning. And be sure to vet a company before you hire them.
Up-Sell Services
Dishonest technicians will sell additional services your household may or may not need. For example, the technician may come for one job but suddenly discover harmful bacteria or mold building in your system. These scare tactics force homeowners to pay more for services due to a lack of knowledge or fear. Bargains are not always better. If you suspect your technician is falsely assessing your home, get a second opinion.
Unlicensed Work: False Mold Inspections
As a homeowner, watch out for contractors performing unlicensed work. Different states require licenses for other services like dryer duct cleaning or mold evaluation.
Ensure your selected HVAC company carries the proper credentials or NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) certifications for inspections or cleaning specialist services. If you are unsure about whether the company is authorized to perform these services, get in touch with a company that solely specializes in that area.
Related Article: When Should Air Duct Cleaning Companies Service My Air Ducts?
Ways to Protect Your Home From Air Duct Cleaning Scams
Educate Yourself
Learn as much as you can about air duct cleaning and if your home will benefit from it. Common ways to tell if your home needs air duct cleaning services include:
- Sweaty ducts
- Clogged ducts: ducts covered in dust and grime
- Humidity
- Noticeable signs of mold or mildew outside the vents
- Poor air circulation in household
Ask the Right Questions
Ask these questions to avoid falling prey to a scam:
- Do you carry liability insurance?
- Have you worked on this HVAC model previously?
- Do you have a list of references?
- Am I paying the exact amount quoted today?
- Do you carry any NADCA certifications?
- What chemicals do you use to sanitize your air ducts?
- Will you clean the entire air duct system with this quoted service?
Ensure Your Specialists are Certified
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) abides by standard duct cleaning protocols. Companies that hold NADCA certifications follow their guidelines and offer the highest level of service and safe sanitation. Rest assured that the Superior Air Duct Cleaning team upholds professionalism and honesty when assessing a home or commercial property for air duct cleaning services.
Our professional contractors make it their mission to clean, sanitize, and prevent the infestation of vermin and harmful particles in your central air system.
Superior Air Duct Cleaning for Professional and Reliable Services
These days, scams are everywhere, and research is the only way to avoid them. Please educate yourself on common ways fraudulent companies gain profit at the expense of their consumers. At Superior Air Duct Cleaning, we pride ourselves on honesty and delivering top-notch air duct cleaning services.
We thoroughly clean, sanitize, and deodorize your air duct system till it’s free of grime with our safety products. Contact us today at our eastern Ohio or Pennsylvania locations to receive a free quote on any of our services.
