Scam Alert

You need to be informed before you hire a duct cleaning company. Here is a sampling of investigative reports that highlight some of the scams that you should watch out for when hiring a company to clean your air ducts. Click on a thumbnail to watch the video.

Nine Ways to Avoid Air Duct Cleaning Scams

When looking for a reputable duct cleaning company, Pro-Duct Air Care gives consumers tips on how to spot red flags.

As an increasing number of “fly by night” air duct cleaning businesses pop up across the country offering services for sensationally low prices, industry experts are advising consumers to be aware of warning signs and know the right questions to ask before pulling out their checkbooks.

Pro- Duct Air Care encourages customers to stay on the lookout for the following red flags of air duct cleaning scam artists:

Red Flag #1:  Bait and Switch – The advertised “special” price is immediately thrown out in favor of a much higher price. Most specials $35-$99 or $9 per vent are unrealistic cover a limited number of vents, mains trunks and returns. Most of the specials will not include the cleaning of the ac unit or furnace which is essential for a complete job. Most homes will have more than what’s included in the special, so some “up charge” is to be expected.  But watch out if the price jumps 10 times or more!

Red Flag #2: Demand a written quote – A trustworthy air duct cleaning business will provide customers with a firm written quote for all necessary services prior to starting their work, as well as explaining in detail the scope of the job they are planning to perform, including exact number of ducts to be cleaned

Red Flag #3: The equipment looks like it could have been rented – As powerful as portable vacuums may be, they cannot generate enough suction to pull the dirt out of your ducts.  Just think about the size – the volume – of your system.  Ask yourself:  How could a glorified vac possibly do the job?  In order to remove the contention out your system a more powerful cleaning equipment the your blower .the most powerful equipment is the power vacuum truck it s 12 time more powerful the portable electric vacuums

Red Flag #4: Be careful of “one-hour” promises and a small staff – According to EPA standards, a thorough, basic air duct cleaning job should take no less than three to four hours. Many coupons will state the job can be done in an hour. In fact, many larger homes can take up to 7-8 hours to complete. Additionally, if a staff of less than two shows up to clean, consumers should be wary. Be sure to ask “how many people will be working and how long this job will take ahead of time

Red Flag #5: The service representative quotes you several hundred dollars to sanitize your system – EPA approved chemicals should cost only about 10-20 bucks, labor $20-$30. An honest company won’t charge more than $50 .We sanitize for no extra charge at all

Red Flag #6:  The rep gives you a grim look and announces you have mold – Ask him to see it. Don’t fall for instat mold kit or any other gimmicks .get a second opinion from another company, in some cases the duct system will need be completely change

Red Flag #7: The rep does not show you proof the job was done properly – An inspection is a must.  Before and after pictures are even better.

Red Flag #8: Test their knowledge of industry associations – Reputable air duct cleaning operators should be members of the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Air duct cleaning businesses should also follow an EPA checklist. Homeowners should ask about these memberships and standards before allowing an air duct business to perform work in their home.

Red Flag #9: Watch out for unmarked vehicles, lack of branded apparel – Any reputable company will invest in a standard, recognizable logo that is proudly displayed on company trucks & vans, as well as neat, consistent uniforms for their trained technicians. Most of the time unmarked vehicles indicate that the job was subcontracted to 3rd parties.

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