Professional air duct cleaning services come with their own set of pros and cons. For example, while you may be able to clean your air ducts at home once in a blue moon, hiring a professional service that comes with its own cost and benefits. On one side, employing professionals will assist you in removing dust, grime, and other debris from your air ducts, allowing them to function more effectively. On the other hand, this also means that you’ll need to spend money on services rather than doing it yourself or hiring friends (or family) at a lower cost. On top of that, there are many different air duct cleaning companies out there—each with its own pros and cons. So how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Negotiate the price
When hiring a professional cleaning company, the first step is to negotiate the price. Although you may be tempted to hire the lowest bidder, this isn’t always a good idea. If you go with the cheapest option, you may end up getting a subpar job. It’s a good idea to find a middle ground—putting some time into researching the companies you’re considering and making sure they have a solid track record.
An added benefit of negotiating the price is that you might be able to get the company to throw in a few extras, such as an inspection of your ductwork or the installation of an indoor air filter.
Ask for a list of equipment that will be used and what methods will be used
Another thing to consider when hiring a duct cleaning company is what equipment they’ll be using. While certain methods of cleaning air ducts are certainly better than others, this doesn’t mean that all methods are created equal. Some methods, such as brushing or vacuuming your ducts, are best done by you. Others, such as the use of chemicals, are best left to professional cleaning companies.
The best way to find out what equipment a company plans to use on your ducts is to ask. If you’re uncomfortable asking this directly, you can ask them to describe their procedure or approach. This will give you a good idea of the equipment they’ll be using.
Another thing to consider when hiring a duct cleaning company is what method they’ll be using to clean your ducts. There are many methods that can be used to clean your air ducts, each coming with its own set of pros and cons. Let’s take a look at some of the most common cleaning methods used to clean air ducts.
Hot water/steam cleaning – One of the most common methods of cleaning air ducts is to use high-pressure, hot water to blast dirt and debris from the ducts and then vacuum it out. Steam cleaning is essentially the same method—except the water is superheated rather than just hot. On the plus side, this method is very effective at cleaning ductwork. Hot water or steam cleaning is also a very common method used to kill bacteria and other microscopic contaminants in air ducts. The major downside to this method is that it can leave behind substantial damage to the ductwork. This can cause increased energy usage and a shorter lifespan for your ducts.
Another typical cleaning procedure is hosing off air ducts. While this method is less damaging to the ducts than hot water/steam cleaning, it’s also not as effective at cleaning. Hosing off your ducts will blast away surface debris but won’t be as effective at killing bacteria as high-pressure cleaning methods.
Dusting with a brush – While not as effective as hot water/steam cleaning, some companies will dust your air ducts with a brush to remove dust and debris. This is less destructive to your ducts than using a high-pressure water jet to clean them.. On the other hand, it’s also not as effective at removing contaminants and bacteria. On the plus side, this is a much cheaper method than using high-pressure cleaning methods.
Dusting with a vacuum – Similarly, you can also have your air ducts vacuumed out. This is a much cheaper method than using hot water/steam or a brush to clean your ducts. On the other hand, it’s also less effective at removing dust and debris than high-pressure cleaning methods.
Check if they’re licensed and insured
Another thing to consider when hiring a duct cleaning company is whether or not they are licensed and insured. Professional cleaning businesses require licenses in most states. Unlicensed contractors are even prohibited from cleaning air ducts in several places. This can be a good sign that the company is trustworthy and legitimate.
Similarly, some states also require cleaning companies to be insured. This is also a good sign that the company is legitimate and trustworthy—but it’s not a guarantee.
Ask about previous jobs
Another great way to figure out whether or not a company is right for you is to ask about previous jobs. Finding out how a company has performed in previous jobs is a great way to figure out what to expect from them. If the company you’re considering doesn’t have a good track record or a lot of testimonials online, it may be a good sign that they aren’t a legitimate business. It may also be a sign that they don’t offer a very high-quality service.
If the company you’re considering has a long list of good reviews, you can feel confident that they’re a solid company. They will likely be able to provide you with a high-quality service at a fair price.
Service should provide a warranty
Finally, you may also want to consider whether or not the air duct cleaning company you’re considering offers a warranty on their service. This isn’t common, but some companies will offer a limited warranty for their cleaning services. A warranty may cover things like missed debris, missed structural damage, or even missed insulation.