How to Choose an Air Duct Cleaning Company

Hiring someone to clean your air ducts is a little unusual. You can't easily see the work, it happens inside your walls and attic, and most people only do it a few times in their lives. That makes it easy for a homeowner to be oversold, or to pay for a job that wasn't done well. These questions help you sort out who you're dealing with before you book.

Start with whether you need it

The best duct cleaning company will be honest about whether you need a cleaning at all. The EPA's guidance lists situations where cleaning may make sense: ducts clogged with dust and debris or releasing particles from registers, ducts infested with rodents or insects, and substantial visible mold growth (which first needs a mold professional and a fix for the moisture source). Renovation dust and moving into a home with an unknown history are other common reasons.

If none of those apply, a good company will tell you so. Be cautious of anyone who says every home needs cleaning every year. The EPA specifically advises against hiring duct cleaners who recommend it as routine maintenance.

Questions to ask on the phone

1. How do you price the job? Per vent, per system or flat rate? Do returns count as vents? What happens if there are more vents than expected? A clear answer is a good sign. At American Air Duct Cleaning Humble, for instance, basic cleaning is $199 for up to 10 vents and $29 for each additional vent, and deep cleaning is $59.99 per vent.

2. What is included? Supply ducts, return ducts, registers and grilles should be part of any full cleaning. Ask about the return plenum and the area around the filter. The EPA notes that failing to clean a component of a contaminated system can lead to recontamination of the whole system.

3. What method do you use? Look for a description of source removal: loosening debris with brushes or air tools and collecting it with a vacuum at the same time. The EPA advises using vacuum equipment that exhausts outdoors, or HEPA-filtered equipment if it exhausts inside the home.

4. What isn't included, and who handles it? Dryer vents are usually priced separately. Coil cleaning, drain pans and equipment repairs are generally the job of an HVAC contractor. Mold is a job for a mold professional. A good duct cleaner will be clear about where its work ends.

5. Do you apply chemicals? Some companies offer to fog or spray biocides or sealants. The EPA says you should fully understand the pros and cons first and notes that research hasn't demonstrated their effectiveness in duct cleaning. We don't offer these services. If a company does, ask why it thinks your home needs them.

What to look for during the visit

• They show you the problem. The EPA suggests asking providers to show you the contamination that would justify cleaning. You should be able to see the dust or debris for yourself.
• They protect your home. Floors and furniture near the work area should be covered, as the EPA recommends.
• They work through the whole system, not just a quick pass at a few registers.
• They seal any access holes cut into ducts when they're done.
• They leave the area clean.

Warning signs

Walk away, or at least slow down, if you hear any of these:

• Big health promises. The EPA calls sweeping health claims about duct cleaning unsubstantiated. Duct cleaning can help remove built-up dust and debris; it is not a medical treatment.
• A price that changes dramatically once they're inside. Some low advertised prices cover only part of the job.
• A surprise mold diagnosis with a costly treatment attached. Ask to see it, and get an independent opinion from a mold professional.
• Claims of EPA certification. The EPA notes that it doesn't establish duct cleaning standards or certify duct cleaners, so be wary of anyone who claims otherwise.
• Pressure to decide today.

Compare quotes on equal terms

The EPA recommends getting written estimates from more than one provider. When you compare them, check that each covers the same number of vents, the same parts of the system and the same method. A cheaper quote that skips the returns isn't really cheaper.

Read the fine print on dryer vents

If you'd like the dryer vent cleaned too, ask how it's priced. Our dryer vent cleaning is $99 for up to 10 feet, plus $15 for each additional foot, so you can estimate the cost from the length of your run.

Ready to talk?

Homeowners around Humble, TX can review our services on the air duct cleaning page and see every price on our pricing page. Ask us any of the questions above. We're glad to answer them.