Duct cleaning is a necessary service to keep your home healthy. It removes dirt, dust, rodent waste, mildew, and mold from the air circulation system, helping to improve indoor air quality. It also helps your HVAC system to work more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bills. It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five years. Dirty ducts can contribute to larger energy bills, exacerbate health problems, and harbor contaminants that can affect the respiratory system.

Considering how important it is to have your the duct stories duct cleaning , you should be careful in choosing the right company. Look for a company that follows NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) guidelines and is licensed by your state. Look at customer reviews and ask about their equipment, especially if they use high-pressure airlines and negative air vacuum machines, as these are the most effective methods for cleaning ductwork. It’s also a red flag if they use shop-vacuums, spinning brushes, or other low-quality machinery.

You should also ask about their specialized services, such as mold remediation. If your ducts are heavily infested with mildew or mold, you may need to have professional mold remediation performed. This can cost between $250 and $500. In addition, you’ll need to pay for any repairs to the ducts caused by the infestation.

The cost of a duct cleaning will vary depending on the size of your house and the type of ductwork. Rigid ducts made of fiberglass or foamboard are less expensive to clean than flex ductwork, which requires more specialized equipment. Additionally, duct cleaning prices increase if the ducts are located in hard-to-reach areas such as basements or utility rooms. Lastly, some companies charge extra for removing debris from the HVAC unit and evaporator coil.

Some duct cleaners offer one-time specials that are often advertised on Groupon or other coupon websites. Be aware that these deals are often scams and should be avoided at all costs. Instead, seek out professional contractors who follow the NADCA guidelines and can provide you with a written estimate. Also, beware of contractors who recommend chemical biocides or other chemical treatments for encapsulating or coating the inside of your ductwork and equipment housings. This practice is not fully researched and may result in the release of toxic contaminants into your home.

While a professional air duct cleaning can save you money in the long run, it’s important to remember that regular maintenance and preventative services are the best way to reduce the need for a duct cleaning. If you replace your air filters regularly and avoid overheating your HVAC system, the need for a thorough cleaning may be far less frequent. You can also save by comparing quotes from multiple contractors and looking for red flags that indicate they might not be qualified to complete the job safely and correctly. Also, stay away from Craigslist because it’s where many of these scams begin. The site is often used by illegitimate contractors to entice customers with low prices and then lure them in with fake reviews and testimonials.