SUGGESTIONS TO BE MADE WHEN SELECTING A DUCT CLEANING SERVICE PROVIDER
Firstly, do not assume that all duct cleaning service providers are equally competent and responsible. Talk to at least three different service providers and get written estimates before deciding to have your ducts cleaned. When service providers come to your home, ask them to show you the contamination and its source that would justify cleaning and evacuating your ducts and your HVAC components. After that, try and investigate deeper into the service provider by being guided through the following;
Ø Do not hire duct cleaners who make general claims about the benefits and necessities of duct cleaning for health-related matters because such claims are unfounded and most likely unproven. Do not pay attention to duct cleaners that straight away recommend duct cleaning in routine servicing and maintenance of your heating and cooling system. You should also be very vigilant of duct cleaning service providers that claim to be certified or approved by the EPA. Note: The EPA does not establish standards for duct cleaning, nor does it certify, approve, or endorse duct cleaning companies.
Ø Do not hesitate to let them know of the reasons you have for the rejection of the use of chemical biocides or chemical treatments if you fully understand the advantages and disadvantages, and any other related potential side effects or mutations.
Ø Check the references to make sure other customers are satisfied and have no problems with the heating and cooling system after cleaning.
Ø Contact your county or city’s Consumer Affairs Bureau or your local Better Business Bureau to determine if any complaints have been filed against any of the companies you are considering.
Ø Ask potential service providers to make sure:
- they have lots of experience in duct cleaning and have worked on similar systems like yours;
- the aforementioned procedures will protect you, your pets and your home from contamination and toxic outbreaks, and also be assured that your home won’t be ridden with vermin and pest after the process is done, for a considerable long period; and
- They comply with NADCA standards for cleaning ventilation ducts and, if your ducts are constructed of fiberglass ductwork or insulated inside with a fiberglass duct, to the recommendations of the NADCA, and the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA).
Ø Ask the service provider if they have relevant and functional state licenses. For example, in the year 1996, the following states require that air duct cleaners hold special licenses: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas. Other states may also require such laws guiding duct cleaning.
Ø If the service provider is charging over time, ask for a rough estimate of how many hours or days the work will tend to take and whether there will be interruptions and delays in the completion of the work. Make sure that the duct cleaner you are in contact with will provide a written agreement or attestation specifying or providing you with the details of total cost and scope of work before starting work.