Around this time of year people start switching their air conditioners over to heat, and notice a burning smell coming from their air vents. Allergies and illnesses are also rampant during Fall and Winter, any many people point to their ventilation system as the cause, thinking it needs to be professionally cleaned. This has created an industry that Americans spend more than $4 billion on, but is it really necessary to clean the air ducts in your house or is duct cleaning a scam?
Unfortunately, many air duct cleaning companies have been formed that are scam artists- typically there will be an ad or coupon for a low cost duct cleaning, but when the technician shows up they will try to upcharge you for additional services. If you decline, they will quickly and ineffectively clean your ductwork for the low cost and move on to the next potential victim, often causing damage to the HVAC system when they do.
A reputable air duct cleaning company will charge anywhere from $400-$1,000 to clean a 2,000 sq ft house, which will take 2 technicians with specialized tools (not just a standard vacuum cleaner) at least 8 hours to perform. If your air duct cleaner is saying they can clean your system for $50 in less than an hour- beware, you are being scammed.
Additionally, minor dust buildup in a residential air duct is not cause for concern, and does not need to be cleaned as long as the system filter is changed regularly. A 1997 report created by the EPA and the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) found that in most cases cleaning the ductwork of a home does not actually make a difference on the air quality inside that home.
A home air system only needs to be cleaned if:
- There is visible mold or a vermin infestation
- Debris blows out of the vents
- Someone in the home suddenly experiences allergies or illness
- The home has been remodeled and there was lead paint, asbestos, or heavy dust
To avoid being scammed from an air cleaning company make sure they are a NADCA certified company.
In a commercial or industrial building these rules are different, and duct cleaning may actually need to be regularly performed. The larger number of people, more expansive ductwork system, and higher levels of dusts and contaminants means these HVAC systems undergo significantly more stress than a household system.
Where household duct cleaning can have little to no effect on energy usage, cleaning a commercial HVAC system can increase energy savings by up to 40%. High levels of manufacturing dust can collect in the ductwork and create issues with air quality, energy efficiency, quality control, and in some cases is even a fire risk.
If you think the ductwork in your building needs to be professionally cleaned, contact a representative at Hughes Environmental to find out how we can help.
888-845-3952 or Contact Us
Hughes Environmental is a National Air Duct Cleaner’s Association (NADCA) certified company who has earned their prestigious “Outstanding Safety Award” every year that we’ve been in business.
Our technicians are expertly trained on the most up-to-date industry standards for cleaning commercial HVAC systems, and are equipped to clean from the point the air enters the system all the way to where it exits.
