With so many duct cleaning companies out there, how do you know which one is the right one for the job? Well, follow the following tips to narrow down your search:
Ask if the company carries all the necessary professional and business licenses
Some states have statutes that require air duct cleaning companies to hold air conditioning contractors’ licenses or similar licenses. It is, therefore, important to contact a government official to find out if your local area or state requires air duct cleaners to have a business or professional license. If it does, ensure that the air duct cleaning company you hire is licensed.
Ensure the company is NADCA certified
Air duct cleaning companies that are certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association are adequately trained and in compliance to appropriately and safely inspect, clean, and restore HVAC systems. Moreover, NADCA certified companies adhere to a strict code of ethics.
In other words, air duct companies that are certified by NADCA are most reliable. So, be sure to visit NADCA’s website to see if the air duct cleaning company you want to hire is in good standing.
Check whether the company has insurance
Regardless of how skilled or experienced the professionals doing the air duct cleaning are, mishaps can still occur. You need to speak to the air duct cleaner about insurance and reimbursement costs if your personal property is damaged during the air duct cleaning process.
NADCA certified companies are required to carry liability insurance in order to maintain their membership. So, if you choose a service provider that is certified, you will not have to worry.
Research the background and experience of the company
It is important to ask how long an air duct cleaning company has been in business to establish their experience with cleaning air ducts. Ensure that they have worked on HVAC systems similar to yours to ensure that they will be capable of doing the job effectively and quickly. In case the company is new in the industry, you can find out about the employee’s prior experience.
It is also important to ask for referrals from past customers to see if they were contented with their service. You may also want to visit the company’s website to check out customer feedback and testimonials.
Determine what kinds of cleaning products a company uses
Some air duct companies use chemical bio-acids and chemical treatments to prevent the future growth of mold. While such chemicals help to get rid of mold and prevent its future growth, they may pose some health risk. To prevent any health risks, you should ensure that any chemicals used by the air duct cleaning company are EPA registered for the intended application.
You do not have to do any atypical house cleaning after the air duct cleaning job. So, find out whether the air duct cleaning company takes measures to protect your home and belongings during the cleaning process to ensure that you won’t have to clean up after they are done.
Verify all fees charged by the company
Before agreeing to the air duct cleaning service, you should call up the company and get an estimate. This will enable you to determine if you will be charged by the procedure or by the hour. It is best to have them print out your agreement highlighting all fees associated with the cleaning service to avoid potential discrepancies over price.
Find out how long it will take the company to do the cleaning
It is best to inquire whether the cleaning process will take a few hours or several days. Some companies split up the service over a couple of days. Asking beforehand how long it will take a company to complete the job will enable you to make special arrangements or make plans to leave the house if the process will take longer.
Compare services offered by different companies
Air duct cleaning is not just about removing dust and debris. A good company should inspect your system for existing asbestos as its presence poses some risk. A good company should also take measures to safeguard you and your pets from contamination by covering your household belongings before getting down to work. A good company should also insulate and seal any holes they may create during the cleaning process.
While one company may go out of its way to offer a comprehensive air duct cleaning services, another one may only scratch the surface and call it a day. It is, therefore, advisable for you to compare different services offered by different companies to find the one that offers wide-ranging services. Also, be sure to compare their rates so you can find the one that offers the services you are looking for at a price that is within your budget.