Thursday, June 25, 2009

Bait & Switch

Do you remember the old adage "you get what you pay for"?
Don't be fooled by cheap prices that are too good to be true. The following statement is taken from the NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Assoc.) website, NADCA.com

"The Environmental Protection Agency says that duct cleaning services typically, but not always, range in cost from $450-$1000 per heating and cooling system, depending on the services offered, the size of the system to be cleaned, system accessibility, climatic region and the level of contamination and the type of duct material. Consumers should be aware of air duct cleaning companies that make sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning. Consumers should also be aware of "blow and go" air duct cleaning companies. These companies often charge a nominal fee and do a poor job of cleaning the heating and cooling system. These companies may also persuade the consumer into unneeded services with and/or without their permission."

Thorough air duct cleaning takes time. As an example, it would take two men about 4 hours to clean a home that is approximately 2500 square feet. Mold in ductwork is not that common of a problem, don't be fooled by on the spot "mold tests" or by a blanket statement that the ductwork is full of mold. Check with the BBB, they are there to help. Good luck!