BEWARE!
Low-cost air duct cleaning services (see TV reports from YouTube below)
Low-cost air duct cleaning services are often considered scams because they typically involve “bait-and-switch” tactics where companies lure customers with a seemingly attractive price, then add on hidden fees, perform a very superficial cleaning only visible areas, or fabricate issues like excessive mold to inflate the final cost, essentially providing poor quality service while exploiting the customer’s expectation of a low price. They usually use substandard equipment like a shop-vac style vacuum that is dragged from vent to vent instead of a large HEPA negative air vacuum that connects directly to your main HVAC ductwork trunk (as seen in our video here https://ductkings.com/duct-cleaning/.
Key reasons why low-cost air duct cleaning can be a scam:
Lack of thoroughness:
To maintain the low price, companies might only clean easily accessible areas of the ductwork, leaving behind dirt and debris in harder-to-reach sections.
False urgency or scare tactics:
Scammers may exaggerate the health risks of dirty ducts or claim to find significant mold issues to pressure customers into additional unnecessary services.
Hidden fees:
The initial low quote might not include cleaning specific components like the furnace blower or return air ducts, leading to unexpected additional charges upon arrival.
Poor quality equipment:
Some companies might use inadequate cleaning equipment, resulting in a less effective cleaning process.
How to avoid air duct cleaning scams:
Be wary of “too good to be true” deals: Extremely low prices often indicate a potential scam.
Ask about the cleaning process: Understand what methods the company will use to clean your ducts.
As the old adages goes, “Buyer beware” & “you get what you pay for”