When it comes to cleaning the air ducts, some people tend to have a lot of questions to clear up their confusion. One of the reasons is that people have had both good and bad experiences with air duct cleaning services. So, before they can hire an HVAC repair service, they need some questions to be answered. We will discuss some of the most common air duct cleaning questions along with the answers for you to understand how the process goes.
Will the entire duct system be cleaned?
The first and most important question you need to ask when it is time to get the duct system cleaned is whether the service company is going to clean half of it or entirely. You need to get these questions out of the way before anything else because companies tend to scam as well.
There have been many incidents in the past where people had paid for the entire duct cleaning only for the companies to clean half of the system. A professional company will thoroughly analyze the entire duct system and recommend whether certain areas need cleaning or the entire system.
If you are choosing someone based on their cheap rates, do not expect them to put additional effort into cleaning the entire duct system. Plus, the team should also be qualified to perform the task as well. Certain states require duct cleaning services to acquire permits and certifications to be able to deal with duct systems.
That said, before you make your final decision, make sure to go through all the necessary documents and paperwork to ensure the service you have opted for is permitted by the state to perform the task.
What does the quoted price include?
There are various methods of quoting a price by HVAC services. While one company will quote the total cost upfront, others will mention based on the portions or areas of the duct system. Regardless, you should ask the company to give you a complete breakdown of the prices including the processes.
The biggest scams duct cleaning companies tend to pull off is adding hidden charges that customers hardly notice. So, you must ask the company how they charge you and how much so you the exact cost beforehand.
Furthermore, you should get quotes from multiple air conditioning companies Chantilly who offer air ducts cleaning services. This will also help you pick the right option by cross-comparing the difference in prices and services. However, avoid choosing services with the cheapest quotes as their work might not be up to the mark.
Is the cleaning process safe for my home and family?
One thing you need to keep in mind when it is time to get the air duct system cleaned is that there is going to be a disturbance in your house. While cleaning, dirt and dust is going to spread everywhere and may also lead to breathing problems. This means if you have kids or the elderly staying in the house, you will need to move them into an isolated room or move your family to another place for a day or two.
Another thing, you do not want to keep an eye on the duct cleaning team. The reason is that you might have a lot of decorative and expensive items in the house that might be damaged or broken while the team is performing the cleaning process.
The best way to ensure everything remains protected is by moving away any obstacles or hurdles and covering the furniture along with other expensive and necessary items. This will also save time and keep your sentimental objects protected.
Is your disinfectant registered with the EPA?
In case your air duct system has not been cleaned or maintained in years, there is a chance it has mold growth and harmful bacteria the experts will need to get rid of using chemical solutions and disinfectants. This is also useful for preventing mold and bacteria growth from taking place.
If that is the case, you will need to ask the team whether their disinfectant is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is because the disinfectants need to be environmentally friendly as well. These solutions if not managed or handled properly can lead to chronic health problems.
Plus, you must ensure they are disposed of properly. The last thing you would want is the garbage man to file a case against you just because you failed to properly pack the chemical solution. Before putting it in the trash can.
Do you have business liability insurance?
As already mentioned, it is important and necessary that you pick a team that carries liability insurance. Ignoring this factor can lead to a serious mistake while the process is taking place. Business liability insurance protects you in case something goes wrong and the technician gets injured.
Additionally, such insurances also protect you and your expensive items should they get damaged while the team is cleaning the air duct system. This is why you should always hire a professional company even if you have to pay a little more money. Cheaper services won’t carry such insurance and will hardly care about the damages since it is you who will pay for it.
How long does the entire process takes?
The overall time it will take to perform the air duct cleaning depends on multiple factors like the expertise of the service, the size/length of the property and the ducts, and how dirty or blocked the ducts are.
Air ducts cleaning can take longer if the duct system has mold growth and has not been cleaned in a while. If the situation is bad, the cleaning company might ask you to move out of the house just to be on the safe side.
Generally, you can expect your air duct cleaning service to last somewhere between 2 to 5 hours. However, you should ask the cleaning company before they can start. Even an estimate at this point should work. In the meantime, you can modify your schedule and carry on with your house or family chores. If you opt for HVAC system maintenance and cleaning as well, the process will take even longer.
Are your experts licensed?
Confirming whether all of the team members of the service are properly trained and licensed ensures that the air duct cleaning is done properly and thoroughly. You won’t want to hire a team who has no idea of what to do and how. The duct cleaning process might look simple but involves multiple stages, processes, and complicated areas.
If you happen to hire amateurs, do not be surprised if your system gets damaged during the process. Plus, there is also a risk of contaminants making their way inside the house instead of blocking them. This is why you should ask the cleaning company about their processes and how they perform the cleaning task. This will give you an idea of whether they are qualified or simply trying to make money.
Conclusion
The above the most common and important questions to ask HVAC contractors McLean before choosing anyone for air ducts cleaning. Remember, take your time and look around instead of hurrying with your final decision. The air duct cleaning process can be expensive and you need to be smart with your decisions to make every penny worth it.
