Complete Scam-Avoidance Checklist for Duct Cleaning.
Air duct cleaning can deliver significant benefits when done correctly, but the industry’s loose regulation also creates opportunities for dishonest providers to take advantage of homeowners. To ensure you receive honest, effective service—and avoid scams, hidden fees, or subpar work—we’ve compiled the complete scam-avoidance checklist for duct cleaning. Use this step-by-step guide before, during, and after your service to protect both your home and your budget.
Pre-Service Research and Shortlisting
Before you even contact a contractor, arm yourself with information:
Understand Realistic Costs
Research average prices in your region (typically $400–$1,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home).
Beware quotes under $200—they often lead to aggressive upsells.
Gather Referrals and Reviews
Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations.
Check Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau for patterns in feedback.
Note if reviewers mention hidden fees or pressure tactics.
Consult Industry Directories
Use NADCA’s official member directory to find certified companies.
Compare against vetted lists from trusted sources.
Create a Comparison Spreadsheet
List each candidate’s name, contact info, certifications, pricing ranges, and review summaries.
Highlight any red flags: missing credentials, low ratings, or vague online presence.
Initial Contact Screening
Send an email or call with basic questions: Are you NADCA-certified? Do you carry insurance?
Cross-check responses against your spreadsheet; eliminate any provider with inconsistent or evasive answers.
Vetting Credentials and Written Estimates
Once you have a shortlist, verify formal qualifications and secure clear estimates:
Confirm Licensing and Insurance
Ask for your contractor’s business license number and insurance certificates (general liability, pollution liability, workers’ comp).
Call the issuing agencies to confirm validity and coverage limits (minimum $1M).
Verify Industry Certification
NADCA members should hold ASCS (Air Systems Cleaning Specialist) or ASCDP credentials.
Request certification numbers and look them up in NADCA’s directory.
Request Written, Itemized Quotes
Insist on detailed estimates listing every service: register cleaning, trunk-line brushing, coil cleaning, mold treatment, chemicals, and disposal fees.
Check for hidden “minimum-job” or “trip” fees in the fine print.
Clarify Change-Order Procedures
Ensure any additional work discovered on-site requires a separate written change order and your explicit approval—and not a verbal agreement.
Review Cancellation and Payment Terms
Contracts should specify deposit amount (if any), payment methods accepted, and cancellation penalties.
Avoid providers demanding full payment up front or cash-only transactions.
On-Site Monitoring and Documentation.
Being present—or at least well-informed—during the service protects you from corner-cutting and surprise charges:
Observe the Initial Inspection
Certified technicians use flashlights, mirrors, or borescopes to inspect ducts; amateurs simply eyeball.
Confirm they document findings with photos or video before work starts.
Verify Equipment and Setup
Look for negative-pressure HEPA vacuums, rotary brushes, and containment barriers.
Note if the team sets up plastic sheeting or door barriers to keep dust contained.
Maintain a Service Journal
Jot down start and end times, names of technicians, and equipment serial numbers.
Record any discrepancies between the written estimate and actual scope.
Monitor for Upsell Attempts
Politely decline unrequested services such as mandatory “mold remediation” or “premium filter upgrades” unless you’ve verified a need.
Refer back to your written estimate and insist that any additions be itemized and approved in writing.
Request Interim Walkthroughs
At key milestones (after duct brushing, before chemical application), ask for a brief check-in to see progress and confirm protocols.
Post-Service Verification, Feedback, and Follow-Up.
After technicians leave, ensure the job meets your expectations and protect yourself against future issues:
Inspect Before-and-After Documentation
Review the photos or video comparison of duct interiors, coils, blower housing, and registers.
Match each image to labeled ducts or system components.
Conduct Performance Checks
Measure airflow at registers or note immediate improvements in airflow and system noise.
Track energy bills for several months to see if usage has declined measurably.
Confirm Cleanliness and Cleanup
Walk through your home to ensure no dust trails were left behind.
Check that vent covers were reinstalled properly and any removed parts returned.
Submit Feedback and Complaints as Needed
If service fell short, file a complaint via NADCA’s official process.
At a minimum, leave an honest review detailing your experience to guide other homeowners.
Schedule Trigger-Based Re-Inspections
Rather than automatic calendar-based cleanings, plan follow-ups only when triggers arise—mold detection, pest issues, or major renovations—per the guidance
Maintain annual filter changes and coil maintenance to minimize the need for frequent deep cleanings.
Conclusion
Implementing this complete scam-avoidance checklist for duct cleaning ensures you navigate every step—research, vetting, on-site monitoring, and post-service follow-up—with confidence. By demanding clear credentials, itemized estimates, proper equipment use, and thorough documentation, you eliminate the most common opportunities for fraud. For deeper insights into deceptive industry practices, see common air duct cleaning scams, and to learn how to escalate unresolved issues, review NADCA-approved complaints process. When choosing your tools and methods, don’t forget to consult NADCA recommended cleaning equipment to verify your contractor meets professional standards.