5 Things To Consider When Getting A Duct Cleaning Service | Dallas, TX

Photo By nortonrsx at istock

Most homeowners know how important it is to maintain the various aspects of their home. Although you should get an annual inspection for your HVAC system, many homeowners may not be sure whether they should get their ducts cleaned. This is not always a service that is recommended by HVAC companies.

So, if your HVAC company in Dallas, TX has recommended that you clean your ducts, you should consider several different things before agreeing to it. This article will look at what’s involved with duct cleaning, as well as different factors that you really should think about before agreeing to anything.

What’s Involved in a Duct Cleaning Service?

A duct cleaning service will usually involve cleaning all of the heating and cooling components in a forced air system. This includes, but is not limited to, the supply and return air duct, the grills and diffusers, the heat exchangers, the heating and cooling coils, the condensate drain pans, the fan motor and the air handling unit housing.

The primary concern is that biological contaminants may grow inside the ducts if they are not properly installed, maintained and operated. Microbial growth, like mold and mildew, can become a substantial health hazard to those living in the home. Those with pre-existing health conditions, like respiratory conditions, will be most vulnerable.

The Dallas, TX duct cleaning service will usually lay out plastic mats and films over top your floors. They will then take your HVAC system apart and clean all of the parts. Afterwards, they will fit everything back together and clean up any mess that they have left behind.

If you’re thinking of opting for a duct cleaning service, there are several factors that you should consider.

#1. The Use of Chemical Treatments

One of the main things that many homeowners struggle with is whether they should opt for duct cleaning services that use chemical biocides or chemical treatments. Some duct cleaning services may recommend using ozone, which is a highly reactive gas, to kill biological contaminants. There is some controversy on whether chemical biocides or chemical treatments work at all.

There are currently no products registered by the EPA for use on fiberglass duct boards or fiberglass lined ducts. So, if your ducts contain fiberglass, you might want to avoid using any type of chemical treatment during the cleaning process. The chemicals may react with the fibreglass and cause more harm than good.

It’s also important to note that there has been very little research on the benefits of using chemical biocides and ozone inside ducts. Using these chemicals may be doing more harm than good as well because the materials may travel through the ducts and get released into other areas of your home.

Factors to Consider If Using Chemical Treatments

If you’ve decided to let the duct cleaning service go ahead with using chemical treatments, the company should be able to do the following:

• Show you the labels of all of the chemicals that will be used. Look closely at the labels to make sure that cleaning the ducts fit the range of approved uses. You also want to take this opportunity to learn more about the chemicals that are being used, such as the type of warnings that are on the labels and more.

• Outline the cleaning process. This is to ensure you that the chemicals are being used as per the instructions. The duct cleaning service should not deviate from the instructions on the labels at all.

• Apply the treatments only to uninsulated areas of the duct system. This is to ensure that the chemicals do not end up damaging your ducts. You do not want the duct cleaning service to have ever lasting damage on your home’s HVAC system.

Consider leaving your home while the chemical treatments are being applied. This is just as a precaution. You might also want to note down the type of chemicals that were used during the treatment for future reference.

#2. The Cost of the Duct Cleaning Service

The cost of duct cleaning services will usually range from several hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. The overall cost is usually dependent on several factors:

• the size of the system that needs to be cleaned
• how accessible the system is
• the level of contamination present within the system

Make sure that the quote given to you is reasonable. This might mean that you should get quotes from several different HVAC companies. Compare the pricing of the services offered by each company. Make sure that you read the quote carefully so that you know exactly what the services include.

Another reason to get quotes from several companies is because some companies may charge extra for those who live in more affluent neighborhoods. You definitely don’t want to be paying a higher price than necessary. This is also why it’s important to find a reputable HVAC company to perform the duct cleaning service.

Understanding the Quote

In most cases, the final price that you will be paying will be very similar to the quote that you have been given. If there are any additional charges, the quote will clearly outline the circumstances that would lead to those charges. When looking at a quote, you should consider the following:

• The amount of people that will be cleaning the ducts. Make sure that everyone is licensed and insured. You also want to make sure that everyone has a specific job that they need to do. Last but not least, make sure that you were aware of the cost of labor. If the quote says that there will be independent contractors there, you definitely want to make sure that the hourly rate for these contractors are clearly written down in the quote.

• The length of time that it will take for the ducts to be properly cleaned. In most cases, cleaning the ducts is a job that can be completed within a day. If it takes any longer, you might experience disruptions to your Dallas, TX daily life, as duct cleaning can get rather messy.

• Whether cleanup is included. As mentioned above, duct cleaning can get rather messy. Dirt, dust and other particles inside the duct can come out and spread through your entire home. Make sure that the duct cleaning service includes cleanup as well. You definitely don’t want to be stuck with cleaning the mess yourself.

• The type of equipment or treatments that will be used. This is in line with whether the HVAC company plans on using any chemical treatments. The quote should provide some hint as to the type of equipment that will be used to clean the ducts and what you can expect.

If you have any questions concerning the quote, make sure that you ask the company ahead of time. You don’t want to misconstrue anything.

#3. Whether There Is a Need for the Duct Cleaning Service

It’s important to note that not all HVAC companies may recommend a duct cleaning service. This is because there isn’t that much research on whether this type of service is beneficial to your HVAC system. In general, the only time were you actually need a duct cleaning service is if there are biological contaminants within the ducts. This usually happens if there’s moisture within the system.

Before agreeing to any type of cleaning service, the HVAC company should be able to provide you with some type of video inspection that can prove that a cleaning is needed. They should show you exactly where the contaminants lie and why you need the cleaning service. It’s important to note that duct cleaning services have not been proven to always improve the air quality inside your home. Due to this reason, you should HVAC companies that make this claim.

Ask for Before and After Photos

One of the easiest way is to see whether I really made a difference to ask for before and after photos. Before even recommending a duct cleaning, the HVAC company should do an inspection. Be wary of any companies that recommend that you get your ducts clean before they even take a look at your HVAC system.

They can inspect your HVAC system in different ways. They can do a visual inspection. In this case, they will usually take photos of the system. These photos should clearly show you which areas need to be cleaned and why. In general, most HVAC companies recommend cleaning the ducts if they see mold, which looks like dirt. Another way that the HVAC company can inspect the system is via a video inspection. You’ll usually see the video if that’s the case.

#4. The Reputation of the HVAC Company

Since duct cleaning services come with so much controversy, you definitely want to choose an HVAC company that has a great reputation in the community. Make sure that the HVAC company holds relevant state licenses.

On top of all of that, make sure that they have a good standing with the local Better Business Bureau. Check with your county or city office to make sure that there have been no complaints lodged against the company.

Last but not least, you can ask the HVAC company to provide you with references from other customers that have received the same type of service. You can also check online to see if there are any reviews. If you see a lot of positive reviews, you’re usually good to go. Do you make sure that you read through the reviews carefully to confirm their authenticity.

#5. The Type of Cleaning Equipment Used

This is something that shows up time and time again. You definitely want to be well informed of the type of cleaning equipment that will be used. Choose an HVAC company that will use vacuum equipment that exhausts the particles outside of the home. If possible, do you want to look for a company that uses high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) vacuuming equipment. The company should only a soft bristled brushes that will not damage the inside of the ducts.

For older homes, if you suspect that there will be asbestos inside the ducts, you definitely need to let the HVAC company know. The HVAC company needs to have experience in dealing with this type of material. Ask them to prove to you that they are trained. If they do not have the proper training, the asbestos may get everywhere inside your home.

On this note, the HVAC company should also seal and re-insulate any access holes that they’ve used, so that they are airtight. They should provide you with some information on the type of equipment and tools that they will use to seal and re-insulate the holes.

Call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas for Duct Cleaning in Dallas, TX

If you’re looking to get your ducts cleaned or if you have any problems with your HVAC system, contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas. We have been serving Tarrant county since 1988. For 20 years, we have offered a fordable HVAC service, from air conditioner installation to a Dallas, TX duct cleaning service. Our licensed technicians can come to your home to inspect your HVAC system to see whether it requires a cleaning. We can walk you through the entire process step-by-step, so there won’t be any surprises. We also offer emergency services as well.

If you’re interested in getting any type of HVAC service at all, give us a call at 817-835-6016. We will have someone available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Our mission is to help you take care of your HVAC system, so you don’t have to. Our goal is to make sure that your HVAC system lasts as long as possible and runs as efficiently as possible.

You can always schedule an appointment or service with us online if that’s more convenient for you. If not, give us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas a call and we can set something up for you right away.