We believe informed customers make the best decisions, so before you decide who to hire, ask your duct cleaning company these questions.

1. Do you clean the return and supply air ducts?

Your system pulls air from your home, through the return ducts, into the HVAC unit, and then sends the conditioned air back into your home through the supply ducts. Although the return ducts usually get dirtier (since the air is unfiltered), both should be inspected and cleaned thoroughly. This is especially the case when ducts are being cleaned because of construction, pets or rodents.

2. Does your price include cleaning the blower motor, evaporator coil, air cleaner, drain pan, registers and grilles?

Make sure they do an entire cleaning of your system. There are only a few instances where skipping the blower motor cleaning makes sense, such as having a new system recently installed with an old duct system, or having had your blower recently cleaned or replaced as part of a service or repair. Otherwise, your blower motor, evaporator coil, drain pan, registers and grilles should be cleaned. This prevents any debris that has settled in your system from circulating through your newly cleaned ducts.

3. How long does your service take?

Cleaning an entire duct and HVAC system properly takes time. It should take three to four hours or more to thoroughly clean your system.

4. What equipment do you use?

Reputable duct cleaning companies use high tech tools to ensure your system is cleaned properly. They should have something to dislodge dirt from your ducts, such as a brush, whip or compressed air. A negative air machine should then be used to remove the debris from your ducts, as well as a containment system to prevent it from reentering your home.

5. Will my technician be certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)?

NADCA sets standards for the duct cleaning industry. Think of them like the FDA for the food and drug industry. To become a NADCA member, a company must maintain liability insurance, go through training and pass an Air Cleaning Systems Specialist exam. NADCA also educates the consumer so they can make the best decision about their home’s duct cleaning. See their website to read about the benefits of duct cleaning, why choosing a NADCA member is important and for a helpful Residential Customer Checklist so you can make sure the job is done thoroughly.

6. Will a licensed hvac technician perform my system cleaning?

Only a licensed HVAC contractor should clean the parts inside your HVAC system. Cleaning the blower motor and assembly properly requires the technician to remove and disassemble the motor assembly, clean it, then reassemble and reinstall it. Having your blower motor improperly installed or your unit cleaned by someone who isn’t knowledgeable about HVAC systems can lead to costly service repairs down the road.

If you’re ready to start comparing duct cleaning companies, check out our Duct Cleaning Process so you know exactly what you’re getting.