I have central air and forced hot air through the same ducts. I need them cleaned and I am not sure what criteria to use when choosing one? Anybody have referrals in Hartford area? Anyone know price range? Thanks in advance for any help.
One consideration is why the cleaning is needed. If this follows a fire, puff-back or some specific event that contaminated the duct work, then the cleaning requirements are more exacting. If cleaning is related to mold growth in the duct work, requirements are even tighter. On the other hand if the purpose is a general cleaning to remove accumulation of soil and maybe debris left from construction, there are severasl systems that can be effective at a lower cost than the process used for soot or mold cleaning. If one of the reasons for cleaning is to have the HVAC system operate more effectively, you also need to have the blower and other mechanical parts cleaned, maybe the fins on the evaporator coil straightened and mechanical parts lubricated. Some states require a special licence to work on the mechanical portions of the system. There is an organization called NADCA (National Association of Air Duct Cleaners.) that has a list of members. Members agree to have certain basic training and to hold to a standard of ethics. However, agreeing to something and actually doing it are not always the same. But you may want to check with NADCA and see if they have long-time mebers in your area. Also check with the local Chamber of Commerce. For general cleaning, I like the Ram Air system. It uses a duct ball or skipper that is power by an air compressor to bounce around inside the duct to loosen soil and blow it toward the entrance. A separate vacuum system along with your own HVAC blower take the dirt out and collect it. There are more through systems, but I believe Ram Air does an effective job of removing any soils that would ever come out into your breathing air. There are some soils that will stick to the sides of the duct and never come out with cleaning or with years of using the heat and air. Rotating brush systems are very effective at loosening soil. The potential drawbacks are brushes catching on screws and twisiting or damaging the ductwork. Also the system to vacuum and collect the loosened soil varies a lot. Some do a good job of getting the loose soil out of the ducts while others leave some of the loosened soil behind to blow out later. scott Warrington
I agree negative air is the best. As far as memberships go that would be the last things on my list. The NADCA is a joke and all you have to do for most memberships is pay a fee which has me questioning all memberships. Unless you have to take classes and pass a test then the membership is a total joke. I would go by referrals provided by HVAC companies since they usually know a good company and know what they are talking about. Additionally, you may want to see how long the company is in business since longevity is decent indicator of quality. Typical air duct cleaning in (1500-2000 sq. ft) homes goes from $500 to $1500 but you can find a huge range.
I just found your post and hopefully you have found an answer to your question by now. Just in case, I thought I would give you a couple pointers. 1. Spending more than $400 on duct cleaning is pointless. Many companies do a very good job for less than $200. 2. Duct cleaning should take no more than 2 hours unless you have an unusual system or only one technician shows up. We are also installers and can install new ducts in about 6 hours! 3. CHECK WITH THE BBB!!! 4. Once hired, follow the duct cleaner around and ask questions. People tend to do better work when they are watched. It's just human nature. Hope this helps. You might want to read this article about hiring an Air Duct Cleaning
You wont get many quality companies to show up for $200 in this state. It wouldn't even be worth my time or trouble.
I wont even pull the truck out of the warehouse for less than $300. Its hard work, its dirty work and set up and tear down is much more difficult than the cleaning process it self. Every duct job you ever do you can expect an invisible monkey to cost you at least 30 minutes of unexpected work. Most people that charge a cheap (coupon) price have to work too fast to do a good job or even employ the proper equipment.
Cynthia, I have to say respectfully that you are way off the mark. I cleaned air ducts for a few years and have to agree with Kevin. Air duct cleaning done right is dirty and laborious. Most of the companies working for $200 or less are just dusting a few feet into the ducts not cleaning the air duct system. With carpet cleaning a client can choose to clean all or part of a house. With air duct cleaning you must clean all of it or you will cross contaminate the whole system.
