Duct cleaning is one of those home maintenance projects that scammers love to target. For one, it is something a homeowner can’t do themselves so they have to hire someone. Also, scammers are good at what they do so it is easy to be fooled by one. There are carpet cleaning companies that will tell you they can clean your ducts. Some companies even claim to be able to do the job for $49.99. This is absurd. Do not be fooled by duct cleaning scams. Only hire reputable companies for your duct cleaning in Ocean County job. Many may claim they can complete the service, but only a few are being honest.
Protect Yourself Against Duct Cleaning in Ocean County Scams
There are many ways to protect yourself from duct cleaning scams. First, never sign a contract without fully and completely reviewing and reading the entire thing. If a company is pressuring you to sign a contract on your first meeting, it’s best to avoid them. Second, once a price has been discussed, ask for a price guarantee. This is something that should say that your project has been estimated to cost such-and-such an amount and that it will not cost more than that without your express written consent. Always ask for references and read reviews. Be sure to dig deeper than the first few however. It is easy to fake testimonials so make sure you cross check information and reviews on multiple sites and social media pages. Last, but not least, check with the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA).
Check With the Big Names of Business
If you don’t trust online reviews or want more information on any company, check with the big names in business commentary like the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs. The BBB rates businesses on a letter scale from F as the worst to A+ as the best. They use public reviews and complaints about companies to rate them. It takes into account the size of the company, if complaints have been filed and how those complaints were handled or addressed, if at all. Consumer affairs is similar, but also reports on scams and frauds. In terms of duct cleaning in Ocean County specifically, as we mentioned previously, NADCA is a great resource.
When is Duct Cleaning in Ocean County Necessary
Some people reading this article may argue that the whole service of duct cleaning in Ocean County is a scam. We don’t feel this is true. However, we also don’t think every home is in desperate need of duct services. To determine if your house could benefit from duct cleaning services, answer the following questions:
- Does anyone living in the home suffer from a respiratory ailment?
- Do you live in a construction zone or have you recently completed a renovation project in your home?
- Has it been at least three years since the duct work has been inspected or have you moved into a new home and are unsure of the cleaning history?
- Are you unable to get rid of odors in your home despite routine cleaning?
- Is there mold or mildew on or around your vents and registers?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, contacting a duct cleaning in Ocean County professional should be on your to-do list. Even with the best cleaning habits, duct work can become full of debris. This debris can lead to mold and mildew growth, rodent infestations, and air flow issues. The first line of defense in keeping your duct work clean is to maintain a clean air filter. Homeowners should be checking their air filters every three months to determine if they need changing. However, even with the best air filter maintenance, debris can still find its way into ducts.
Always Be Careful Who You Hire
If you are considering having your duct work inspected and serviced, be sure to do your research before you hire someone. Always speak with a representative over the phone or in person and if you don’t feel comfortable hiring them or feel that something is off, move on to the next company. This is true for hiring any contractor or professional. Never hire fly-by-night companies that offer services for prices that seem too good to be true. They often are. Most industries have one or two governing bodies that can verify a businesses authenticity. Be sure to check with them and multiple sources before giving anyone your hard-earned money.
