Avoiding Duct Cleaning scams

Air duct cleaning is an important aspect of your home or office’s overall air quality. Without regular cleaning, the air duct gets clogged with dirt, dust, bacteria, mold, pollen, mildew, and other contaminants. When inhaled, these can cause acute respiratory problems such as asthma, coughing, sneezing, and other allergic reactions. If you have been experiencing these, you need to schedule air duct cleaning right away.

Unfortunately, this is where many homeowners get scammed. While there are numerous reputable air duct cleaning companies in the market, this is also an area where numerous homeowners fall prey to unscrupulous contractors.

Bait-and-switch Techniques

Unlicensed and unscrupulous air duct cleaning vendors have numerous marketing techniques that they use to lure unsuspecting homeowners. One is providing coupon deals that sound too good to be true. In these types of cases, the mode of operation is the same: the unlicensed vendor arrives at your location, does very limited work but then surprises the homeowner by telling them more work needs to be done. In many cases, this additional work is billed at exorbitant rates and may not even be necessary, to begin with.

Additional scams during the inspection process

Many unsuspecting homeowners fall prey to air duct cleaning scammers who usually use various techniques to get their foot in the door. As we discussed earlier, these techniques can include coupons and even false promises. In the meantime, the homeowner ends up paying significantly more for shoddy workmanship or work that is not needed. This is why you need a licensed air duct cleaning or mold removal and remediation contractor. 

Hire a Licensed Air Duct Cleaning Contractor

To avoid getting scammed, you need to hire a licensed air duct cleaning company. Many homeowners make the mistake of accepting offers from anyone. This typically happens during times of a local catastrophe such as a storm, flood, or another natural disaster. During these times, homeowners are desperate for a solution. This is what makes them especially vulnerable.

Here are a few steps you need to take to ensure you don’t get scammed:

Do your research

This is one of the best ways of weeding out scammers. Do your homework. Verify licenses with the State of Texas including proof of insurance.

Beware of red flags

While scammers may use different techniques to lure unsuspecting homeowners and customers, there are a few red flags you need to look out for. For instance, beware of air duct contractors who insist on cash-only payments with little paperwork.  Some may charge considerably lower than the market rates and insist on doing the work without a signed contract. As mentioned earlier, they may also offer coupon deals and insist on doing work that is beyond the scope of the original problem.

Hire a certified professional

In order to avoid getting scammed, insist on a licensed and certified air duct cleaning company. You can verify licenses with your local state. When you hire a certified and licensed technician, you can rest assured the work will be professional and within the scope of the agreement.

Air Quality Express is a licensed and certified air duct cleaning contractor in Houston, TX

Air Quality Express provides licensed and professional air duct cleaning services for residential and commercial customers in Houston and surrounding areas. Routine air duct cleaning can prevent unhealthy living and working conditions emanating from the build-up of dirt, dust, mold, pollen, mildew, and other allergens in your ductwork. Air Quality Express’s team offers same-day service. Contact them at 832-781-0105