Questions To Ask A Duct Cleaning Company

So, You’re Thinking About Duct Cleaning? Let’s Talk.

Hey there, fellow clean-air enthusiasts! Let’s get real for a sec: when was the last time you thought about what’s lurking in your air ducts? If you’re like most of us, the answer is probably “Uh… never?” (No judgment—we’ve all been there.) But here’s the thing: your ducts are like the hidden arteries of your home or business. Ignore them, and you might as well roll out the welcome mat for dust bunnies, allergens, and that weird mystery smell coming from the kitchen vent.

At Clean Air Duct here in Pittsburgh, we’ve seen it all—from dryer vents stuffed with enough lint to start a bonfire to restaurant hoods caked in grease that could double as modern art. But before you start Googling “air duct cleaning services near me” and hiring the first company that pops up, let’s arm you with the right questions to ask. Because not all duct cleaners are created equal, and your HVAC system deserves better than a half-hearted swipe with a dollar-store duster.

Question 1: “Are You Licensed and Certified? (Or Are You Just Wingin’ It?)”

Let’s kick things off with the big one. Would you trust a chef who’s never stepped foot in a kitchen? Probably not. Same logic applies here. Licensing and certification aren’t just fancy words—they’re proof that a company knows its stuff. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) certification is the gold standard. If a company can’t produce proof of credentials, run. Fast.

At Clean Air Duct, our team is NADCA-certified and trained to handle everything from home vent cleaning services to commercial hood cleaning. We’ve even tackled some of Pittsburgh’s greasiest restaurant hoods (seriously, you don’t want to know).

Pro tip: Ask if they follow OSHA safety guidelines. Because “oops, we broke your HVAC” isn’t a vibe anyone wants.

Question 2: “What Exactly Are You Cleaning—and How?”

“Duct cleaning” sounds straightforward, but it’s like ordering a pizza and getting a salad. Surprise! You need specifics. Do they clean the entire system, including the evaporator coil, or just the vents? What about dryer vent cleaning or exhaust fan cleaning services?

Here’s what a thorough job should include:

• Air ducts: All supply and return vents, registers, and the main trunk line.
• Dryer vents: Lint buildup is a fire hazard—don’t skip this.
• Vent hood filters (for restaurants/homes): Grease is sneaky. It builds up, then boom—your kitchen smells like a burnt grilled cheese.
• Exhaust systems: Critical for air quality, especially in commercial spaces.

We use industrial-grade vacuums and rotary brushes at Clean Air Duct. No shortcuts, no “good enough.” Just ask our clients in Pittsburgh who’ve seen their energy bills drop after we cleared their gunked-up systems.

Question 3: “What’s the Damage? (And No, We Don’t Mean to My Ducts)”

Let’s talk cost. Pricing can feel like a mystery box—will it be $300 or $3,000? A reputable company will give you a clear breakdown. Factors that affect price:

• Square footage: Bigger spaces = more work.
• Level of contamination: That 10-year-old layer of dust? It’ll cost ya.
• Additional services: Laundry air duct cleaning or evaporator coil cleaning add to the total.

At Clean Air Duct, we offer upfront quotes with no hidden fees. FYI, Pittsburgh locals often tell us we’re more affordable than the “big guys” who upsell unnecessary extras.

Quick Cost Comparison Table

Question 4: “Can You Prove You’re Not a Ghost?”

Online reviews are your BFF here. Check Google, Yelp, and even Facebook. Look for patterns: Do they show up on time? Do they leave a mess? One-star rants about broken vents? Red flag.

We’re proud of our 5-star reviews (shameless plug alert). Pittsburgh homeowners and businesses—including a few iconic Strip District restaurants—trust us because we treat their spaces like our own.

Question 5: “What’s Your Guarantee? (Because ‘Trust Me, Bro’ Doesn’t Cut It)”

A warranty isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. What if dust starts blowing back into your living room two days later? A company that stands by its work will offer a satisfaction guarantee.

Clean Air Duct gives a 90-day warranty on all residential jobs. If you’re not happy, we’ll fix it. No ghosting, no excuses.

Question 6: “Are You Insured—or Am I Paying for Your Oopsie?”

Accidents happen. But if a worker falls off a ladder or cracks your ductwork, you don’t want to foot the bill. Always ask for proof of insurance.

Question 7: “Will This Take All Day? (Asking for My Sanity)”

Time matters. A small home might take 2–3 hours; a commercial space with ventilation cleaning needs could take all day. At Clean Air Duct, we’re in and out fast—without cutting corners. Bonus: We’ll even show you before-and-after photos. Yes, it’s as satisfying as it sounds.

4 FAQs, Answered Without the Jargon

1. “How often should I clean my ducts?”
   Every 3–5 years for homes. Restaurants? Every 6–12 months (grease waits for no one).

2. “Can I clean my ducts myself?”
   IMO, leave it to the pros. DIY often misses hidden buildup, and you’ll probably regret renting that giant vacuum.

3. “Why does my house still smell weird after cleaning?”
   They might’ve skipped the evaporator coil or exhaust hood cleaning. Those spots are odor magnets.

4. “Is this worth the cost?”
   Think long-term: Better air quality, lower energy bills, and fewer respiratory issues. Priceless.

Final Thought: Don’t Settle for “Meh”

Your ducts deserve more than a fly-by-night cleaner with a shop vac and a prayer. Ask the tough questions, demand transparency, and if you’re in Pittsburgh, give Clean Air Duct a shout. We’ll make your system sparkle—and yes, we’ll even laugh at your dust bunny jokes.

Ready to breathe easy? Let’s chat. (And hey, if you mention this article, we’ll throw in a free vent inspection. Because we’re nice like that.) 😉

Clean Air Duct: Serving Pittsburgh with certified, no-nonsense cleaning since [year]. Because life’s too short for dusty vents.