Five Ways to Avoid Air Duct Cleaning Scam Artists

DUCTZ
Published: February 8th, 2011

Reputable National Franchise DUCTZ Advises Consumers How to Spot Red Flags

February 08, 2011 // Franchising.com // Ann Arbor, MI – As an increasing number of "fly by night" air duct cleaning businesses pop up across the country offering services for sensationally low prices, industry experts are advising consumers to be aware of warning signs and know the right questions to ask before pulling out their checkbooks.

DUCTZ, the nation's premiere air duct, carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise, encourages customers to stay on the lookout for the following red flags of air duct cleaning scam artists:

• Watch out for unmarked vehicles, lack of branded apparel – Any reputable brand will invest in a standard, recognizable logo that is proudly displayed on company vans, as well as neat, consistent uniforms for their trained technicians.
• Beware of prices & "too good to be true" coupons – Most of the coupons you will see that offer "$49.99 for 16 air vents" are simply unrealistic. Most average homeowners don't realize their home has many more vents than what is advertised on the coupon and the actual price to clean each and every vent will be oftentimes triple or more than the price listed on the coupon.
• Be careful of "one-hour" promises and a small staff – According to EPA standards, a thorough, basic air duct cleaning job should take no less than three to four hours. Many coupons will state the job can be done in an hour. In fact, many larger homes can take up to 7-8 hours to complete. Additionally, if a staff of less than two shows up to clean, consumers should be wary. Be sure to ask "how many people will be working this job" ahead of time.
• Demand a written quote – A trustworthy air duct cleaning business will provide customers with a firm written quote for all nessessary services prior to starting their work, as well as explaining in detail the scope of the job they are planning to perform, including exact number of ducts to be cleaned.
• Test their knowledge of industry associations – Reputable air duct cleaning operators should be members of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), as well as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Air duct cleaning businesses should also follow an EPA checklist. Homeowners should ask about these memberships and standards before allowing an air duct business to perform work in their home.

DUCTZ works with home and business owners to improve indoor air quality from the ground up. As a member of the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ACCA), DUCTZ leads industry standards while providing microbial maintenance controls and chemical-free processes for reducing biological contaminants

About DUCTZ

DUCTZ is the nation's premier air duct, carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise. DUCTZ helps homeowners and businesses to improve indoor air quality from the ground up. DUCTZ is a member of the National Air Duct Cleaner's Association (NADCA), Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ACCA). DUCTZ franchisees and their employees go through extensive training and certification programs approved by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) for Carpet Cleaning Technicians. Upon completion, they are professionals in the business and are recognized as Air Systems Cleaning Specialists (ASCS), a certification given by NADCA to trained and qualified professionals that ensures that all cleaning is performed in accordance with NADCA Standards and Guidelines.