How to Avoid Air Duct Cleaning Scams: Tips and Questions for Choosing a Reliable Service
At Kura Home Maintenance Colorado, we are committed to providing not only top-notch air duct cleaning services but also ensuring our customers are well-informed and protected against fraudulent companies. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to avoid scams when choosing an air duct cleaning company, complete with key questions to ask and red flags to watch out for.
Recognizing Scam Techniques in Air Duct Cleaning
- No Company Name Listed: If a post or ad doesn’t list a company name, it’s a red flag.
- No Company Logo: A missing logo in pictures can indicate a scam.
- Large Discounts: Offers like $40 or $50 off are suspiciously low.
- Pushy Sales Phrases: Statements like “believe my work, not my words” or “kindly” can indicate a lack of professionalism.
Real Experiences with Scam Companies
We have explored and tested these scam posts significantly, you will find them on Facebook and google business pages even! These are usually fake profiles created by people overseas. They schedule jobs at any price necessary and then sell them to local contractors. Here’s what typically happens once these scam callers get a technician into your home:
- New Price Claim: They’ll state you were under-quoted and provide a new price.
- Additional Cleaning Needs: They’ll claim you have items needing additional cleaning like trunk lines or blower fans and charge more.
- Changed Scope of Work: They’ll say your air ducts are dirtier than usual, changing the scope of work and price.
- Additional Costs: They’ll claim the quoted price was for a standard cleaning, and a deep cleaning is extra.
- Minimal Service: If you refuse these tactics, they’ll blow some air into each duct and leave, completing the job in under an hour to make a profit. Not making a difference in the cleanliness of your air ducts, but still taking your money.
Questions to Ask When Choosing an Air Duct Cleaning Company
- How long have you been in the air duct cleaning business?
- This gauges the company’s experience and track record.
- Are you locally owned and operated?
- This indicates the company’s commitment to the community and reputation.
- Can you provide references, testimonials, and reviews from previous customers?
- Hearing from past customers can offer insights into the quality of service.
- Do you offer a full-service cleaning for all vents, ductwork, and trunk lines?
- Comprehensive cleaning ensures efficiency and transparency in pricing.
- What is the total cost of the service, and are there any hidden fees? HOW MUCH PER VENT?
- Knowing the full price upfront helps avoid unexpected expenses. If they can't quote you a price per vent over the phone, they might upsell the service significantly.
- Do you have a website I can view?
- Not having a website can mean the company is not legitimate and may use bait-and-switch tactics.
- Are your technicians NADCA certified and trained?
- Ensuring the technicians are qualified is essential for a thorough and safe cleaning job.
- What cleaning methods and equipment do you use?
- Understanding the company's techniques and tools can determine the thoroughness of their service.
- Are you insured and bonded?
- This provides protection in case of any damage or accidents during the service.
- How long will the cleaning process take?
- A proper and thorough cleaning should take anywhere from 3-4 hours.
Tips for Hiring a Local and Reputable Home Service Provider
Trusted Sources
Use platforms like Google, Facebook, Nextdoor, or the BBB for local listings and verified reviews.
Read Reviews
Look for reviews from real customers to understand their experiences.
Get Multiple Estimates
Compare quotes from different companies to ensure fair pricing. If one estimate seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Ask for Recommendations
Ask a neighbor or friend if they have used a service they trust.
Price Expectations
According to Forbes, the average price per vent is $35 to have them cleaned. It’s unlikely for a company to do a thorough cleaning for any size house and charge only $99 or $199. Labor, fuel, insurance, and other business costs are too high to complete the project and make a profit at such a low price point.
Our Commitment to Transparency
At Kura Home Maintenance Colorado, we believe in full transparency and providing peace of mind to our customers. That’s why we offer a Vent Count Price Guarantee. When you provide us with your home address, we give you a price quote based on your home's square footage. If it turns out you have more vents than estimated, we will honor our original quote and not charge you extra. This guarantee ensures straightforward and honest pricing.
We’re dedicated to more than just providing exceptional air duct cleaning services. We aim to empower and educate consumers about prevalent scams, creating a safer environment for everyone. Stay informed, stay vigilant!
For more information or to schedule your air duct cleaning service, visit our website or contact us today.