How to Avoid Air Duct Cleaning Scams
Air duct cleaning done right has real benefits, but a handful of bad actors give honest companies a bad name. Here's how to protect yourself in the Twin Cities.
We've Been in Your Shoes
Jason Giandalia founded Gray Duct after being scammed firsthand, a technician was in and out in about 30 minutes, several hundred dollars later, and the job was never really done. Family and friends were burned the same way.
That experience is exactly why we built a premium, transparent service for our community. A full system takes 3+ hours to clean properly, depending on the size of the home. When it's done right, air duct cleaning has real benefits, so we want every homeowner armed to tell the difference.
Before You Hire Anyone
Do your research
Before you hire anyone, confirm they run a business registered with the state and carry both a bond and insurance. A legitimate company will have no problem proving it.
Insist on NADCA + a negative-air process
NADCA is the highest level of credentials for air duct cleaners. Choose a NADCA-certified company that uses a negative-air machine, not a "rotobrush" or "ram air" rig, which can't clean a full system effectively. You can verify standards at nadca.com.
Don't fall for the "$99 whole-house special"
Those $99–$249 Groupon and Facebook deals aren't realistic prices for a job done right. They're used to get in the door, then upcharged per trunk line and per furnace into a $1,000+ bill. Some outfits book 20–30 a day and cancel most, and many use overseas call centers.
Ask questions
There's no such thing as a bad question. Your pro should be able to walk you through their process and make you feel comfortable before any work starts. That's exactly what we do, every time.
Before-and-after photos, or it didn't happen
A proper cleaning is documented. We give every client 50–100+ photos and video of the work, before, during, and after, so the results are yours to see and verify.
Red Flags of a Duct Cleaning Scam
- A price far below everyone else, then surprise per-trunk or per-furnace charges on site
- A 30-minute "whole system" cleaning (a full system takes 3+ hours depending on home size)
- "Rotobrush" or "ram air" equipment instead of a negative-air machine
- The company that shows up isn't the one you booked, different truck, different name
- Stock or borrowed photos of trucks and jobs used to book the appointment
- No proof of registration, bond, insurance, or NADCA certification
Gray Duct is NADCA-certified, fully bonded and insured, and documents every job. See our certifications.
Get a Cleaning Done the Right Way
Questions about our process or pricing? Reach out, we'll educate you first and earn the work second.