Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Does My System Get Dirty?

2. Cleaning After a Puffback?

3. Improving Air Flow and Efficiency?

4. On Cleaning The System - Not Just The ducts?

5. Allergies, Asthma and Other Respiratory Problems?

6. Whole House Air Duct Cleaning Specials?

7. Will My Home Get Dirty?

8. Cleaning Frequency?

9. Sanitizing & Soot Sealing - Why Not?

10. What Our Quoted Prices Include?

11. How Long Will It Take?

12. Number of Jobs Per Day?

1. Q: How does my air duct system get dirty ?

A: The majority of the dirt inside your system comes from the everyday activities of all who have ever lived in your home (including their pets) and is identical to that which you will find in your own sweeper after cleaning your home. This dirt (commonly known as house dust) consists of lint, fabric and carpet fibers, pollen, skin cells, hair and dander from pets and people, insect body parts and their feces (including dust mites) and byproducts from cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. There may also be dirt inside your system from your home's original construction and any subsequent remodeling projects. Contaminants from smoking, soot from burning candles and dirt generated by hobbies such as woodworking will also be found there.

Smaller airborne particles are drawn into the return side of your system by the negative pressure created when your system's blower (fan) is running. Over time these accumulate not only in your duct work, but also on the critical surfaces of your system such as your blower, coil and heat exchanger where they reduce not only efficiency, but air flow as well. Larger particles such as bits of food, toys and paper enter thru the vent openings.

2. Q: Our oil forced air furnace has puffed back. Can you thoroughly clean our system?
A: Yes!

We also provide thorough cleaning following fires, floods, water damage, mold related problems and crime scene clean-ups (tear gas residue, etc.) Please Note: Many homeowner's and renter's insurance policies cover the cost of restoration and air duct cleaning.

Our services are used and referred by the tri-state area's leading fire, water, and disaster restoration companies and if needed, we will be glad to refer you to a reputable company in your area.

3. Q: Will cleaning improve the air flow and efficiency of our system?

A: Studies done by the EPA have shown that a layer of dirt 0.042 inches thick (that's less than 1/16") on the indoor coil will reduce the efficiency of your system by more than 20%. Similar amounts of dirt can also be found on the surfaces of other critical components such as your blower and secondary heat exchanger further reducing efficiency and air flow.

We Clean Your System - Not Just The Ducts!

Click here to see what our service includes!

4. Q: We've read that both the EPA and National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommend thorough cleaning of the entire system. Why don't all air duct cleaning companies include this as a standard part of their service?
A: Very few air duct cleaning companies employ technicians with the specialized skills needed to thoroughly and safely clean these critical parts of your system and those who do often charge extra for this service.

5. Q: Will air duct cleaning reduce the severity of the symptoms for those with allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems?

A: Every case is different, so we really can't say for sure, but the majority of our customers with similar issues have reported positive results from our very thorough cleaning!

While thorough cleaning is an important first step in your overall indoor air quality program, you may also want to consider options such as improved filtration, system mounted humidifiers, ventilators, and/or UV lamps to provide you or your loved ones with year round relief. We will be glad to discuss these with you, but please note that we do not sell, service or install these products.

6. Q: We often get coupons in the mail that offer whole house air duct cleaning specials? Are these legitimate offers?

A: Unfortunately the majority of these low advertised specials are used as "bait" to get your call and once in your home their work is often substandard and/or their final price will be considerably higher - often hundreds of dollars higher than their advertised price! Fine print and hidden fees are common, as are high pressure sales tactics and costly add-on products and services. Many also have poorly trained technicians and underpowered equipment!

If you or someone you know has fallen victim to any of the above tactics, please contact your state attorney general and file a complaint thru their consumer protection hotline. A full list of state consumer protection offices can be found by clicking here.

7. Q: Will my home get dirty during cleaning?

A: Our powerful vacuum will thoroughly remove all of the dirt from inside your system, but please note if you have exposed duct work in the basement or attic, any dirt that has accumulated on their outside surfaces may be dislodged during our cleaning. We take the time to clean this up too!

8. Q: How often should I have my ducts cleaned?

A: On average we recommend every 5 to 10 years, but it really depends on the type of filtration you have and how clean you keep your home. Those having pets and small children will generally see more traffic in and out of their homes (and thus more dirt) and/or if you live close to busy roads, construction, farming activities or have a hobby such as woodworking more frequent cleanings may be needed.

9. Q: Do you recommend sanitizing and/or soot sealing?

A: As a rule, NO!

While there are a few legitimate reasons to use sanitizers and encapsulents such as soot sealers, they should never be used on a routine basis or as a substitute for thorough cleaning!

Chemical sanitizers are regulated by the EPA under Federal pesticide law and as such must be registered with the EPA for their intended use and labeled accordingly. Before allowing anyone to apply these you should ask to see the product's label and have the technician(s) verify that they will apply it in strict accordance with the instructions on that label.

Note: The only chemical sanitizers currently registered by the EPA are limited to use on non-porous bare metal duct surfaces only! There are no products currently registered for use on porous surfaces such as fiberglass duct board, or internally lined metal ducts. In addition, the EPA recommends that these products only be used in those cases where thorough cleaning was not enough to remove all visible growth from the system.

10. Q: What does your price include and will there be any extra charges added to our final bill?

A: Our quoted prices are guaranteed and will include all of the materials, labor and equipment needed to thoroughly clean your system!

At Options For Healthy Living, there are never any hidden fees, fine print or costly add-on products and services to inflate our final bill!