FAQs - Residential
Why are the costs so different from company to company?
Not all companies supply the same service as Air-Vac. At Air-Vac Services we use the most current cleaning techniques and advanced equipment specifically designed for cleaning ventilation systems. With these tools we can supply a complete systems cleaning. Also we pride ourselves in our upfront selling approach rather than using bait and switch tactics as some competitors do.
How do Air -Vac technician clean the ducts?
Air duct cleaning by Air-Vac Services. After successfully connecting our suction hose to your furnace we seal all vent openings with a low tack tape. By maintaining a tight seal throughout the air duct system the maximum suction is acquired. Our next step is to send our compressed air agitation lines from the vents down to the main air plenums starting from the furthest point away from the furnace. Now our technicians will drill 1" access holes strategically along the main air plenums and use these holes as access points for our compressed air whip. The whip system used is more aggressive than any brush system on the market and reaches all corners of the ductwork. All dust and debris is worked back to our 10" vacuum hose that is drawing upwards of 12,000 cfm and out to the suction truck.
How long does the whole cleaning process take?
Duct cleaning for an average house can take between 1.5 and 2 hours. Larger homes may take a little longer. Air-Vac will stay as long as it takes to complete your job before moving on to the next.
Is the air duct cleaning process dirty?
The cleaning process is quite clean. Minimal dust will escape the system while cleaning is in progress. Dust from outside to ductwork can be agitated and become airborne during the cleaning progress, especially from the top of the ductwork.
Will the technician remove the registers?
To be successful at cleaning your forced air system access is key. The first access point for cleaning is the supply grills or diffusers. If our cleaning line cannot make it past the grill of diffuser in place it should be removed for cleaning.
Does duct cleaning remove dust mites?
Dust mites do not actually live in the air duct system, but if there are any in the system our high-powered cleaning equipment will remove them. Dust mites may exist throughout your home in all kinds of nooks and crannies.
Do I have to leave the house during the cleaning process?
No, there is no need to leave the home during the process. The process and the technician are very neat and tidy, and no chemicals are used that would force anyone to leave the house. The technician will turn off the furnace or central air conditioner prior to cleaning the ducts, so could cool the home temperature down some in the winter, and make it warmer in the summer. If there is anyone within the home that may be sensitive to the temperature change, consider finding an alternative location for that particular person throughout the cleaning.
Do I have to move anything?
A clear path to the furnace and around the heat and cold air return vents is much appreciated by our technicians. If there are any vents covered by furniture our technicians will do there best to move the furniture and access the air vent.
Where do you hook the vacuum hose to?
The first choice is to remove the fan and use the fan compartment as an access point for connecting our 10" vacuum hose. If there is a furnace with a computer board our technicians will avoid disrupting the furnace and cut access panel(s) into the ductwork. The access panels will be resealed with a sheet metal access patch that is gasketed and screwed in place for future cleanings. There is no additional charge for these access panels. Some competitors will ad charges for access panels.
