Round Rock, Texas

Air duct cleaning in Round Rock

Not sure whether your ducts need cleaning? Fair. Text me what you see and what was pitched to you. I’ll tell you what to ask first and help you find a local company if it makes sense.

Text Terry about duct cleaning

OnHand Home is not a duct cleaning company. I help you find one, and you get their business name before you agree to anything. There is no charge for my help. You pay the duct cleaning company for the work.

What the work involves

Air duct cleaning removes dust and debris from the supply and return ducts of your heating and cooling system. The crew usually pulls dust out with a strong vacuum while brushes or air tools loosen it inside the ducts. Many also clean the registers and the main unit.

Here is the honest part. The EPA says duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. It also says studies do not conclusively show that dirty ducts raise dust levels in your home. It does not treat duct cleaning as a necessary part of yearly system maintenance.

So this is not a job to book because a coupon showed up. It makes sense in a few specific cases, listed below.

When the EPA says cleaning is worth considering

You see substantial visible mold growth inside hard-surface ducts, such as sheet metal
The ducts are infested with vermin, such as rodents or insects
The ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris
Dust or debris is blowing out of the supply registers
You just finished a remodel, and the ducts took on construction dust

Should you clean the ducts at all?

Start with the reason. Many reasons people are given are not good ones.

A coupon or a knock on the door. This alone is not a reason. The EPA tells homeowners to remember that cleaners are trying to sell a service, and to insist on complete answers.
Allergies or health worries. The EPA says cleaning has never been shown to prevent health problems. See a doctor, and ask what else could be going on.
Visible mold. This is a different conversation. See the section below.
Pests, or heavy dust you can see. These are the cases the EPA lists. Take photos before you call.

What changes the price

Duct cleaning is priced by the system and the work. Beware an offer that is a flat price for the whole house. Get a written estimate that lists exactly what is cleaned.

The number of systems, and the number of supply and return vents
The size of the home
Whether the main unit, registers and returns are included
The condition of the ducts, and how hard they are to reach
Add-ons such as sanitizers, biocides or sealants. The EPA says research has not demonstrated their effectiveness in duct cleaning.
Any repair, such as sealing leaks or replacing damaged duct
Hourly pricing. The EPA suggests asking how many hours or days the job will take.

Questions to ask the duct cleaning company

Use these to compare quotes side by side.

Why do you think my ducts need cleaning?A good answer points to something specific you can both see.
Can you show me the problem before you start?The EPA says to ask the provider to show you any mold they claim to find.
What exactly is included in the price?The EPA suggests getting written estimates from at least three providers.
Will you use chemicals, sanitizers or sealants?The EPA says research has not shown they work in duct cleaning. Ask why they are needed.
Do you claim health benefits or EPA certification?The EPA warns about sweeping health claims. It says it does not certify or approve duct cleaning companies.
Do you follow NADCA’s standards?The EPA points to NADCA’s standards. Ask for details and check them yourself.
Is there any damage to the ducts, and how do you repair it?A cleaning that leaves a torn duct is not a good outcome.

If you think there is mold

Mold in ducts needs a different conversation. The EPA says a positive determination of whether it is mold can be made only by an expert, and it advises asking the provider to show you what they found.

The EPA also says wet or moldy fiber glass duct material cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced. If the conditions that caused the mold are not corrected, it will come back. Find the moisture source first.

Be careful with the pitch

Be wary of any company that makes sweeping health claims, says duct cleaning is routine maintenance, or says it is certified by the EPA. The EPA says it does not certify, endorse or approve duct cleaning companies.

A low whole-house offer by mail or at the door can grow once the crew is inside. Ask for the scope and the total in writing before they start.

What the EPA says

The EPA says to talk to at least three providers and get written estimates before deciding.
The EPA says duct cleaning is not considered a necessary part of yearly maintenance of your heating and cooling system.
The EPA points to providers that comply with NADCA’s air duct cleaning standards. It does not certify or approve companies itself.

What happens after you text

You text meSay what is going on, add a photo if you can, and include your ZIP code. The message is already started for you, and you can change it.
I ask a question or twoI check the details a duct cleaning company will need and confirm you are in our area. We are starting in Round Rock.
I look for a duct cleaning companyI check who can take the job. You get the business name before you agree to anything. If I cannot find someone, I tell you.
They quote and do the workThe duct cleaning company confirms the time and the price with you. You pay them for the work. I follow up afterward.

Tell me what is going on.

Text me a short description and your ZIP code. A photo helps.