Air Duct Cleaning - Pros & Cons
By Dave Trosdahl on June 20th, 2008
In deciding whether or not you should consider air duct cleaning, it is important to weigh the pros & cons. In a recent post on the Duct Cleaning Twin Cities blog, the author a Duct Cleaner from Minneapolis, has pointed out several things to keep in mind when making that decision.
The Pros and Cons of Air Duct Cleaning
Some of the “pros” listed are; contaminant removal, the benefit of breathing clean air, affordability and even dusting less. The “cons” mentioned included; the scams associated with duct cleaning, wide price ranges, incomplete cleaning methods and price gouging.
For a more in-depth study of air duct cleaning pros and cons I suggest reading:
- ‘Does Duct Cleaning Help?‘ - by Twin Cities Air Duct Cleaning
- ‘Will Duct Cleaning Help My Allergies?‘ - by Philly Duct Cleaning
- ‘Duct Cleaning Process Explained‘ - 3 part post, by Air Duct Cleaner
- ‘Air Duct Cleaning Cost‘ - by Duct-911
- ‘Duct Cleaning Photo‘ - by CleanMyFurnace.com
As I always stress, remember to check references before hiring a contractor. Look for a “testimonial” page on the duct cleaners website, call the BBB and check with the Department of Commerce for your state. Although the price is very affordable, the duct cleaning industry is notorious for the old bait and switch technique. If the air duct cleaning company won’t give you a firm price over the phone, call another duct cleaner.
Twin Cities Duct Cleaning Minneapolis A/C Cleaning
By Dave Trosdahl on June 8th, 2008
Duct Cleaning | Furnace Cleaning
By Dave Trosdahl on April 16th, 2008
If you are a homeowner you are most likely in the “spring clean-up mode”, if not, I bet you will be soon. As the temperatures start getting back to normal and the old furnace gets a break, most people start thinking about spring cleaning and how they can get some fresh air back into the house.
Spring Cleaning Includes the Air Ducts too!
In addition to cleaning up the yard, washing windows and shampooing carpets, don’t forget about your home’s heating and air conditioning system. As one of the most important…and most expensive… appliances in your home, the ductwork is just begging to be cleaned! If you think about it, the furnace has been forcing musty, stale air through the cold air return, past the furnace filter and back into your home through your air vents all winter long. And for $1.50 at the local home depot, don’t expect that furnace filter to stop too much in the way of dust and dirt. Your furnace is designed to be cleaned frequently (yearly according to manufacturer recommendations), and not to be dependent soley upon a cheap little furnace filter.
Want Fresh Air - Clean the Air Vents
If it’s fresh air you want, consider duct cleaning as one of the top items on your list. Most companies offer a $99 Philly Duct Cleaning Special and as long as they are a reputable firm, it’s well worth the money. Chances are, you will save that back in the first few months running your a/c since your furnace won’t need to work so hard to blow cool air through the air ducts. For more duct cleaning facts read; “Twin Cities Duct Cleaning Facts” and you might want to read; “Is routine Duct Cleaning a Good Choice?“
Good luck with the spring clean-up!
A/C Spring Cleaning Air Conditioner Tune-up
By Dave Trosdahl on April 10th, 2008
At Duct-911.com, we would love nothing more than to be able to help you save energy and save money by lower your heating and cooling costs while still helping you maintain a cool climate inside your home this summer.
A/C Spring Cleaning
When thinking about your furnace or air conditioner it is important to under stand that most central air conditioners have three basic parts:
- Compressor/Condenser - This is the outdoor unit that sits next to your home
- Evaporator/A-coil - an indoor unit which is located in the plenum (the duct work above your furnace).
- Duct work and air vents More
Chimney Cleaning | Chimney Sweep
By Dave Trosdahl on March 24th, 2008
Chimney Cleaning
Soot, oil and debris, which build-up inside your chimney, create serious hazards including carbon monoxide poisoning and chimney fires. Fortunately, dangers like carbon monoxide poisoning and chimney fires can easily be avoided by routine maintenance and inspection fo your furnace chimney and fireplace chimney. An annual inspection by the professionals at Duct-911 will give you peace of mind knowing that your chimney has been thoroughly cleaned and is in proper working order. For the low price of $65, chimney cleaning has never been more affordable.
The experienced chimney sweeps from Duct-911 will examine every aspect of your chimney system including the flue, chimney cap, liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, fireplace, ash pit, lintel, mantel, crown, thimble/breech, and clean-out door, and they will detect any problems that may require repair. Our inspection will identify any existing or potential problems with your chimney that could cause chimney fires, premature structural failure, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Our Chimney Cleaning Service includes:
- Inspection of the Entire Chimney
- Professional Chimney Cleaning
- Chimney Cap Installation
- And more
When you call on Duct-911.com you can be guaranteed high-quality, professional results. Our customer service is first rate and safety is our top priority. It’s easy to see why chimney inspections from Duct-911 are a real bargain! Few home maintenance activities cost so little and yet prevent such serious problems. As an informed homeowner, make chimney cleaning and inspection part of your annual routine.
Additional Cleaning Services:
Duct Cleaning, Dryer Vent Cleaning, Furnace Cleaning and A/C Cleaning. Call 877-Duct-911 to get on the schedule!
A Clean Dryer Vent Saves Money and Prevents Fires
By Dave Trosdahl on March 15th, 2008
A Clean Dryer Vent Provides Safety, Shortens Drying Time & Saves You Money!
You put your clothes in the dryer 2 hours ago and they’re still not dry! Sound familiar?If so, it might be time for you to have your dryer vent cleaned. If you can tell that your dryer is working properly (heating up and tumbling) most likely you have a plugged clothes dryer vent.
Benefits of a Clean Dryer Vent:
- Faster drying times - the damp air is vented outdoors instead of recirculating within the tumbler.
- A clean dryer vent saves you money - The longer it takes to dry your clothes, the more energy you consume. Most homeowners realize enough energy savings the first 3 months to pay for the service call.
- Fire hazard is prevented - the lint which has built-up over time in the heating chamber and dryer vent is removed, eliminating spontaneous combustion due to excessive heat.
Cost of Dryer Vent Cleaning
Dryer vent cleaning prices vary from one company to the next. Another factor is who is doing it. An appliance repairman is much more expensive than a professional dryer vent cleaning company. Prices seem to vary from $65 when included with another service already being performed at your home (duct cleaning for example), to $199 if a special trip is made. Some companies charge more for dryer vents which are seriously plugged or are vented two stories up through the roof.
Look for a company that will give you a guaranteed price. If they need to come out to do an inspection and give a quote, expect to pay much more. At Duct-911.com the price is always guaranteed; $65 when included with air duct cleaning, or $99 for dryer vent cleaning only.Remember, the same equipment which is uysed for duct cleaning is also used to clean dryer vents.
Call 877-DUCT-911 (877-382-8911) for dryer vent cleaning, duct cleaning and more.
Air Duct Cleaning Prices
By Dave Trosdahl on February 26th, 2008
People are often wondering about air duct cleaning prices. one company says one thing, another company says another. The EPA says if you are going to hire an air duct cleaner, then “go all out” and spend a lot of money($450 - $1,000). Air duct cleaning scam artists, on the other hand, just want to get their foot in the door so they can take as much money as you will let them.
When it comes to air duct cleaning prices, whose right and how much should duct cleaning cost?
Well, for starters, you might want to read “20 Tips on Hiring a Duct Cleaner“. Next, you might want to think about how clean is clean. At Duct-911.com, we feel that spending $189 for a very thorough air duct cleaning using a rotating brush to scrub the walls of the ductwork and then using a high powered vacuum, is nearly as effective as using video inspection equipment and spending 5 or 6 times more. At some point, no matter who cleans your air ducts, they WILL get dirty again.
We say, spend $189 the first time, and then decide on a maintenance schedule of cleaning your air ducts every 2-5 years. Once your air duct have been cleaned using the rotary brush method, you might be comfortable with our $99 “air sweep” method. Our duct cleaners will help advise you on how often they think you should clean your air ducts depending on a wide array of factors including your family’s environment (city or country), respiratory concerns, pets, smokers in the home and much more.
For an affordable air duct cleaning price of $189 or $99 CALL (877) DUCT-911 TODAY! Or if you prefer, you can schedule duct cleaning online.
A Chimney Sweep Could Prevent a House Fire
By Dave Trosdahl on January 24th, 2008
Chimney Sweep - How to Avoid a House Fire
How to avoid a Heat Related House Fire
By Molly Blancett
Pellet stoves are a great way to heat your home. But, they need their space.
“You have to give them room, or you’re going to have a problem,” said Weber Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning Owner Don Weber.
Every stove needs room in front, on the sides and above the heat source. Chimney fires are also common in winter. Neighbors are often the very first ones to spot flue fires. Smoke coming anywhere but the very top of the chimney and visible flames are both signs something may be very wrong. More
Now Duct-911.com Has a Toll Free Duct Cleaning Number: (877) 382-8911
By Dave Trosdahl on January 19th, 2008
Duct-911.com has a new way to be contacted for air duct cleaning: (877) 382-8911. In an atempt to make it even easier for customers to contact us, wee have created a new duct cleaning hotline.
Whether you would prefer to schedule online or by phone, we would love to hear from you. We service many major markets and will be adding more metro areas as quickly as we are able to locate air duct cleaning contractors who meet our stringent requirements.
If you are an experienced duct cleaner and have a reputation of putting the homeowner first, we would love to talk with you. Our $99 duct cleaning service is expanding rapidly and we will be needing duct cleaning pros to work with homeowners who are in need of duct cleaning, furnace cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, chimney sweeping and more. Please call our office at 877-Duct-911.
Time to Change Your Furnace Filter?
By Dave Trosdahl on January 6th, 2008
Here’s a question we are asked all the time; “How often do I need to change my furnace filter?”. While there are many factors involved, a good rule of thumb is to change your furnace filter every month. here are some of the factors to consider when deciding how often you should change the furnace filter in your home:
- Is your house dusty? - A house with dirty air ducts will blow dust and dirt around the house and will ultimately assist in plugging up the filter faster. If it’s been a while since you had your air ducts cleaned, play it safe and get them cleaned.
- Do you have pets? Cats and dogs are notorious for shedding hair which will eventually find it’s way into your heating and cooling system.
- How often does your furnace run? If you live in Minneapolis or New York City, chances are your furnace will run a lot more than if you live in Atlanta. On the other hand, the people that live in Atlanta will run their A/C a lot more than the folks who live in the northern climates.
- Are you bothered by allergies? You might be tempted to go out and purchase a HEPA filter, but be prepared to pay for it twice! Not only will you pay more for it and still have to replace it every 6 months or so, your furnace will be required to work much harder to draw air through the filter.
- If you have an electrostatic furnace filter you will need to wash it as recommended by the manufacturer.
No matter what you decide, remember that if there is a forced air system in the home or office the filter must be changed regularly and duct cleaning should be considered as a part of routine home maintenance. Doing so will help insure that your family is breathing cleaner air and your heating/cooling system is not overworking.
