House Vent Cleaning

[SeaSalt]

Alright, Its costing me an arm and a leg to clean out my vents, furnace and dryer vent. The guy said dust have caked over. I believe it has been at least 10 years since this clean has been done.

My question is they are using a portable vacuum instead of the one that is in the van. Am I getting bamboozled?

I know this has to be done since I got little ones running around but man...

[Kimm]

I worked for a company that cleaned vents.And it wasn't cheap.The downside was customers were paying all this money to have them cleaned but our company did not use a camera so they could see what they were or were not cleaning.We did however use a truckmount system and not a portable.Truckmounts are a whole lot more powerful and get alot more dirt/dust out.When the guys would empty the filter bag it would be loaded with dirt and whatever else came out w/ it.I would suggest getting a few estimates,asking if they use a camera and do they offer sanitizing.Sanitizing keeps mold and mildew from growing in the vents for about up to a year.Also make sure they are certified.You don't want just anyone cleaning those ducts and vents.

[SeaSalt]

thank you Kimm for your advice. good to know good industry information... :)

[HuskyMD]

I've always heard cleaning ducts is a waste of money.

Here's something from the EPA site:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html#deciding%20to%20have%20your%20air%20ducts%20cleaned

[SeaSalt]

excellent info husky...

[RuddeDogg]

My heater serviced and cleaned with the oil company that I use and it was $109.00. they did use a portable shop vac but it looks great.

[Shooter]

Alot has to do with how dusty your house is to begin with, I have 2 dogs so extra dust so I change my return vent filter every month and during the summer it might get changed even more.
I have seen filters that go under the vents that blow air into the house as a back up plan.

If your heater is gas then your heater vent should stay pretty clean but now if your oil heat they can get real dirty but then your biggest problem is getting your heater fixed so it burns clean.