A: Depending on the size of the system, system accessibility and the level of contamination and type of duct material, the EPA says that, “Duct Cleaning services typically – but not always – range in the cost from $450.00 to $1,000.00 per heating and cooling system.”
A: There are a variety of factors that could affect the time needed to clean a residential HVAC system, including the type of home, accessibility of the ductwork, and the number of workers on the project. A typical three or four bedroom home will require 4 to 8 hours for cleaning.
A: The most effective way to clean air ducts and the ventilation systems is the employ Source Removal methods of cleaning. This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure, through the use of a specialized, powerful vacuum. While the vacuum draws air through the system, devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge any debris that might be stuck to interior surfaces. The debris can then travel down the ducts to the vacuum, which removes it from the system and the home.
A: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacterial, and very small particles of dust. The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system and the home should be considered as one of the components in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality.
A: NADCA Members have signed a Code of Ethics stating they will do everything possible to protect the consumer, and follow NADCA Standards for cleaning to the best of their ability. Air duct cleaning companies must meet stringent requirements to become a NADCA Member. Among those requirements, all NADCA Members must have certified Air System Cleaning Specialists (ASCS) on staff, who have taken and passed the NADCA Certification Examination. Passing the exam demonstrates extensive knowledge in the HVAC design and cleaning methodologies. ASCSs are also required to further their industry education by attending seminars in order to maintain their NADCA certification status. You may view the NADCA Code of Ethics at www.nadca.com
A: The best way to determine if the HVAC system cleaning is effective is to perform a visual inspection of the system before and after cleaning. If any dust of debris can be seen during the visual inspection, the system should not be considered cleaned. While you can perform your own visual inspection using a flashlight and mirror, a professional cleaning contractor should be able to allow you better access to the system components and perhaps the use of specialized inspection tools.
A: Interview as many local contractors as you can, and ask them to come to your home to perform a system inspection and give you a quote. To narrow down your pool of potential contractors, use the following pre-qualifications:
A: Generally turn around time is approximately one to two weeks. Occasionally the time to process your rug will take longer due to volume of rugs to be cleaned or unforeseen difficulties such as fiber browning that must be corrected.
We will usually call you within the day your rug has completed drying and been pronounced finished. If we have not called you within the week, feel free to call and check on the status of your rug before coming in to pick it up. This can save you an unnecessary trip if the rug is not finished.
A: Largely it depends on what type of fiber your rug is made of.
Synthetic rugs are typically made of Olefin or Nylon which are common fibers used in standard wall to wall carpeting, so in many cases, these rugs may be safely cleaned in the home. There are times though when extreme soiling or lack of place to put a wet rug will make it more convenient for you to have us clean the rug in our plant.
Rugs made of wool, silk, cotton or other natural fibers; require a completely different cleaning method. This method can only be performed in plant. This has many additional benefits, including the opportunity for us to check the rug out after it has dried to catch any recurring spots or browning that may have occurred. Acrylic, despite being a synthetic fiber, must be cleaned in a similar fashion to natural fiber rugs and hence should always be cleaned in plant.
A: When we are talking about pet accidents, we must distinguish between the odor from the accident and the discoloration or stain that results from it.
Treatment for odor can be attempted by two different methods. Topically, where a solution is applied to the top of the rug and we do what we can, or by a more expensive, but guaranteed treatment that involves soaking your rug in solutions for extended periods of time. This method is guaranteed, but more expensive.
The staining left behind from pet urine can often be extremely difficult to remove from a natural fibers rug, such as wool, silk or cotton. We are always happy to attempt to do all we can, but if the rug is discolored, it is often permanent.
“Great communications and great service. They cleaned some very expensive Oriental rugs and their work is exceptional. Great price for the service. Highly recommended.”
“I called at 6:30 in the morning when we noticed a pipe burst in our wall. Rachel answered and had a crew our to our house within the hour! It took awhile to get the house dry from the SEVERAL inches of water, but they checked in with us regularly, helped us a lot with insurance and made sure our house was completely ready for us to come back. Definitely recommend!”
“WOW! Courtesy Care was simply heaven sent! Integrity beyond expectation! To say they were prompt, thorough, professional, knowledgeable, tidy, and responsive would simply be understatements! Having had several bad, & one horrific experience with contractors to eliminate multiple areas of water intrusion, & resultant mold in our home, & crawlspace, I prayed for a different experience; a company who would do what they said they would, and do it with professionalism. Was so very thankful to find this in Courtesy Care! Jason listened with focus, & caring as I explained all that our second mold inspector had recommended to mitigate these problems.
Jason offered suggestions from his own experience as well, but always deferred to my preferences. Due to health issues with some of our family, I explained the strictness with which the protocol needed to be performed, as well as for the use of gentler products. And with strictness & ‘cleaner’ products they did, all as if it was their absolute pleasure! Every member of the crew was polite, always patient to answer questions, & locked up tightly every evening. Fairness was apparent in all of the charges, and each crew member performed little extras that made the sting of paying for this not-so-fun expense less painful. To go on might make you suspicious that I’ve received some kickbacks, but have to say that the pleasant and helpful office staff kept me in the loop, and were divine to work with as well! Courtesy Care is a model of PERFECT Customer Service! Most importantly, the results of their work made our home healthy for all!”
“We are preparing our house for sale, and the first leg of cleaning was completed by Courtsey Care Tech Chris today. He came in to clean our air ducts for our central heat and air system. I was very comfortable having him in my home. He was extremely informative with every step of the process. (I’m one of those people that likes to know how things work. Chris had no problem explaining every detail.) After he was finished and turned our AC back on it seemed almost chilly in under 10 mins. During the (almost 4 hour) process the house was open to the 87° temp from outside. So, starting with a warm house to chilly in under 10 mins…….. Very Impressive. A noticeable difference almost immediately. I look forward to having Courtsey Care come out and clean our carpets this coming Friday! Courtesy Care is not just for restorations… They can help maintain your home as well.”
