How to Avoid Air Duct Cleaning Scams (2022)

The Government of Ontario has banned door-to-door sales of certain household appliances and services, leading scammers to turn to telemarket scam-pushing schemes. NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) has launched the Breathing Clean initiative to help homeowners avoid scams in the air duct cleaning industry. Three types of air duct cleaning scams include blow-and-go services, bait-and-switch services, and overcharging. Blow-and-go companies tend to schedule more than four appointments in one day, leaving behind contaminates in places where you can't see. Bait-and-switch companies may only perform a fraction of the work required.

Bait-and-switch scams are dishonest attempts to sell “additional services” that are typically included in a proper residential duct cleaning from a NADCA professional. Inspection scams take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners by offering false claims about finding mould in the home and charging thousands of dollars for a service that isn’t needed. To avoid air duct cleaning scams, it is important to hire a NADCA certified professional with advanced training and certifications in HVAC system cleaning. Visit the Find a Professional page on NADCA’s website to start searching for a certified air duct cleaning professional in your area.