Thinking of using airvent/airduct/furance cleaners.

I haven't used these services, and I don't recommend them to my clients, because all the serious reviews say they're not worth it--they're a solution in search of a problem. There's not much dust in your ducts to start with, and if it's not coming out on its own, it's not a problem.

Of course, you might have a special case, so I guess this should be a qualified recommendation to save your money. But before you make up your mind, read reviews by people who don't sell the service.

Total waste of money for 99% of the population. Furnaces and AC have filters which can keep ducting clean for years. For the $$ you will be overcharged, you can buy dozens of super duper ultra high performance furnace filters. Duct cleaning is one of those legal but foolish businesses that are basically a feel good operation. If dust is a problem in your house, it isn't from dirty ductwork. The dirt or dust arrives from elsewhere, like fibers from cheap carpets, animal fur, poor clothes dryer venting, etc. Look around, find the source(s), correct them, instal good filtration and change filters often. Take the money you will save and treat your bride to a fabulous weekend at the nearest posh resort in your area.

Joe

I believe there is an EPA site that says pretty much the same thing.

What ever is there has made a stabil coating in the ducts that isnt going anywhere. I had mine cleaned then It made me sick for weeks, Maybe previous people had cats that im alergic to and cleaning loosened everything, I dont know what it was but I would not do it again. Have a pro clean the furnace and AC coils and check everything, that will get you an efficent unit that works as designed.

About the only time duct cleaning is called for is after a (small) fire. The cleaning will remove (most of) the soot and the smoke smell.

I had a renter (the Consul General of Costa Rica) who kept a vat of boiling oil on the stove just in case a member of the family wanted a snack - like a banana. Anyway, it caught fire and smoke filled the house before steps could be taken.

Duct cleaning did mitigate the resultant odor.

I go along with the "don't bother."

If you have floor vents, you may wel find stuff left behind when your place was orginally constructed. Get that out with your basic "shop vac."

try this: instead of asking the price, offer what you will pay for a job you describe to the reputable cleaner: on the standby basis that if they have an opening in their schedule they need to fill during your specified offer of a month, that you can be available to them on your specified days of the week and times if they have a cancellation. this way the company can accept your offer without sacrificing their regular price schedule to keep their crew busy. and you get this job at the price you like.

Wow, thanks for all your replies. Certainly made me open my eyes a bit. However, my neighbor has already booked an appointment with a local company and they're supposed to come out this Saturday. I plan on watching what they do and also see if I can witness any of the supposed dust build up in the ducts get cleaned and vacuumed away.

I'll report back with what I see. Oh, and Bob, would you happen to have a link to that EPA site handy? Thanks.