What to Ask Your Duct Cleaner Before Scheduling a Summer Service

As Spokane heats up, a thorough air‑duct cleaning can protect indoor air and AC performance—but only when it’s done to standard. At Air Duct Cleaning Spokane in Spokane, WA, we encourage homeowners to interview providers carefully so you know exactly what you’re paying for and how results will be verified.

Verify Certifications, Standards, and Track Record

Key questions

• Are your technicians certified (e.g., NADCA ASCS or CVI)?

  
  

• Do you follow the NADCA ACR source‑removal standard?

  
  

• Can you provide proof of insurance and recent customer references?

  
  

Why it matters Certification and standard‑based scope ensure the job covers the entire HVAC system—not just vents. Always request a certificate of insurance and a sample post‑cleaning report.

Demand a Whole‑System Scope, Not “Just the Vents”

Key questions

• What components are included—supply and return trunks, branch lines, registers/grilles, blower, heat exchanger, evaporator coil, condensate pan and drain, and plenums?

• Will the technician remove and clean registers and access internal surfaces where debris accumulates?

Why it matters Cleaning only visible vents leaves the system’s lungs dirty. Proper cleaning addresses contamination throughout the system and protects sensitive components.

Clarify Cleaning Method, Containment, and Filtration

Key questions

• Will you use negative‑pressure source removal with a HEPA‑filtered vacuum connected to the trunk line?

• What agitation tools will you deploy (rotary brush, air whip, compressed‑air skipper balls) and how do you avoid damaging flex duct or lined duct?

• How will you protect the living space during access (temporary access panels, register masking, containment)?

Why it matters Best practice uses negative pressure to pull loosened debris out of the system—not into your home. The method and containment approach define a safe, effective job.

Ask About Chemicals, Sanitizers, and Labels

Key questions

• Will you apply biocides, deodorizers, or sealants? If yes, which EPA‑registered product, with what active ingredient and dwell time?

• Can you share Safety Data Sheets and labels before work?

Why it matters Chemicals should be used only when justified (e.g., microbial growth found and verified) and only per label directions. Avoid any unregistered “foggers.” If no growth is present, mechanical source removal is typically preferred.

Require Measurable, Post‑Cleaning Verification

Key questions

• Will you provide before/after photos from the same locations (trunks, coil face, blower wheel)?

• Will you document system metrics such as external static pressure (in. w.c.), coil ΔT (°F), and a checklist of cleaned components?

• How do you verify coil and drain‑pan cleanliness without bending coil fins?

Why it matters Photos and basic performance metrics verify that airflow restrictions were addressed. Ask for a signed report tied to a recognized cleaning checklist.

Address Summer‑Specific Risks: Heat, Smoke, and Load

Key questions

• Do you evaluate evaporator coil and condensate pan/drain to prevent summer overflow and odors?

• What filter strategy do you recommend during wildfire smoke days (e.g., MERV 13 or higher if the system can handle it)?

• Will you check duct leakage and critical seals?

Why it matters Summer brings high runtimes and wildfire smoke. Public‑health guidance supports upgrading filtration and avoiding smoke infiltration where feasible. Duct leakage can waste 20–30% of conditioned air, so sealing and repair advisories are valuable.

Get Clear, Itemized Pricing and Time on Site

Key questions

• Is the estimate by system and register count, or a flat “whole‑house” price?

• What add‑ons are separate (coil cleaning, dryer vent, sanitizer, access panel repairs)?

• How many technicians will be on site and for how long?

Why it matters Transparent, line‑item pricing prevents bait‑and‑switch. A legitimate crew sizes the job by registers, system complexity, contamination level, and access.

Confirm Protections for Your Home and HVAC

Key questions

• How will you protect flooring, walls, and finishes (corner guards, drop cloths)?

• What steps prevent fiber shedding or liner damage in internally lined ducts?

• Will you install code‑compliant access panels where needed and restore duct insulation?

Why it matters A thorough cleaning never comes at the expense of duct integrity or home finishes. Materials and repairs should meet recognized listings (e.g., UL 181 for tapes and mastics).

Insurance, Safety, and Guarantees

Key questions

• Can you provide a current Certificate of Insurance (general liability and workers’ comp)?

• Do you offer a re‑clean guarantee if debris is found in specified areas within a set period?

• What lockout/tagout and electrical safety steps do you follow before opening equipment?

Why it matters Proper coverage and a documented satisfaction policy protect you and keep safety first.

Red Flags to Avoid

• “Whole house for $99” coupons and aggressive upsells.

• Promises that duct cleaning cures medical conditions.

• Heavy reliance on fogging without evidence of microbial growth or without sharing product labels.

• No photos, no metrics, no references.

Summer Service Call Script You Can Use

“We want a NADCA ACR source‑removal cleaning with negative pressure and HEPA. Please confirm your certifications, insurance, and that the scope includes trunks, branches, registers, blower, coil, pan, and plenums. List any chemicals with EPA registration numbers and dwell times. Provide before/after photos, a post‑cleaning report with static pressure and coil ΔT, and itemized pricing for any add‑ons (coil cleaning, dryer vent, access panels). How many techs will be on site and how long will the job take?”

Post‑Cleaning Maintenance Plan

• Filter strategy: Consider MERV 11–13 if the system supports it; verify pressure drop and replace on schedule.

• Smoke events: Keep doors/windows closed, run HVAC on recirculate, and use high‑efficiency filters; portable HEPA units can help targeted rooms.

• Drain and coil checks: Inspect seasonally to prevent slime buildup and overflows.

• Duct leakage: If leakage is suspected, ask about testing and sealing recommendations.

Summer Duct Cleaning Checklist

• NADCA‑certified techs; ACR standard followed

• Whole‑system scope (trunks, branches, registers, blower, coil, pan, plenums)

• Negative‑pressure source removal with HEPA

• Access panels installed/restored properly

• Chemicals disclosed with EPA registration and labels

  
  

• Before/after photo documentation and metric report

  
  

• Itemized pricing; time and personnel confirmed

  
  

• Post‑clean filter and smoke‑event plan provided

  
  

How We Deliver This Standard

We align our procedures with recognized industry guidance from NADCA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Energy. Our approach emphasizes measurable verification, protection of your home, and clear documentation so you can see—and feel—the difference during the hottest weeks of the year.

CONCLUSION

Selecting a duct cleaner for summer isn’t about the cheapest coupon—it’s about method, scope, documentation, and proof. By insisting on NADCA‑aligned procedures, negative‑pressure source removal, EPA‑registered products when warranted, and a measurable post‑clean report, you ensure cleaner air, steadier cooling, and fewer smoke‑day headaches. Use the questions and checklist above to compare providers with confidence and book a service that stands up to Spokane’s summer demands.

Neglecting duct maintenance in your vacation home during summer can lead to serious issues — learn more here.

FAQs

1) How often should ducts be cleaned in a wildfire‑prone area? 

Inspection annually and cleaning as needed is a practical rule; during heavy smoke years, consider earlier service if you notice persistent dust, odors, or visible contamination on coils and registers. Pair cleaning with upgraded filtration and duct‑sealing steps for best results.

2) Do I need chemical sanitizers after every duct cleaning? 

No. Mechanical source removal is the primary method. Only consider EPA‑registered products when lab or visual evidence indicates microbial growth, and insist on label‑compliant application and full disclosure.

3) What metrics should be in my post‑clean report? 

Before/after photos from identical locations, external static pressure, coil temperature split, notes on the coil/pan/drain condition, and a signed checklist mapping to the NADCA ACR standard. These verify both cleanliness and airflow health.