Is there mold growing on your air ducts or the smell of mold when you turn on the furnace? Do you suffer from asthma or allergies and find yourself having a difficult time breathing in your house? Do you have many pets with lots of fur and dander flying? Before going for an air duct cleaning, you’ll have cleaned your house and consulted with your doctor for any health issues. It may be time to consider an air duct cleaning. Air duct cleaning cleans your heating and/or cooling system – from the coils to the ductwork that runs throughout your home to the registers and grilles that send air to and from the heating or cooling mechanism. A proper air duct cleaning comprises the entire system. No doubt your home in Santa Clara County, whether you live in Mountain View, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, or Milpitas, has been bombarded with coupons. No matter where you are looking, you want to be sure you are getting a complete cleaning from a qualified firm. Use the information below to help you decide on the best air duct cleaning company for you.
Considering Those Offers for Air Duct Cleaning in Santa Clara County
As you work on improving your house in Santa Clara County, whether you live in San Jose, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Milpitas, or Gilroy, Campbell, or Morgan Hill, you may be wondering what an air duct cleaning will achieve. You’ve heard about concerns about indoor air quality –pollutants that can build up to greater concentrations indoors than in the outdoors. When you have asthma sufferers or allergies, or have lots of pets, you may be even more aware of air quality. Will an air duct cleaning help resolve the problems? Air duct cleaning can make sense in that air ducts and your heating/cooling system send air through your home. That air may have dust or other particles in it, and those particles may accumulate over time. So it makes sense to clean those areas once in a while, if you decide to. Do not respond to impractical claims that air duct cleaning provides huge health benefits. The research simply isn’t there to back up the claims.
When does it make complete sense to clean your heating/cooling system? Any heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system that shows signs of mold should definitely be cleaned. You should also search for the sources that allowed the wet in to start the mold, since it will mold again until you address the root cause. You should have your ducts cleaned if there are infestations of rodents or insects. And if you can see that dust or other material is clogging the ducts or dust actually gets spit out the registers, you are a good candidate for air duct cleaning. Are you having a hard time deciding if you need a cleaning? One place to look for help is the company that installed your heating/cooling system. They may be able to help you understand how sealed or unsealed your system is, and where possible contamination may enter. You can, of course, also ask an air duct cleaning company. The air duct cleaning company should be professional and responsible, but you must take care, since of course they also want to sell you something.
Be careful if that offer you received is very low-priced. If you look at the all the elements that must be cleaned in a complete service, you will see that it is no small job. In addition, the company has overhead for the proper equipment, including the vacuum systems. Often, you will find advertisements for a teaser rate, then the company piles on charges so that you end up with a big bill. Avoid working with companies that offer very low rates. As far back as 1996, the EPA estimated that a good air duct cleaning job costs between $450 and $1,000. Look for an air duct cleaning company that will provide a reasonable estimate, taking into account the size of your house and ductwork, access to the heating/cooling coils, and the entire system.
Another suspicious sign is a company that wants to set up regular cleanings. Duct-cleaning frequency depends on who is living in the house and their habits and susceptibilities, what animals are present, whether there is a change in conditions, such as a sudden increase in rain and subsequent water damage followed by mold, and similar variables. Since the absolute benefits of getting an air duct cleaning are not yet completely documented, you should have it done only as needed. A good air duct cleaning company will understand this and not try to lure you in annual contracts. Air duct companies themselves estimate that a cleaning lasts between three to seven years. This very wide range that makes setting up a schedule less than helpful. Also, if you have the misfortune to encounter a poorly trained technician, your heating and cooling system runs the risk of damage.
What Tools Are Used to Clean Your Santa Clara County Air Ducts and Do You Care?
When you look at the air duct cleaning companies in Mountain View, San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, or Sunnyvale, you may come across competing claims about the value of different tools, particularly the vacuum. The vacuum may be truck-mounted or may be portable. Some claim that truck-mounted vacuums are superior, but the trade association for air duct cleaners, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), says that if the trade association’s standards are followed, either a truck-mounted or a portable vacuum will do the job effectively. Truck-mounted vacuums are usually more powerful, but a portable vacuum can be brought into enclosed spaces, closer to the job itself. If a portable vacuum is used and it exhausts into the house, it must have a HEPA filter to prevent particles from being released into the interior space. Your air duct cleaner may also have a use for handheld vacuums and wet vacuums, which should also have HEPA filtration.
Typically, brushes are used to agitate the equipment and loosen dust. Some air duct cleaning companies may also use an air whip, an air gun, or a blowgun to loosen and move debris. However, fiberglass components can be damaged by these aggressive tools, so ask how your air duct company will manage fiberglass materials. Look for soft-bristled brushes to be used with fiberglass. Your air duct cleaner might also need tools to cut into ductwork for better access. Inspection tools might include mirrors, a camera or closed-circuit television, or a periscope.
Do You Need Training to Clean Air Ducts in Santa Clara County?
The air duct cleaning company, no matter where it operates in Santa Clara County, whether in Mountain View, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, Cupertino, or Morgan Hill, should be licensed. This is because for a proper cleaning, your air duct cleaner must have a C20 contractor’s license from the California Contractors State License Board. The C20 license is granted to those who build, maintain, and repair heating, air conditioning, and ventilation equipment. In a proper air duct cleaning, the cleaning includes the removal and cleaning the blower motor components, then reinstalling them. Since the blower motor is part of the HVAC system, the air duct cleaning company should be properly licensed to work on HVAC systems. The state of California mandates that contractors include their license number in any advertising. You will notice that many air duct cleaning companies do not have a license. You should ask them why not and what components they include in the air duct cleaning service that they provide.
You may want to consider looking for air duct cleaning companies that belong to the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA). Members of the association will perform work to the association’s defined standards and adhere to their ethics commitments. The companies also pledge to hire at least one certified Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS).
Looking for a Responsible Santa Clara County Air Duct Cleaning Company
Look for an air duct cleaning company in Santa Clara County, whether in Milpitas, Gilroy, Sunnyvale, Campbell, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, or Cupertino, that offers good customer service. Like all contractors, air duct companies should expect you to take common sense steps during the hiring process. Ask two or three contractors for an estimate. Make sure the estimate is for your particular situation, not a general estimate.
Ask for the company’s licenses and certification, as well as how long the company has been in business. California requires any company with employees to have workers compensation insurance, so check that the company has it, so that you are protected if a worker is hurt on your property. Also check that the air duct cleaning company is bonded. California requires that contractors be bonded. The company should have general liability insurance, though the state does not mandate it. Ask for a written agreement before work is started. Ask how long the job may take and how many people it may require and make sure any estimate covers those variables. Ask how the firm plans to protect any pets and the house during the cleaning process.
What Does a Santa Clara County Air Duct Cleaning Company Do Exactly?
Now that you’ve decided to have an air duct cleaning, whether you are looking in Mountain View, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Milpitas, or Santa Clara, you should know what the service entails. First, the company you hire should demonstrate safety awareness. Prior to any air duct cleaning, the air duct cleaning company should look to see if asbestos is present. If there is asbestos, it must be handled according to the state guidelines.
Ensure that your air duct cleaning company has the proper tools. A vacuum alone is not enough, since tools such as brushes or blowguns should be used to agitate debris, in concert with the vacuum, which will pull the debris out of the heating or cooling system.
Be sure the company plans to clean all the appropriate components. These include the supply and return air ductwork. The supply air duct sends heated or cooled air to the rooms, while the return air duct sends air back to the heating or cooling mechanism. The supply registers, return air grilles, and any diffusers should be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. The supply and return plenums need cleaning. The plenums are boxes that are close to the coil for the heating or cooling device and connect to the rest of the ductwork that travels throughout the house. Check especially for moisture on the supply plenum, which can lead to mold. (The supply plenum sometimes gets damp if condensation from the coil is not properly drained.) Be sure that the heat exchanger’s air-stream side and the secondary heat exchanger get cleaned. The blower motor and its housing and assembly should be removed, cleaned, and reassembled, leaving no oil or other dirt on the blades and the entire blower compartment clean. The evaporator coil, drain, and pan should all be clean, and the coils should not be damaged after the cleaning. Any air filters should be replaced with filters that match those recommended by the heating/cooling system’s manufacturer. The air cleaner should also be washed.
Do Chemicals Have a Place in My Air Duct Cleaning?
Your air duct cleaning company, if following the trade association standards, may opt to clean your evaporator coil using chemicals and water instead of vacuuming. Ask your technician if he or she will use a chemical to clean the coil. Otherwise, chemicals may be or recommended as preventatives against mold and bacteria. Be cautious about allowing the use of such chemicals. Realize that releasing them into the air in your home may cause reactions among the occupants.
Chemical manufacturers must register the uses for the chemical they produce with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The chemicals cannot be used for anything besides the registered use. There are only a small number of chemicals that are registered for preventing bacteria and mold. Any such chemical must be applied as described on the label or not applied at all. For example, if the label requires rinsing with water, it should not be used, since it is not a good idea to introduce water into your ductwork. Note that chemicals for preventing mold or bacteria are only for use on bare sheet metal. Much ductwork today includes fiberglass duct board, or is flexduct, which includes fiberglass, or is a metal pipe lined with fiberglass. Where fiberglass is involved, the material should be replaced if it has mold or other contamination, since there are not products approved to clean fiberglass.
Make sure the chemical is really necessary. Ask the air duct cleaner to show you the mold or other microbial growth. Not everything that looks like mold is mold. If your air duct cleaner shows you material from inside your ducts and claims that it is mold, get it checked by a laboratory to prove that it is mold. The chemical that will be applied should be shown to you, so that you can verify that it is approved for use in your situation. Chemicals to stop microbial growth should always be a last resort. Speak with your air duct cleaner to find out why he or she cannot simply remove the existing growth and then address the source of the problem – for example, improper evaporation drainage – to prevent it from returning.
Be ware of any sealant that promises to trap duct and particles and prevent them from entering the air. In most cases, such sealants do not work. First, they are often sprayed into the ducts, making proper coverage impossible. Besides, a sealant may harm ducts built from fiberglass, reducing their ability to manage acoustics and possibly even harming their fire retardation abilities and voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. The EPA, the NADCA, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) do not typically recommend using sealants that are supposed to trap dust. You may encounter cases when sealants are appropriate. Some sealants may be appropriate when repairing damaged fiberglass insulation or fire damage in the ducts. A sealant should never be applied on top of wet, dirt, mold, or the like.
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Articles
- Does an Air Duct Cleaning Company Make Sense for Your Santa Clara County Home?
- As You Consider Hiring an Air Duct Cleaning Company
- Call Santa Clara County Air Duct Cleaning Companies
- Asking Your Santa Clara County Air Duct Cleaner Some Questions in Person
- Talk to Local Air Duct Cleaning Companies' References
- Find and Hire a Good Air Duct Cleaner in Santa Clara County
- Before You Hire the Air Duct Cleaning Company
- Be a Good Air Duct Cleaner Customer
- How Can I Tell If My Santa Clara County Air Duct Cleaning Worked?
- Checking Work Against Invoice and Asking for Warranties
- Requests for Air Duct Cleaning Companies in Santa Clara County
- Rely on The Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee
- Santa Clara County Glossary of Terms for Air Duct Cleaning Customers
- Santa Clara County Air Duct Cleaning Services FAQ
- Air Duct Cleaning Consumer Agencies
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Santa Clara – Air Duct Cleaning
- The following companies have earned and maintained a Diamond Certified Rating
- The Certification Process
- Company Information
- Contact Information
- Areas Served | Services | Key Brands
Serving all of San Mateo, Santa Clara and Marin Counties including Daly City, Redwood City, San Jose, Sunnyvale, San Rafael and Novato.
Services include dryer vent cleaning, air duct cleaning, heating duct biocide application, air duct decontamination, duct mold removal. Brands include Rotobrush and Air Care... License 188751 | DCID6506971535Pleasanton, CA 94588
Rocklin, CA 95677
Serving all of Contra Costa and Alameda counties including Concord, Antioch, Richmond, Walnut Creek, Fremont, Oakland, Berkeley and Hayward.
Services include HVAC equipment sales, furnaces, air filtration systems, thermostats, duct work, indoor air quality testing and home AC. Brands include York, Trane and GE... License 817040 |Search Diamond Certified Companies
You are the customer. If your goal is to choose an air duct cleaning company that will deliver high customer satisfaction and quality, you’ll feel confident in choosing a Diamond Certified air duct cleaning contractor. Each has been rated Highest in Quality in the most accurate ratings process anywhere. And you’re always backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Here’s why the Diamond Certified ratings and certification process will help you find a top-rated air duct cleaning company and is unparalleled in its accuracy, rigor and usefulness:
1) Accuracy: All research is performed by live telephone interviews that verify only real customers are surveyed, so you'll never be fooled by fake reviews.
2) Statistical Reliability: A large random sample of past customers is surveyed on an ongoing basis so the research results you see truly reflect a Diamond Certified company’s top-rated status.
3) Full Disclosure: By clicking the name of a company above you'll see the exact rating results in charts and read verbatim survey responses as well as researched articles on each qualified company.
4) Guaranteed: Your purchase is backed up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you can choose with confidence.
Click on the name of a Diamond Certified company above to read ratings results, researched articles and verbatim customer survey responses to help you make an informed decision.
More than 200,000 customers of local companies have been interviewed in live telephone calls, and only companies that score Highest in Quality in customer satisfaction–a 90+ on a 100 scale–as well as pass all of the credential-based ratings earn Diamond Certified. By requiring such a high score to qualify, the Diamond Certified program eliminates mediocre and poorly performing companies. Read detailed information about the ratings and certification process.
Figure out what you want before hiring an air duct cleaning service. You need to know how much you expect from the cleaning and what degree of training you want. No matter where you are looking in Santa Clara County, whether in Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, or Sunnyvale, you want to know what you are looking for. Going into the search, there are a few things to think about. Asking yourself the following questions may help you prepare to hire the best air duct cleaner.
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Kick off your search for an air duct cleaning company, whether you are looking in Mountain View, Milpitas, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Gilroy, Cupertino, Palo Alto, Gilroy, or anywhere in Santa Clara County, on the phone. The phone interview will allow you to weed out companies that cannot provide professional answers to your questions. Compiling a list of questions will help you remember everything you want to ask and will provide consistency so that you can compare answers accurately.
- Has the air duct cleaning company earned and maintained a Diamond Certified rating?
- Have you worked with my type and brand of system previously?
- Will you provide a written estimate for air duct cleaning and air duct sanitizing services?
- Do you have a C20 HVAC license from the state of California? Will you provide proof of licensing?
- Are you associated with NADCA?
- Will you inspect for asbestos before beginning the air duct cleaning process? How will you handle it if it is found?
- Can you describe all the components of the system you will clean?
- Will you protect my furniture and floors during the air duct cleaning process, or am I responsible for that?
- How much will the air duct cleaning and air duct sanitization services cost?
- Do you use any chemicals in the cleaning, or do you recommend the use of any chemicals?
Most customers meet their Santa Clara County air duct cleaning company in person during a visit for estimating the job. A visual estimate is the best way for the company to know what is actually involved with your home. Some companies may have you describe your system over the phone, in which case, the more you know about it, the better. But speaking in person with someone who will perform the estimate for your house is one of the best ways to get insight into the process.
- Do you see fiberglass used in my heating/cooling system? How will you clean it?
- Do you see any places where you may have to open up access to my ductwork or heating/cooling system?
- If you do need to open access points, how will you make sure they are sealed after the cleaning?
- How many workers do you think the job will take?
- How long do you think the job will take?
- Will you use vacuum cleaners in the house that don’t vent outside? If so, are they HEPA filtered?
It’s best to choose a Diamond Certified air duct cleaner because all certified companies have passed an in-depth ratings process that most other companies can’t pass. If you want quality from an air duct cleaner in Santa Clara County and the greater Bay Area, you can have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company. Diamond Certified reports are available online for all certified companies. And you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews. That’s because all research is performed in live telephone interviews of actual customers.
If you can’t find a Diamond Certified air duct cleaner within reach, you’ll have to do some research on your own. If you do, it’s wise to call some references provided by your air duct cleaner. Keep in mind, though, that references provided to you by the air duct cleaner are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That’s because references given to customers from companies are cherry-picked instead of randomly selected from all their customers. So the contractors will likely give you a few customers to call that they know are satisfied.
If you do call references on your own, specifically ask for a list of the company’s 10 most recent customers. This will help avoid them giving you the names of only customers they know were satisfied.
- Was the quoted price what you paid? Or did they tack on fees?
- Was your entire system cleaned or did they just blow some air through the ducts only?
- Was the air duct sweeping crew pleasant and easy to work with?
- Did the air duct cleaning team help you inspect the work after they cleaned?
- Were you satisfied with the air duct cleaning provided? Why or why not?
- Did the cleaners respect your house and leave it clean after the air duct cleaning was completed?
- Was there any damage to your heating/cooling system as a result of the air duct cleaning?
- Did you have any chemicals applied to clean your system?
- Did the air duct cleaning company recommend any chemicals for killing mold and bacteria?
- Did you get a written estimate?
Your choice of air duct cleaning services will dictate the level of service and quality cleaning you receive. So before deciding on the best air duct cleaning in Santa Clara County for you, it’s important to consider the following questions:
- Does the air duct cleaning company ask the right questions about the composition of your duct system and explain how they will handle fiberglass materials?
- Does the air duct cleaning company recommend the use of chemicals? If so, can they clearly explain the value of doing so?
- Does the air duct cleaning company help you inspect the job after it is complete?
- Is the air duct cleaning company licensed and affiliated with NADCA?
- Is the air duct cleaning company dedicated to do a complete job, cleaning all components of the system or are they just going to blow some air through just the ducts?
- Is the air duct cleaning company acting professionally, giving a valid, written estimate of the cost of the job?
- Are the air duct cleaning technicians certified by NADCA?
- Does the air duct cleaning company act in accordance with the best ethics, reviewing the site for possible asbestos?
- Is the Santa Clara air duct cleaning company concerned with keeping your family, pets, and house safe during and after the cleaning?
- Does the air duct cleaning company have the appropriate equipment to perform the job safely, especially HEPA filters on any vacuums that exhaust into the building?
Prepare a little before you hire a Santa Clara County air duct cleaning company, whether you are looking in Mountain View, San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, or Sunnyvale. Make sure you know what type of heating or cooling system is installed. Is it a furnace and air conditioner or do you use a heat pump? What is your ductwork made of? Bare metal pipes? Or are the pipes lined with fiberglass? Does your system also include fiberglass duct board or flexduct? If you cannot tell, ask for help. See if you can find large amounts of dirt that may clog the system, look for signs of mold, and look for signs of animal or insect infestation. Consider access to your system – make sure the cleaners can get to it. Be aware of areas where the air duct cleaners may have to create access.
To Work With Your Santa Clara County Air Duct Cleaner
Asking for a written estimate is one of the first steps in working with your air duct cleaning company, whether you looking for help in San Jose, Sunnyvale, Milpitas, Santa Clara, or Mountain View. Ask any questions you have about how they will clean your heating/cooling system. For example, ask what components they will clean and whether their cleaning methods are all tools-based or whether they will also use chemicals to clean. Ask to see the labels of any chemicals the company proposes using and make sure the chemical is to be used for the purpose and in the manner described on the label. Work with your air duct cleaner to protect your furniture and floors, as agreed. If chemicals are used, it’s wisest to clear all occupants of the house, including pets, during the application.
Make Yours one of Your Santa Clara County Air Duct Cleaning Company’s Easier Jobs
The easier you make it for your air duct cleaning company, the more likely they are to provide good service. But that doesn’t mean you should just leave everything to them. The more familiar you are with your air ducts and heating/cooling system, the more easily you will be able to work with your air duct company.
Know the materials used in your system. Knowing that you have fiberglass material, for example, will let you know that you should expect the company to suggest replacing molded fiberglass material instead of replacing it. Decide with the air duct cleaning company who is responsible for covering and protecting the furniture and floors. If you agree to do any of the protective work, do your part. Talk to your air duct cleaning representative about where new access might be needed to facilitate cleaning. Be clear that you expect any additional access to be sealed after the cleaning. Clarity about expectations prevents frustration on both sides. Make sure the air duct cleaning company can contact you for any questions if you are not on site. Let the air duct cleaning company know at the start of the appointment that you would like to use their inspection tools to check after the cleaning is done.
It's the air duct cleaner’s responsibility to perform quality cleaning on your air duct system. But you play a big part in the success of your air duct cleaner, too. Here are a few simple steps you can take to be a good customer when hiring a Santa Clara County air duct cleaner.
- Be clear and upfront with the air duct cleaner. Let them know what you want from your air duct cleaning, the long-term outcome you’re expecting and specific ways they can satisfy your expectations.
- Remember, a friendly smile goes a long way!
- Before you hire an air duct cleaner in Santa Clara County, restate your expectations and goals, and reiterate to the air duct cleaning representative your understanding of the agreement. Most problems with local aid duct cleaners occur because of a breakdown in communication. By being clear about your expectations and theirs, you can avoid most conflicts.
- Ask your air duct cleaner if you should call to check on the progress or if he will call you with updates.
- Be sure your service representative has a phone number where they can reach you at all times while they’re cleaning your air ducts. The work will move along more smoothly if your air duct cleaner can reach you for any necessary updates, questions or work authorizations.
- When your contractor contacts you, return calls promptly to keep the air duct cleaning on schedule.
- Pay for the air duct cleaning work promptly.
Why would you want to be a good customer? Air duct cleaners in Santa Clara County appreciate customers who are straightforward, honest and easy to work with. Your good customer behavior sets the tone from your end and creates an environment conducive to a good relationship. Things may very well go smoother and any problems may be more easily resolved.
View/PrintAfter the cleaning from your Santa Clara County air duct cleaning company, whether in Mountain View, San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, or Sunnyvale, visually inspect the heating/cooling system. Look for dust or particles. A good air duct cleaning company will frequently lend you the same tools they use to inspect, so that you can see the job is well done. Make sure there are no rip or tears in the fiberglass if your ducts include fiberglass board, flexduct, or metal pipes lined with fiberglass. Mold should be cleaned from metal pipes, and fiberglass material that had mold should be replaced.
Check every component of the system. These include the registers, the plenums, the blower motor, and the evaporator coil. Ask the air duct cleaning company if each component on your list has been cleaned, and ask for explanations if they have not. Shine a flashlight on the evaporator coil. You should see the light shine through to the other side if the coil is clean. If the air duct cleaner had to make any access openings, make sure they are proper sealed. Test that the system works after the cleaning – in both heating and cooling modes, if you have both.
Your main goal is to ensure that the entire system is cleaned, not just some ducts. You may have prepared your personal checklist of the pieces to be cleaned. Try to get this checklist as part of the invoice. If not, go through the checklist to make sure all the pieces of the system were cleaned as you anticipated.
Be sure to ask your air duct cleaning company about warranties. Many provide services with a guarantee of customer satisfaction. Ask what the warranty covers and what the process is for making a claim against the warranty. Ask about the procedure for compensation if the heating/cooling system is damaged during cleaning.
Air duct cleaning should be performed by professionals ready to do the full job. You need to make sure that all the components of your heating and cooling system are cleaned properly. These are not really separate service requests, but points that should be covered by any proper air duct cleaning service as part of the standard air duct cleaning.
Clean and Reset System Components
There are supply registers, return air grilles, and diffusers that are spread throughout your house as part of the heating and cooling system. These should all be removed, cleaned, and returned to their places during the air duct cleaning.
Clean Plenums
The plenums are boxes that attach the devices that heat or cool the air to the rest of the ductwork that spreads through the house. Both the return and supply air plenums need to be cleaned, and you should make sure the supply plenum in particular does not have moisture built up.
Seal Access Panels
Sometimes, your air duct cleaning professional will need to cut access panels
to get at parts of the system to cool it. You should make sure the access panels are properly sealed after the cleaning.
Heat Exchanger Cleaning
Both the air-stream side of the heat exchanger and the secondary heat exchanger must be cleaned.
Remove, Clean, and Reinstall
The blower motor should be removed and cleaned, along with its housing and assembly. The blades must not have oil or other dust, nor should the blower compartment as a whole.
Clean Evaporator
The evaporator coil, pan, and drain must be cleaned. You should be able to point a flashlight at the coil and have the light shine through. If not, the coil is not clean.
Replace Air Filter
During air duct cleaning services, all dirty air filters should be removed. Their replacements should match the efficiency rating recommended by the heating or cooling system’s manufacturer.
Wash the Air Cleaner
The air cleaner should also be washed as part of the air duct cleaning.
Clean Supply Ductwork
Make sure that the ductwork that send the air supply to the rooms in your house is cleaned during the air duct cleaning process.
Clean Return Ductwork
Check after the cleaning that the return ductwork, which sends air back to the heating or cooling device is clean.
Diamond Certified air duct contractors are backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. If the air duct cleaner is Diamond Certified and you can’t resolve the issue by talking with the owner, contact the mediation department at info@diamondcertified.org or call 800-738-1138.
To Avoid Conflict with a Santa Clara County Air Duct Cleaning Company
If you and the company cannot resolve any issues, then you as the consumer can report the company to the Better Business Bureau. A separate option is to go to the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to file a complaint. The CSLB accepts complaints about either licensed or unlicensed contractors. For licensed contractors, where the board decides that it has jurisdiction, it has several options. The board may refer both parties to mediation. The board may also pursue an investigation that results in citations and fines, suspending a license, ordering a contractor to fix a job, or allowing a complainant to hire someone else to fix a job, among other sanctions. For unlicensed contractors, the board may investigate and pursue a court case. If you are mostly interested in getting restitution, you should take your case to small claims court, as the CSLB cannot guarantee restitution.
When you want to know if your air ducts are going to be cleaned properly, you need to be able to discuss your system with your HVAC expert. Below are some terms that may help you be more comfortable with the conversation.
advanced reciprocating compressor
Kind of compressor used for improved efficiency when compression refrigerant for cooling.
air handler
In the heating and cooling systems for your house, the part that sends the air through the ductwork.
British thermal unit
Measure of heat. One BTU is roughly equivalent to the amount of heat that a wooden kitchen match gives off.
Also known as: BTU
annual fuel utilization efficiency
A rating on a furnace that indicates how efficiently the furnace uses fuel to make heat. Reported as a percentage. An AFUE of 90% indicates that 90% of fuel is producing heat, while 10% is leaving as exhaust due to combustion.
Also known as: AFUE
CFM
A measurement that shows the number of cubic feet of air that flow by a single point in sixty seconds. Higher numbers indicate greater air flow.
Also known as: cubic feet per minute
capacity
Refers to a system’s ability to affect a specified amount of space. Heating capacity is usually described in BTUs, while cooling capacity is usually described in tons.
carbon monoxide
A gas created by combusting carbon-based fuels when there is not sufficient air. It is highly dangerous, while being odorless.
compressor
A part of a heating or cooling system that determines how much pressure is put on the refrigerant. It is typically part of the outside unit.
condenser coil
The condenser coil is the part of a heating or cooling system that returns refrigerant from a gas to a liquid. Changing the state from gas to liquid extracts the heat. It is typically part of the outside unit.
DB
Unit of measurement for noise.
Also known as: dB, decibels
damper
A damper is part of duct work. It can open or shut to allow or cut off airflow.
downflow
Refers to a kind of furnace that moves cool air from the top and sends warm air to the bottom. Often used when a furnace is placed on the second floor.
ductwork
Pipes that send air from a system’s air handler to the vents located throughout the house.
Also known as: ducts
EER
A calculation that determines how efficient a device’s energy use is. The formula is to divide the device’s BTU by its wattage.
Also known as: energy efficiency ratings
electronic air cleaner
A kind of filter, it can remove large particles and contaminants from the air. For smaller particles, it magnetizes viruses, bacteria, and other tiny particles, then attracts them to a collection surface.
Also known as: EAC
energy saver switch
Makes an air conditioner’s fan and compressor switch on and off in sync, so that less energy is used.
Energy Star
A government program to label devices that offer better energy use than others in their category. This allows consumers to save on energy costs.
evaporator coil
Part of the indoor system for the heating or cooling system, it changes the state of the refrigerant from liquid to gas or vice versa, thus removing heat and humidity from the air.
Also known as: indoor coil
fan coil
A fan coil may be used instead of the furnace and evaporator coil. The fan coil is also an indoor part of the system, and it changes the state of the refrigerant from liquid to gas or vice versa to remove heat and humidity.
HEPA
A type of filter used to prevent particles from re-entering the surrounding space.
Also known as: high efficiency particle air
HSPF
Measurement used to describe how efficient a heat pump is. A higher number indicates more efficiency.
Also known as: heating seasonal performance factor
HVAC
The acronym for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
heat exchanger
A part of a furnace that moves heat to the surrounding air.
heat pump
A heat pump moves heat and cold in and out of the house. When used in cooling mode, it performs like an air conditioner to remove heat from the house. In heating mode, it uses heat from the outside to warm the house.
horizontal flow
A kind of furnace that takes air in one side and send it out warmer on the other side. Installed on its side, it is often the type used for attics or crawl spaces.
Also known as: horizontal heater
phantom load
The electricity that a device uses when it is plugged in and not turned on.
plenum
The plenum is sheet-metal box that allow more ductwork to connect to either the furnace outlet or the air handler outlet.
split system
A split system may be a heat pump or air conditioner. The components are installed in two locations, usually inside and outside.
two-stage compressor
A compressor that can operate at two different levels. When properly sized, the device operates 80% of the time at its low level, and 20% of its time at its high level. By operating at the lower level most of the time, the device improves efficiency and reduces humidity level and operational noise.
upflow
A furnace type. It pulls cool air in at the bottom and exhausts warmed air out the top. Often used in a basement installation.
ventilator
A device that gets heating or cooling energy from the indoors air and moves that energy to incoming air.
Q: Why Choose a Diamond Certified Air Duct Cleaner?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose an air duct cleaner with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only air duct cleaners rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporationalso monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified air duct cleaner.
Q: Should I call this company that is offering a $99 per house special?
A: Companies that offer very low prices for the whole house should be avoided. The rate is simply a teaser, designed to get the unwary to sign up. The customer will then be hit with endless charges that drive the price up. You should know that in 1996, the EPA estimated air duct cleaning charges at between $450 and $1000. This will give you some idea of cost, though of course it is many years later.
Q: Does it matter whether the air duct cleaning company uses a truck-mounted or portable vacuum?
A: When the air duct cleaning is done according to NADCA standards, either a portable or a truck-mounted vacuum can perform adequately. While a truck-mounted vacuum is usually more powerful, a portable vacuum may be able to be brought closer to the job itself. For all portable and
handheld vacuums that exhaust into the house, it’s important to be sure they use HEPA filters.
Q: Why does it matter what my ducts are made of?
A: Fiberglass is present in much of modern ductwork, whether in the shape of fiberglass duct board, fiberglass lining for ducts, or flexduct. Older ductwork may be bare sheet metal. The distinction is important for several reasons. First, cleaning is performed by using a brush or other tool to loosen particles, which are then vacuumed up. The bristles on the brush must be soft when used with fiberglass, so that the fiberglass is not damaged. The air duct cleaning company must also be careful about using other tools instead of brushes – blowguns, air whips, and the like may not be appropriate for use with fiberglass. Secondly, once fiberglass is damaged by mold or water, it is recommended to replace it, rather than trying to fix or remediate it.
Q: Why is there mold on my ductwork?
A: Mold typically comes from damp that is allowed to linger. Damp can be a problem with a heating/cooling system if the coil is not properly drained. The coil is at the heart of the system and it is where refrigerant is changed from liquid to gas or vice versa. Changing the state of the refrigerant can remove humidity and heat or can bring heat in. The liquid/gas conversation can have condensation as a by-product. This condensation must drain properly so that mold does not take hold. This is one major source of mold.
Q: My Santa Clara air duct cleaning company showed me mold from my duct. I never noticed it. Are they right?
A: Some air duct cleaning companies will claim that you have mold in your ducts. You should ask for proof. The company may put a petri dish or similar collection device into the duct and then give you the resulting substance as proof that mold is present. Actually, no one can tell if mold is present visually. You should take the substance to a lab and get it tested to be sure it is actually mold.
Q: My air duct cleaning company wants to put a sealant in my ducts. Should I let them?
A: First, ask what the sealant is designed to do. Some sealants are offered with the claim that they will reduce the movement of dust and particles in the ductwork. You should not accept these sealants. First, the sealant will probably be applied by being sprayed into the duct. You cannot guarantee that the sealant will cover the entire surface properly. Secondly, for ducts with fiberglass, the sealant may harm their ability to resist fire and provide better acoustics. The sealant might even void the fiberglass manufacturer’s warranty.
Other types of sealants, such as sealants to mend fiberglass or for fire resistance, might be appropriate for use. Ask what the purpose of the sealant is, how it will affect your warranties, and how you will know that it is working.
Q: My air duct cleaner wants to spray some anti-microbial chemicals in my ductwork. Is that ok?
A: You should approach the use of chemicals in your air ducts very carefully. Sometimes air duct cleaning companies recommend chemicals to fight bacteria or mold. First, you have to consider how you or family members might react to the chemical. Second, you should ask to see the chemical’s label. You should make sure the chemical is being used for one of the purposes identified on the label – otherwise it should not be used. You should also check how the label says the chemical should be applied. If the chemical cannot be applied as directed on the label, it should not be used. For example, if a water rinse is required, it cannot be used in ductwork because water should not be introduced. With caution, chemicals approved for it may be used on bare sheet metal surfaces.
There are no chemicals approved for use on fiberglass or flexduct, or any fiberglass material. If these materials have mold, they should be replaced.
Rather than using chemicals at all, you should search for the source of the problem and try to eliminate it. For example, mold can be eliminated if it is caused by poor condensation drainage if you fix the way the condensation is draining.
Q: What can I do to prolong the life of my cleaning?
A: Santa Clara County air duct cleaning companies estimate that a clean lasts three to seven years, depending on who lives in the house, heating/cooling usage, the local climate, and the like. Your best way to preserve a clean heating/cooling system is to prevent dirt and water from entering. Make sure the draining in the system is handled correctly. Change air filters annually (at the same time, it’s good to do carbon monoxide testing). Make sure that you are not missing filters, and that the filter holders do not allow air to pass around the filter. Vacuum the house regularly to prevent dirt build up. If you have a major renovation project in the house, seal off the registers and don’t run the system until you have cleaned up after the project. Make sure ducts are sealed and insulated unless they are in air conditioned spaces.
Q: I can see dust on the vents where air flows in my house. Do I need air duct cleaning?
A: You may see dust on the registers, or grilles, where air flows into and out of your heating/cooling system. This does not automatically mean that you should get your air ducts cleaned. You can easily vacuum the grilles clean, or other wise clean them. It is normal for the grilles to accumulate dust over time. Look for large buildups of dust in the vents themselves to determine if you need an air duct cleaning because of dust.
Bay Area SMACNA (www.bayareasmacna.org/)
Contractors State License Board (CSLB) (www.cslb.ca.gov/)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (epa.gov/)
National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) (www.nadca.com)
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) (www.naima.org)
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) (www.smacna.org/
Santa Clara County Air Duct Cleaning Information | |||
| Popular Types of Air Ducts Serviced by Santa Clara County Duct Cleaning Companies | Air Duct Cleaning Services Available in Santa Clara County | Cities Served | Zip Codes Served |
| HVAC air ducts | Rotobrush cleaning services | Alviso Blossom Valley Campbell Coyote Cupertino East Palo Alto Gilroy Holy City Los Altos Los Altos Hills Los Gatos Milpitas Monte Sereno Monte Vista Morgan Hill Mountain View Mt Hamilton New Almaden Palo Alto Permanente Redwood Estates San Jose San Martin Santa Clara Saratoga Stanford Sunnyvale | 94022 94023 94024 94035 94039 94040 94041 94042 94043 94085 94086 94087 94088 94089 94301 94302 94303 94304 94305 94306 94309 95002 95008 95009 95011 95013 95014 95015 95020 95021 95026 95030 95031 95032 95035 95036 95037 95038 95042 95044 95046 95050 95051 95052 95054 95055 95056 95070 95071 95101 95103 95106 95108 95109 95110 95111 95112 95113 95115 95116 95117 95118 95119 95120 95121 95122 95123 95124 95125 95126 95127 95128 95129 95130 95131 95132 95133 95134 95135 95136 95138 95139 95140 95141 95148 95150 95151 95152 95153 95154 95155 95156 95157 95158 95159 95160 95161 95164 95170 95172 95173 |
| air conditioning ducts | air duct maintenance | ||
| dryer vents | electrostatic air filter installation | ||
| commercial air ducts | air duct inspection | ||
| heating ducts | air duct mold removal | ||
| residential air ducts (home air ducts) | microbial decontamination | ||
| air vent ducts | air duct filtration system installation | ||
| ductwork vacuuming | |||
| air duct decontamination | |||
| biocide application | |||
