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Recently, Dateline NBC aired an episode that exposed common scams by various companies that take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. One segment included on the show was regarding air duct cleaning scams.  The undercover investigation by Chris Hansen in conjunction with NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) exposed unscrupulous air duct cleaners using bait and switch tactics to take advantage of customers.

The focus of the investigation was a company out of Hebron, Kentucky called Duct Masters.  The “customer” saw an advertisement placed by Duct Masters for a $49.95 duct cleaning, but when the technicians showed up, the customer was told that their home required extra services to complete the job correctly and charged the homeowner almost $500, an almost 1000% markup.  The technician was shown installing a patch over a nonexistent access hole. This type of scam is unacceptable. The company was confronted about their tactics and had no reasonable response.  According to the show, the company has since shut down.  

This is a very significant issue to both the duct cleaning industry and the consumer. Every time a customer falls prey to a scam such as this, it leaves a black mark on the duct cleaning industry and every legitimate air duct cleaner out there, not to mention the consumer’s failure to receive a service worth their money.

There are numerous things a consumer can do to prevent falling victim to fraudulent duct cleaning scams. The most important action a consumer can take is to educate him or herself about the duct cleaning process.  Knowledge is power and the more a customer knows about the process, the less chance that they will be taken advantage of.  One key thing to look for is the equipment the company uses.  Are they coming to your house with a portable unit or a power vacuum truck? If they don’t have the equipment to do the job properly, don’t even waste your time. 

After learning more about the duct cleaning process, the second thing a consumer should do is research the companies they are considering doing business with. NADCA (The National Air Duct Cleaners Association) is a great place to start. NADCA members are certified to perform the services. In order to become a National Air Duct Cleaners Association certified technician, an ASCS (Air Systems Cleaning Specialist), a technician must demonstrate knowledge of HVAC system cleaning, NADCA standards, OSHA regulations and pass a 150 question exam. What is the companies’ Better Business Bureau rating? or Angies List? Consumer Affairs? Are they a licensed State Contractor? Fully insured?

When the field has been narrowed down, it is time to contact each company and get some estimates. How are you treated on the phone? Are all your questions answered fully or is the representative evasive? Can you receive your estimate in writing? Is the polite? These might seem like basic items, but this is a first contact with this company and they are attempting to win your business. If they can’t be nice then, what will they be like when they get into your home?

Once you have decided that you are happy with a duct cleaner and schedule an appointment, you should evaluate the technician(s).  Are they fully uniformed?  Are they clean and neat? Do they treat your home with care?  Did they clean up after themselves when they were done?

If a consumer follows these basic steps, they will be on their way to receiving a great air duct cleaning service.

Advanced Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning
Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Advanced Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning has been awarded the prestigious 2010 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

“Our Super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to providing consistently high quality customer service, as judged by the customers who hired them,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.

Advanced Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning has been cleaning duct work throughout the State of New Jersey for over 47 years. “We are so proud to receive this honor. Everyone at Advanced Air Duct Cleaning strives to uphold our strict customer service standards. This commitment to excellence has made us number one in our field,” said Richard Spano, Commercial Accounts Coordinator.

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2010 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.

December 23, 2010

Advanced Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning is proud to announce that they are the sole duct cleaning company in the State of New Jersey to hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License. A Commercial Pesticide Applicator is defined as any person who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide for any purpose or on property other than their own. While New Jersey does not currently require by law, duct cleaners who apply anti-microbials  (sanitizers) in the ductwork to be licensed; approximately 20% of the states  do require a license.

New Jersey, through the Pesticide Control Program of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection began its program in 1975. The certification program is designed to facilitate, demonstrate and maintain acceptable competency in the safe use of pesticides by Certified Pesticide Applicators in the New Jersey.

To receive this licensing in the State of NJ, an applicator must complete an application and pass certification exams in both a core category and at least one other specialization category. For example, Advanced Air Duct Cleaning holds licensing for both the basic core category of Pesticide Application and also  Category 7A-Residential Applications and Category 13-School or Educational  Integrated Pest Management. By passing the examinations, the applicator shows they have met the qualifications to apply pesticides in a legal, safe, effective and environmentally sound manner. Licenses are issued for the calendar year and must be renewed annually.

When asked about the licensing requirements, Richard Spano, the Commercial Accounts Coordinator for Advanced Air Duct Cleaning said, “I feel it is just a matter of time before New Jersey comes around to realize what the other states already have. It is just common sense that persons who apply anti-microbials should fall under the same training guidelines and insurance requirements as other pesticide applicators. I cannot overemphasize the importance of the applicator being properly trained.”

Press Release—Lead Safe Licensing

July 22, 2010

Advanced Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning, a NJ Duct Cleaning Company, is proud to announce that Richard Spano, Commerical Accounts Coordinator has successfully completed the EPA/HUD Model Lead-Based Paint Safety Renovation, Repair and Painting, Lead Dust Sampling Course given by the National Asbestos & Environmental Training Institute in accordance with N.J.A.C.5:10-6.6(g) (1) and Pursuant to 24 Code of Federal Regulations Part 35.  The US EPA firm certification confirms that Advanced Air Duct Cleaning has fulfilled the requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act, Section 402 and has received certification to conduct lead based paint renovation, repair, and painting activities pursuant to 40CFR Part 745.89.

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.  Contractors must use lead safe work practices and follow three guidelines: contain the work area, minimize dust and clean up thoroughly to perform work in a safe manner.

According to the EPA, lead can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities and behavioral problems.  It can also be harmful to adults. Lead in dust form is the most common way people are exposed to lead, and lead dust is often invisible. Lead based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.

Advanced Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning has won 2nd place in the local business Halloween decorating contest for 2010.  Advanced Air Duct Cleaning has a tradition of decorating their buildings for each holiday for the children and adults in their local communitues to enjoy.  Richard Spano, Commercial Accounts Manager for Advanced Air Duct Cleaning intoned, “Halloween is an especially fun time for the kids in the neighborhood.  We strive to give back to the local commuity that has supported us with their business for over 47 years.”

BAYVILLE, NJ JULY 25, 2010- Advanced Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning is proud to announce that the fund raising effort held on Saturday, July 25^th to benefit the Central Regional High School Cheerleaders was a rousing success! The benefit car wash held in the parking lot of the Advanced Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning facility located on Route 9 in Bayville, NJ and co-sponsored by The Sprinkle Shack Ice Cream Parlor, also Route 9 in Bayville raised over $700.00 for the cheerleaders to attend a national competition. If you are interested in donating to this worthy cause, please email Kathleen Ehrhardt at katehrhardt@aol.com