Beware Of Dirty Duct Cleaning Scams
(NAPSI)—Swindlers are scamming homeowners concerned about the health and safety of their families with phony air duct cleaning schemes—but you can protect yourself.
What To Watch For
• Low-ball Prices: Reputable companies do offer promotional pricing or discounts, but it’s best to be cautious. Once you show interest, sophisticated scammers can gather personal information or ask for a hefty deposit and then disappear.
• Pressure for a Quick Decision: Qualified contractors understand if you need to take a few days to consider.
• Asking for Payment Up Front or Accepting Only Cash: A reputable company will ask for the majority of payment for the service when the job is done.
• Convince you of Unforeseen Problems: Be cautious if your contractor starts finding reasons—such as mold—to increase prices or uses scare tactics to convince you urgent repairs are necessary.
• Knock on Your Door: Beware of a contractor who comes to the door saying he or she was “just in the neighborhood.” An established company earns business through advertisements or referrals.
• The “blow-and-go” scam: Companies offer bargain-basement prices, then do an inferior job, leaving dirt and contaminants inside the system. Those pollutants then circulate throughout the ductwork and make their way into the air you and your family breathe.
How to Find Qualified Cleaners
Members of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) have technicians with advanced training and certifications in HVAC system cleaning. You can search the online directory at www.nadca.com to find a NADCA member nearby.
On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent theclockonline News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR THECLOCKONLINE
Campton Elementary School 8th Grade Silent Auction & Spaghetti Dinner By Rebecca Tgibedes
Will You? By Isabelle Elsasser
Summer in the Sunflowers By Emily Holleran
Student Spotlight: Sabrina Siegel By Justine Walsh
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THECLOCKONLINE NEWS
RECENT THECLOCKONLINE CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- 1 in 5 Vehicles on the Road Has an Open Recall—Yours C...
- A Difficult Diagnosis Sparks Hope and Support for...
- Fall For Improved Vehicle Protection
- Six Ways To Save Money This Holiday Season
- BigFuture Resources Help Students Discover College,...
- Anheuser-Busch Celebrates American Growers on National...
- What You Should Know About Healthy Aging
- What We Don’t Know Can Hurt: New Survey Reveals K...
- Blood Donors Quietly Revolutionizing Sickle Cell Treatment
- What You Need To Know About Vaccines On World Polio Day...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- BookTrib’s Bites: Dive Into These Four Exciting Fall Reads
- Easy Monster Margarita is No Trick, All Treat
- Help Marine Toys for Tots Deliver Hope to Children in...
- 5 Tips to Pick the Right Dental Plan
- BookTrib’s Bites: Four Fascinating Fall Reads
- The U.S. Can Make the Most of AI in Robotics
- Have a Boo-tiful Halloween with Chilean Citrus
- 5 Ways to Transform Your Kitchen and Bath with the Look...
- Many American Women Feel Financial Stress
- BookTrib’s Bites: Four Captivating Fall Reads