GREENSBORO, N.C. — When was the last time you did the test in your home? You know the one where you run your figure along something and see how much dust there is?
If your house is overly dusty, heating and air experts say it could be a sign you need your ducts cleaned. Also if you have poor airflow, strange noises, odd odors, or any time you have major construction in your home. But when you go to find someone to do the service, be careful. Right now law enforcement around the country says they are seeing a rise in scams with people online offering to clean your ducts, but never doing the work after you pay.
“You're seeing it a lot right now on Facebook or community groups in a variety of social media,” said National Air Duct Cleaners Association Brooks Ingrassia. “You want to watch out for vague information. Promises of whole home duct cleaning for a low price: $89, $79, $69 anything like that.”
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association says scammers are also posing as legit companies online, and then showing up and pretending to do the work but not really doing anything.
Ingrassia suggests calling and asking a few questions before you hire anyone.
“How are you going to do the cleaning? How long is it going to take? Are you licensed and certified? If I'm not willing to answer that, if I want you to message me via Facebook or some other messaging app, that should send up a red flag,” he said.
You also want to check the company's name with the BBB before you hire anyone. And never pay upfront for the service.