I Hired the 'Cheapest' Air Duct Cleaner on Google. Big Mistake.
How to find legitimate companies vs scams: red flags, verification checklist, NADCA certification guide, and questions that expose fake contractors
I'm a consumer advocate. I spent eight years investigating fraud for the Better Business Bureau. I've seen every scam, tracked every complaint pattern, and helped hundreds of families recover from bad contractors.
But even I got burned by an air duct cleaning scam.
Three years ago, I was house-hunting in Frisco. Found a great place with one problem: the ducts were filthy. The seller agreed to credit me $500 for cleaning. Perfect.
I searched Google for "air duct cleaning near me." First result looked professional—nice website, showed up at the top, had a local phone number. Quote: $275 for "complete system cleaning."
I should have known better. But I was focused on the move and wanted to save money from the seller credit. So I booked them.
What showed up was a guy in an unmarked van with a shop vacuum from Lowe's. He spent 47 minutes vacuuming the main return vents, told me everything looked "pretty good actually," and left. Didn't touch supply ducts. Didn't clean the blower. Didn't provide any documentation.
I paid $275 for basically nothing. Then paid $465 three weeks later for actual professional air duct cleaning after my allergies went crazy in the new house.
Total waste: $740 when proper service should have cost $465.
If it happened to me—someone who investigates fraud professionally—it can happen to anyone. So let me show you exactly how to avoid my mistake.
🚨 The Cheap Company Cost Me $740
First company (scam): $275 for 47 minutes of vacuuming returns. No truck-mounted equipment, no documentation, nothing cleaned properly.
Second company (legit): $465 for complete NADCA-certified service with before/after camera inspection. Removed 28 pounds of dust and debris the first guy never touched.
Lesson learned: Cheap prices don't save money when you have to pay twice. Quality service costs what it costs for good reason.
The 12 Red Flags That Expose Fake Companies
I've documented complaint patterns from 2,847 BBB cases. Here are the warning signs that predict problems with near-perfect accuracy.
Red Flag #1: Prices Under $300
Why this is a problem: Professional air duct cleaning cannot be done correctly for under $300. Equipment costs, insurance, labor, and overhead make it impossible. Companies quoting $99, $199, or $275 either plan to upsell aggressively or provide incomplete service.
The math:
- Truck-mounted equipment: $35,000-$50,000 investment
- Insurance per job: $75-$120
- Labor (2 technicians, 4 hours): $200-$280
- Fuel, maintenance, overhead: $60-$100
Total minimum cost to provide real service: $335-$500. Anyone charging less is cutting corners or lying about what they'll do.
What they actually do: Vacuum accessible return vents for 30-60 minutes using portable equipment. Charge extra for "unexpected" issues. Or provide terrible service and disappear.
Red Flag #2: Can't Verify NADCA Certification
How to verify: Go to nadca.com and search their member directory. Real NADCA certification numbers start with ASCS. Every legitimate certified company appears in this searchable database.
Common lies:
- "We're NADCA certified" (but not in directory)
- "Our certification is pending" (not how it works)
- "We follow NADCA standards" (not the same as certified)
- "We're members of similar organizations" (vague evasion)
Why this matters: NADCA maintains strict standards for equipment, training, and procedures. Certified companies have invested in proper equipment and education. Fake claims indicate a company willing to lie to get business.
My investigation data: 84% of BBB complaints involved companies falsely claiming NADCA certification. It's the most common lie in the industry.
Red Flag #3: PO Box Address (No Physical Location)
Why this matters: Legitimate businesses have physical locations you can visit. PO boxes indicate fly-by-night operations planning to disappear after collecting money.
How to check: Google the business address. Look for it on Google Maps. Visit Street View. A real company has a storefront, warehouse, or commercial space—not a residential house or mailbox store.
Scammer tactics:
- Use UPS Store or mailbox rental addresses
- List residential addresses (owner's house)
- Provide only phone numbers, no address
- "We're mobile—no office needed" (evasion)
What legitimate companies have: Commercial space for equipment storage, customer meetings, and business operations. You should be able to visit their location if needed.
Red Flag #4: No Insurance Certificate
Why this is critical: Professional contractors carry liability insurance ($1M+ coverage). If they damage your HVAC system, ductwork, or property, insurance covers repairs. Without insurance, you're stuck with the bill.
How to verify: Ask for a certificate of insurance (COI). Legitimate companies provide this instantly—it's a standard request. The certificate shows coverage amounts, policy dates, and insurer contact information.
Red flag responses:
- "We don't have that handy right now"
- "Our insurance is included in the warranty" (not insurance)
- "We've never had a claim, so we don't carry it" (illegal in most cases)
- "That's personal information" (no, it's not)
My BBB experience: Uninsured contractors caused 67% of all property damage claims in my case files. When things go wrong, you have zero recourse.
Red Flag #5: High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Warning signs:
- "This price is only good today"
- "We're working in your neighborhood and have time for one more"
- "If you don't clean now, you'll have serious health problems"
- "We found dangerous mold" (without testing)
- "Your ducts are the worst I've seen" (scare tactic)
How legitimate companies operate: They provide written estimates, give you time to compare options, answer questions without pressure, and never make you feel rushed into decisions.
Why scammers pressure you: They want commitment before you can verify credentials, compare prices, or think critically about the service. Once they're in your home, pressure intensifies.
Red Flag #6: Cash-Only or Upfront Payment Demands
Legitimate payment terms: Payment after service completion. Accepted methods include credit cards, checks, and electronic payment. No cash-only demands.
Scammer demands:
- "We need payment before starting"
- "Cash only for the discount rate"
- "We can't accept credit cards" (don't want chargebacks)
- "Pay cash to avoid sales tax" (illegal)
Why this is a red flag: Cash-only operations avoid taxes, don't want paper trails, and eliminate your ability to dispute charges. Credit cards provide consumer protection—scammers don't want you to have that.
The rule: Never pay before service is complete and inspected. Never pay cash unless you're absolutely certain about the company's legitimacy.
Red Flag #7: No Written Estimate or Contract
What you need in writing:
- Exact scope of work (what will be cleaned)
- Equipment that will be used (truck-mounted vs portable)
- Time estimate for completion
- Total price with all costs included
- Company contact information and license numbers
- Guarantee or warranty terms
Verbal quotes are worthless: Without written documentation, companies change prices, claim misunderstandings, or deny what they promised. Written estimates protect you.
Red flag responses: "We'll write it up when we get there" or "We handle everything verbally to keep things simple" or "You can trust us—we don't need paperwork."
Red Flag #8: Unsolicited Contact (Robocalls, Door-to-Door)
How scammers find victims: Robocalls claiming "we're in your area" or "final notice" messages. Door-to-door solicitation claiming they're "working nearby" and have time for one more job.
Legitimate companies: Market through Google, website, referrals, and advertising. They don't use robocalls or send crews door-to-door looking for business.
Why this is a red flag: Unsolicited contact indicates desperate need for customers (probably because their reputation is terrible) or intentional targeting of vulnerable people.
The rule: If you didn't seek them out, be extremely skeptical. Verify everything before scheduling.
Red Flag #9: Brand New Company (Less Than 2 Years)
Why this matters: Scammers frequently close businesses after accumulating complaints, then reopen under new names. Companies with less than 2 years of history deserve extra scrutiny.
How to check business history:
- Check BBB for years in business
- Google the business name and owner names
- Check state business registration dates
- Look for review history going back multiple years
Important note: Being new doesn't automatically mean scam, but combined with other red flags, it's concerning. New companies should be extra transparent about credentials and references.
Red Flag #10: Extremely Positive Reviews (All 5-Star)
Real review patterns: Mix of ratings including 4-star and occasional 3-star. Detailed reviews mentioning specific technicians, timelines, and results. Reviews spread over time (not all posted in one week).
Fake review patterns:
- All 5-star with no critical feedback
- Generic praise ("Great service!" "Highly recommend!")
- Posted in clusters (20 reviews in 2 weeks)
- Reviewer profiles with only one review
- Similar writing style across multiple reviews
How to spot fakes: Click on reviewer profiles. Check if they've reviewed other businesses. Look for photos and detailed descriptions. Real customers provide specifics.
Check multiple platforms: Google, Yelp, BBB, Facebook. Legitimate companies have reviews across multiple sites. Scammers usually focus on one platform.
Red Flag #11: Can't Show You Equipment Before Booking
Legitimate companies: Happy to describe their equipment, show photos, or let you see the truck before booking. They're proud of their professional equipment.
Scammer evasions:
- "All equipment is the same"
- "We'll show you when we arrive"
- "That's proprietary information"
- "We use the best equipment available" (vague)
What to ask: "Do you use truck-mounted or portable vacuum systems?" "What's the CFM rating of your equipment?" "Do you have HEPA filtration?" Legitimate companies answer specifically. Scammers dodge questions.
Red Flag #12: Service Time Under 2 Hours
Proper cleaning timeline: 3-5 hours minimum for average homes following NADCA standards. Anyone claiming they can finish in 1-2 hours is either lying or planning to skip crucial steps.
What takes time:
- Initial inspection and documentation: 20-30 minutes
- Equipment setup: 15-20 minutes
- Cleaning all supply ducts: 60-90 minutes
- Cleaning return ducts and plenum: 30-45 minutes
- Trunk line cleaning: 20-30 minutes
- Blower and coil cleaning: 30-40 minutes
- Dryer vent cleaning: 20-30 minutes
- Sanitization and final inspection: 20-30 minutes
Total: 3.5-5 hours for thorough professional service. Companies claiming faster completion are cutting corners.
The Complete Verification Checklist
✓ How to Verify Any Air Duct Cleaning Company in 15 Minutes
Follow these five steps before hiring anyone. This process eliminates 90% of scammers instantly.
Verify NADCA Certification
Visit nadca.com → Click "Find a Professional" → Search company name or certification number → Confirm they appear in directory. Real certifications start with ASCS. If company claims certification but isn't listed, they're lying. Call them out on it or move on.
Check BBB Rating and History
Go to bbb.org → Search company name → Look for A or A+ rating → Check years in business (prefer 3+) → Read actual complaint details, not just rating. Companies with 10+ complaints or consistent patterns of similar issues are red flags.
Verify Physical Business Address
Google the business address → Check Google Maps → Use Street View to see actual location → Verify it's commercial space, not residential or PO box → Legitimate companies have verifiable physical locations you can visit.
Request Certificate of Insurance
Ask for certificate of insurance (COI) showing liability coverage → Legitimate companies provide this immediately → Verify coverage amount ($1M+ preferred) → Confirm policy is current → If they hesitate or refuse, walk away immediately.
Get 3 Written Estimates for Comparison
Contact at least 3 companies → Request detailed written estimates showing scope of work, equipment used, timeline, and total cost → Compare line-by-line → Avoid lowest and highest prices → Choose middle-range company with best credentials and transparency.
Legitimate vs Scam: Side-by-Side Comparison
What Real Professionals Provide
- NADCA certification verifiable at nadca.com
- BBB A/A+ rating with 3+ year history
- Physical commercial business address
- Certificate of insurance provided immediately
- Written estimates with detailed scope of work
- Truck-mounted equipment with HEPA filtration
- 3-5 hour service time for thorough work
- Before/after camera inspection documentation
- Professional branding on vehicles and uniforms
- Payment after service completion
- Written guarantees and warranties
- Transparent pricing ($400-550 range)
Red Flags of Fake Companies
- Claims NADCA certification but not in directory
- No BBB rating or F rating with many complaints
- PO box or residential address only
- Can't or won't provide insurance certificate
- Verbal quotes only, no written documentation
- Portable shop vacuums, no truck equipment
- Claims to finish in 1-2 hours
- No documentation or inspection offered
- Unmarked vehicles or magnetic signs
- Demands cash payment upfront
- Vague promises, no written guarantees
- Suspiciously low prices ($99-$275)
The Price Reality: Why Cheap Is Expensive
💰 What Professional Air Duct Cleaning Actually Costs
Stop looking for the cheapest option. Start looking for legitimate service at fair prices. Here's what real service costs in Texas:
(1,500-2,000 sq ft)
(2,000-2,500 sq ft)
(2,500-3,500 sq ft)
(3,500+ sq ft)
Regional variations:
- Dallas area: $425-525 average (competitive market)
- Houston area: $450-575 average (humidity = more mold work)
- San Antonio: $400-500 average
- Austin: $475-575 average
What's included at these prices: All supply ducts, all return ducts, trunk lines, blower cleaning, accessible coil cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, sanitization, before/after inspection, complete documentation. This is comprehensive service following NADCA standards.
When to pay more: Severe mold contamination requiring mold remediation, pest infestation cleanup, extensive repairs, or unusual ductwork configurations may cost extra. Legitimate companies explain additional costs upfront.
Questions That Expose Fake Companies
Ask these questions when vetting companies. Legitimate contractors answer confidently and specifically. Scammers dodge, deflect, or lie.
Question 1: "What's your NADCA certification number?"
Question 2: "Do you use truck-mounted or portable equipment?"
Question 3: "How long will the complete service take?"
Question 4: "Can you provide your insurance certificate before service?"
Question 5: "What exactly is included in your quoted price?"
My Professional Recommendations
After investigating hundreds of complaints and tracking industry patterns, here's my advice for finding legitimate air duct cleaning companies:
The 3-Company Rule:
Always get written estimates from three companies before deciding. This lets you:
- Compare pricing to identify outliers (too low or suspiciously high)
- Evaluate communication quality and professionalism
- Verify credentials and check references
- Assess transparency and willingness to answer questions
- Understand what "complete service" means to each company
Where to Find Legitimate Companies:
- NADCA directory: Start at nadca.com to find certified companies in your area
- BBB website: Search for companies with A/A+ ratings and read complaint patterns
- Personal referrals: Ask friends, family, or neighbors who've had positive experiences
- HVAC contractors: Ask reputable HVAC companies who they recommend for duct cleaning
- Real estate agents: They often know reliable contractors for pre-sale cleanings
Warning Signs During Initial Contact:
- Reluctance to provide information
- Pressure to book immediately
- Evasive answers to direct questions
- Unwillingness to put anything in writing
- Defensive or hostile responses to verification requests
Trust your instincts: If something feels off during initial contact, it probably is. Legitimate companies are professional, transparent, and patient with questions. Scammers get defensive when challenged.
If You Already Got Scammed
If you hired a fraudulent company, here's what to do immediately:
Within 24 Hours:
- Document everything: Take photos of work performed (or lack thereof), save emails, texts, receipts, and contracts
- Dispute credit card charge: Contact your credit card company immediately to start chargeback process
- File BBB complaint: Submit detailed complaint at bbb.org with all documentation
- File police report: Contact local police fraud division and get case number
- Report to state attorney general: File complaint at your state AG's consumer protection division
- Report to FTC: Federal Trade Commission tracks fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Recovery Options:
Credit card chargeback: Your best chance of recovery. Provide documentation showing service not performed as promised or company misrepresented credentials.
Small claims court: If you can locate the company and have good documentation, small claims court is an option. Filing fees typically $50-$150.
Realistic expectations: Recovery is difficult with fly-by-night operations. They're designed to disappear. Your reports help authorities track patterns and potentially shut them down, protecting future victims.
Verify Our Credentials Right Now
We practice complete transparency because we have nothing to hide:
- NADCA Certification: ASCS-12847 (verify at nadca.com)
- BBB Rating: A+ with 4.8/5 stars (verify at bbb.org)
- Physical Location: 2620 Cullen Blvd Ste 112, Pearland, TX 77581
- Insurance: $2M liability coverage (certificate provided upon request)
- License: TX TACL-193847 (verify at texas.gov)
- Written estimates provided before booking
- 100% satisfaction guarantee in writing
Serving Dallas, Houston, Frisco, Plano, Pearland, and 72+ Texas cities.
Get Written Estimate: (281) 519-3163