Our Standard Duct Cleaning Procedure

There are many ways a duct cleaning can be performed; however, there are only a few methods that are widely recommended.

At SDG Duct Cleaning, we generally follow the NADCA model because, in our opinion, it produces the best results.

Before We Arrive

When you book your appointment, we'll ask you for a little information about your home, including:

• The location of your home
• The approximate square footage
• The approximate number of supply vents
• The approximate number of return air vents
• Whether the basement is finished or unfinished

For example, if you tell us:

"We live in Cornwall. Our home is approximately 1,500 square feet. We have 12 supply vents and 4–5 return vents with an unfinished basement."

We'll reply with something like:

"Thank you. Our flat-rate price for your home would be $385.00, and the job should take approximately 2 to 2½ hours, depending on how dirty the ductwork is. Even if the job takes us all day, the quoted price is the price you pay."

Step 1 – Inspection

Once we arrive, we'll perform what we call a plan-of-attack inspection. We're simply getting familiar with your HVAC system and deciding the best way to bring our equipment into your home.

We'll also determine the best location to hook up our equipment. This requires us to cut a small 6- to 8-inch access hole into your supply duct, which will be professionally sealed once the cleaning is complete.

We always start with the supply side.

An 8-inch hose is connected to our gas-powered vacuum system, placing your entire duct system under negative pressure.

Although this machine is very powerful, no duct cleaning machine can properly clean your duct system simply by creating suction. That's not even its primary purpose.

The vacuum's main job is to keep dust under control and provide a path for dirt and debris to travel safely outside.

The unsung heroes of professional duct cleaning are actually the agitation tools.

Step 2

We then run our air hose to the furthest supply register in your home, usually on the upper floor.

Step 3

Once everything is set up, we begin the cleaning process.

We go to every supply register and use high-pressure compressed air along with specialized agitation tools to loosen the dirt and debris, forcing it into the main supply trunk line.

Step 4

After every supply register has been cleaned, we move to the main supply trunk line in the basement.

Using specialized equipment, we force the accumulated dirt and debris down the trunk line and into the vacuum system, where it is collected outside in a commercial collection bag.

Step 5

Once the supply side has been cleaned, we switch to the return side.

The return side is interesting because, although it is usually smaller than the supply side, it is often much dirtier.

Because of this, we spend extra time cleaning the return ducts. The procedure is very similar—we begin with each return register before moving on to the main return trunk line.

Step 6

Once everything has been cleaned, we apply a disinfectant throughout the duct system at no additional charge.

Step 7

If you've requested any additional services, such as:

• Furnace maintenance
• Air conditioner maintenance
• Evaporator coil cleaning
• Dryer vent cleaning
• Any other add-on service

this is usually when we'll complete those services.

Step 8

Once all of the work has been completed, we'll clean up our equipment and leave your home the way we found it.

Before we leave, we'll provide you with a verbal explanation of the work that was completed, along with a written report. We'll also provide before-and-after photos whenever possible.

Step 9

Once everything is complete, we'll provide your invoice, which can be paid at the end of the job.