With summer just around the corner, more and more Edmontonians are looking to spruce up their homes’ indoor air quality with regular air duct maintenance. Unfortunately, this also means an influx of scammers looking to imitate these services and collect money. While these scams can sometimes be sophisticated, there are methods you can use to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are a few ways to help you stay vigilant and familiarize yourself with duct cleaning scams.
Look for Reputable Companies with Great Reviews
Reviews are one of the most important forms of customer feedback for a company. They allow customers to rate their experiences, share their feedback, and help promote their services to others. While positive ratings can often be a good indicator that a business is legitimate, scammers can also create fake ones.
The best way to combat this is with your own research. While reviews can be faked, it is much harder to do so with consistency. Ensure that the company has a dedicated online presence. This includes a Google company page, a company website, and other social media accounts with positive reviews and testimonials over a long period. Companies should also be able to provide their own references when asked. These testimonials help ensure you’ll receive services from a legitimate company with a seasoned track record.
Speak To a Real Person to Book an Appointment
While many businesses are using some form of inquiry automation, you should still be able to reach out and talk to a real person. This ensures that you’ll be able to receive details and answers relating to your specific situation and needs. Talking to a real person will also give you a chance to ask about the pricing structure, along with the expectations of both you and the professionals on the day of the cleaning. Professional air duct cleaning services must perform their duty of care, and talking to a real person will ensure this, giving peace of mind.
Ask Lots of Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, no matter what it is. Your home maintenance is of the utmost importance, and any certified professional should be able to answer your questions with confidence and knowledge. Make sure to ask about safety and process protocols. This includes asking which chemicals and cleaners will be used, what certifications the business has, and how extensive the cleaning will be. Air duct cleaning professionals should also demonstrate proper due diligence by asking sufficient questions about your home’s features and history before offering a quote. If a company is avoiding communication and rushing into completing services or demanding a deposit quickly, that is a sign they are not a legitimate business.
Make Sure They Have a Website
Reputable companies will have professional websites with important information such as testimonials and FAQs. The website should also include the business’s contact information, such as a phone number and an email address. Be cautious of companies that only have a presence on Facebook or other social media sites. Scammers will often set these pages up and then attempt to contact people in the area.
Also, be sure to search for regularly updated blogs on company websites. Reliable companies often have educational posts about their industry to promote their company and provide useful information to the general public.
Your Local Duct Experts in Edmonton
With over 25 years of experience, Clean Air Solutions is your stop for superior AC, furnace and duct cleaning in Edmonton. Contact us today for a free quote and more information on how we can help you keep your home healthy and maintained this season.
