So I need to have my ducts cleaned...

[mmace]

Found out last winter that we had mold growing on the dust in our ducts. It is not actually growing on the ducts, just on the dust in the ducts, and it was tested as "safe" mold (whatever that means!)

Money is tight - tighter than tight - but this just *has* to be done. It is frickin' cold in here, and I'm tired of having to put three pairs of jammies on the baby every night.

Sooo - how do I know who to hire? I see ads for companies that will do it for less than $100, and companies that are much more. What do I need to know? Will the be in the whole house or just the basement? Should I tell them upfront about the mold, or not? I don't want to expect to pay one thing and then get hit with a lot more, but I also don't want them jacking the price up when they hear about the mold. Anyone in the Pittsburgh area own a duct-cleaning company and want to give me a great rate? This is one of those times when I *hate* being a single mama...

[Boadicea]

We had the ducts in our house cleaned right after we moved into this house. Namely, because the upstairs toilet overflowed into the ductwork and furnace! I am really glad we did it, however, because it hadn't been done in YEARS, and there was a big chemical spill near here the year before we moved in -- the previous owners were given money to clean the ducts, but they didn't use it that way. The cleaners pulled out a TON of the chemical flakes.

Anyway, we paid about $200 for the duct cleaning alone. A very reputable company recommended to us by our real estate agent. Don't know if that will help you, as we are in a different part of the country, but it might give you some idea of what is reasonable to expect.

[mmace]

Thanks for your reply, springmama! I just got a coupon in the mail for duct cleaning for $69.95 - it says it includes 10 vents, one cold air return, and the main duct. Additional vents are $10 and additional returns are $15. Now I just have to figure out how many of each I have. I know all of the floor ones are vents, but I have several in the walls - two down low and one up high, and I don't know what those are. And I'm still wondering if I should just tell them up front when I call about the mold. Where did that stressed out SAHM thread go?!

[Lucky Charm]

I have a 4 level house and two return thingy-s and it cost me $220 to have them cleaned, and then with a disinfectant.

[baileyandmikey]

my dad owns his own heating and air business, and he charges less than $100 for duct cleaning.

[Annikate]

Marissa, Here's dh to answer you:
Hi. I am a certified air conditioning contractor in 4 states, so I have some expertise in what you are asking.

Many companies advertise duct cleaning services. Most charge X dollars per grille or outlet. Prices here range from $7 to $15 per grille. The techniques used vary somewhat, but generally they will employ a vacuum system with long brushes. First, the ceiling (or floor registers) are removed. Then, the vacuum and brushes are sent through the outlet hole. The brushes "sweep" the interior of the ducts and the vacuum sucks up the debris. The vacuum hose and brushes are pushed through the duct as far as possible and then they move to the next outlet. A good company will take your registers and clean them also. They may charge extra for this. If so, while they have them out, you can wash them out in the sink using a mild detergent. After cleaning the ducts, most companies will spray a biocide into the duct to kill any remaining germs and mildew. They don't have to know there is mold in there...if it were my guys they would almost expect it! So, no reason to bring that up, especially if you have had it tested and its not toxic.

Look for a company that is State certified or registered and that has insurance.

Now, the real question is how did the mold get there. Mold needs moisture to grow. The first place it can get this mositure from is the air conditioning indoor unit (air handler or furnace coil). There is a drain pan in this that collects the "condensate" that is a natural by-product of the air conditioning process. The water that collects in this pan is in a cool, dark wet place. Over time, it can turn into mildew and or mold. Its a good idea to have this pan cleaned once a year. You can do something yourself to help, if the drain line coming from the furnace has a removable cap. Take the cap off and pour 1/2 gallon of household bleach down the pipe. Wait ten minutes and then flush with two gallons of hot tap water. This will kill any living mildew or mold in the drain pipe.

The other way "moisture" can get into your duct system is if there is leaks in your ducts. Or, cracks, separations at the joints, etc. If you are really careful, you can inspect the sections yourself. If you find any duct joints that are separated, get a roll of good quality duct tape, clean the area with a cloth and peel and stick the tape on, Make sure to press it on firmly.

In your area, I have no idea what a company would charge for a service call to clean your coils, clean the drain pan and inspect and repair your ducts if necessary. The cleaning and checkout here in our area would cost anywhere from $85.00 to $200 depending in system type and access to it. You may be able to call your local power company for a "free duct inspection". They offer that here in our state and then help the do-it-yourselfer fix the leaks.

I hope I am not giving you too much info! The duct cleaning is well worth the investment. If you can be diligent about changing your air filter every month, the ducts should remain fairly clean for another 3 to 5 years. On filters, try to use a good filter. The "blue mesh" see through filters you can buy for a dollar are literally worthless. They only filter out less than 15% of the airborne particulates. Better to spend $4 or $5 for a "pleated" filter that fitlers out 60 to 90%. These are available at most grocery stores. They will be a little cheaper at a home improvement center like Lowe's or Ace Hardware.

I hope this helps. If you need any other info, write back. Good night.

[mmace]

You guys are the absolute best! Thanks so much for your replies - baileyandmikey, what time should I expect your dad? And Annikate, please thank your husband for taking the time to give me all that information! To be honest, my ex did all of the "basement work", so I have no idea where the mold came from. I'll get myself down there after the ducts get cleaned, and see if I can find my problem. AND I'll make sure to get good quality filters - I always have bought the see-through blue ones. Thanks again!