Dateline used undercover cameras to investigate an air duct cleaning scam. The BBB has multiple complaints about air duct cleaning regarding poor workmanship and prices up to ten times the amount advertised. The company, Air Duct Cleaning Pros, has an F rating with the BBB and has multiple complaints alleging similar behavior to that depicted by Dateline.
A consumer contacted the BBB after they called Air Duct Cleaning Pros for duct cleaning for the advertised price of $49. "Immediately upon opening our first cold air return, they claimed to find mold and said it would cost more to remove," the complaint said. "We declined as we were only interested in paying the advertised price."
Air Duct Cleaning Pros presented a $524 bill to them, over ten times the advertised price. The company has a Greenwood, Indiana address which the Postal Service says is non-existent. Reports suggest the company may change their name and move throughout the Midwest. Air Duct Cleaning Pros is not registered with the Indiana Secretary of State.
What's this got to do with carpet cleaning? The two industries are becoming intertwined by some operators offering both services. I know several carpet cleaning firms that have gone into the duct cleaning business. If you do, you should use the same advertising ethics you use in your carpet cleaning business. Don't do bait and switch advertising or you may wind up on Dateline.
Source: CIBBB
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