5 Questions You Must Ask Before Booking a Duct Cleaning in Guelph

1. 5 Questions You Must Ask Before Booking a Duct Cleaning in Guelph Booking a duct cleaning shouldn’t feel like a coin toss. In Guelph—where we battle humid summers, salty winter slush, and pollen-heavy springs—the right company can noticeably cut dust, quiet your HVAC, and help everyone breathe easier. The wrong one? A quick pass over a few registers, a perfumed “fresh” smell, and no real change. Before you let anyone pull a hose through your front door, ask these five questions. The answers will tell you, fast, whether you’re hiring pros or pretenders. 1) “Can you walk me through your exact cleaning process— start to finish?” Why it matters: Real results come from source removal, not “blowing dust around.” You want a method that captures debris at the trunk lines and branches, not just the visible grilles. What a good answer sounds like: •They connect a high-CFM negative-air machine to the trunk lines. •They mechanically agitate each branch (rotary brush or air whip) to dislodge compacted debris. •They clean returns, supplies, and the furnace cabinet/blower compartment—not just the easy bits. •They use HEPA containment so loosened dust doesn’t re-enter your home. •They seal access openings with code-compliant plates when finished. Red flags:“We just use high pressure air,”“We clean the vents” (and nothing else), or a one- hour whole-house promise. In Guelph’s typical two-storey homes, a thorough job with two techs usually takes 2–4 hours. Pro tip: Ask them to map your system verbally: “Where will you connect? Which runs are hardest to reach in a 1980s Grange Hill layout?” Specifics = competence. 2) “Will you provide before-and-after photos of my ductwork and furnace cabinet?”

2. Why it matters: You can’t see inside your ducts. Photos are proof that debris was removed, not shuffled. They also reveal issues you should know about: crushed flex, leaky returns, missing filter rack gaskets. What a good answer sounds like: •Yes, same-angle photos of representative returns and supplies, plus trunks and the furnace cabinet. •Short video where runs are especially clogged. •Photos delivered by email or link the same day, labelled by location. Red flags:“We don’t do photos,” or generic stock shots. In 2025, every tech has a camera. If they won’t document, they likely won’t detail. Pro tip: Ask for a simple post-service summary: what they found, what they fixed, and what to monitor (e.g., a return leak in the basement pulling musty air). 3) “What’s included in your all-in price—and what could change it?” Why it matters: Low teaser pricing often balloons at the door. Guelph homeowners complain most about surprise add-ons and per-vent upcharges that weren’t discussed. What a good answer sounds like: •An itemised quote covering number of supply registers and returns, trunk lines, and the furnace cabinet. •Clear pricing for optional add-ons: dryer vent, AC coil face clean, sanitizer (if needed). •HST included, any travel or parking noted (downtown/condo logistics). •How extra vents are billed—a per-vent number up front. •Estimated time on site with two techs. Red flags:“It depends, we’ll see when we arrive,” or a price that excludes trunks/furnace. That’s like washing your car without touching the wheels. Pro tip (local): Ask about seasonal bundles—early spring (post-winter dust) or early fall (pre- heat) often carry the best value in Guelph. 4) “How will you protect my home while you work—and what’s your clean-up standard?”

3. Why it matters: You want cleaner air, not scuffed walls and dust drifts. Housekeeping separates pros from “truck-and-a-hose” operators. What a good answer sounds like: •Boot covers on entry, drop sheets around each register, corner guards on stairs. •Register screws collected in a container (not left on floors). •Doors managed so your AC or heat isn’t dumping into the neighbourhood (hello, Old University drafts). •A vacuum pass where they worked and a tidy furnace room when they leave. Red flags: Silence, or “we’re very careful” without specifics. In older homes near Exhibition Park, narrow stairways demand corner protection—ask how they’ll handle it. Pro tip: If you have pets, ask about door management and noise timing. A thoughtful crew will plan starts/stops to minimise stress. 5) “Do I really need sanitizer—and which product, contact time, and ventilation will you use?” Why it matters: Not every system benefits from chemicals. Overuse can irritate sensitive lungs and merely mask issues like return leaks or moisture. What a good answer sounds like: •Sanitizers offered only when indicated (post-renovation dust, odour, bacterial growth, pests). •They can name the product, dwell time, and ventilation guidelines. •They’re happy to skip fragrance bombs and focus on source removal. Red flags: Hard sell on chemicals as a default line item, or vague “hospital grade” claims without specifics. Pro tip: Ask them to check for return-side leaks and filter fit first. A badly fitting MERV filter or a gappy return can undo half your air quality gains. Bonus Questions Worth Asking •“What’s your insurance and WSIB coverage?” You want proof—not just “we’re covered.”

4. •“What equipment do you use?” Listen for high-CFM negative-air, proper agitation tools, and HEPA containment. •“How often should I clean based on my home?” Honest answers vary: every 2–4 years for most; sooner with pets, renos, or allergies. •“Will you check my dryer vent?” Lint clogs are common in denser Guelph neighbourhoods—this is safety, not a luxury. Reading Reviews Like a Local (So You Don’t Get Burned) Sort by Newest and scan for specifics: punctuality, cleanliness, named technicians, and photo proof. Pay attention to reviews from areas like Kortright Hills, Clairfields, and the Ward— houses there have different duct layouts and access quirks. If you see repeated mentions of price hikes at the door or “in and out in under an hour,” believe them and keep shopping. When to Book in Guelph (Timing Matters) •Early spring: Clear winter dust/pet dander before opening windows. •Mid-summer: Post-pollen reset, especially near tree-heavy streets or the Speed River trail network. •Early fall: Pre-heat clean so your first furnace cycle doesn’t blast summer debris into bedrooms. Allergy sufferers: schedule 1–2 weeks after peak pollen for longer relief. A Quick, Printable Hiring Checklist Step-by-step process explained (negative-air + agitation + trunks + cabinet) Before/after photo commitment (same-angle, labelled) Itemised, all-in quote (vents, trunks, add-ons, HST) House protection plan (boot covers, drops, corner guards) High-CFM equipment and HEPA containment Sensible sanitizer policy (only if justified) Dryer vent option and filter/return checks Proof of insurance + WSIB Realistic time estimate (2–4 hours for typical homes) Recent, specific local reviews • • • • • • • • • •

5. Bottom Line Ask these five questions and you’ll separate the marketing from the method. A trustworthy Guelph duct cleaner explains the process clearly, proves results with photos, protects your home, and prices transparently. Do that due diligence once, and you’ll hear smoother airflow, see less dust on your shelves, and breathe a little easier—exactly what you hired them for.