Local ads
offering a low price on air duct cleaning may seem like a great deal with
minimal risk. However, Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina
(BBB) warns consumers to beware of some air duct cleaning businesses that
employ bait and switch tactics or try to scare homeowners into thinking they
have a serious health-threatening mold problem.
According
to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, a careless or inadequately trained service provider can
damage your ducts or heating and cooling system, possibly increasing your
heating and air conditioning costs or forcing you to undertake difficult and
costly repairs or replacements. Complaints to BBB also indicate that putting
your trust in the wrong company can mean spending thousands of dollars on
unnecessary mold remediation services.
“Most consumers
rely heavily on the opinion of contractors to make a decision on repairs or
replacements within their home,” said Beverly Baskin, President and CEO of BBB
serving Eastern North Carolina.
“Unfortunately, some companies are taking advantage of that trust by scaring
customers or even falsely claiming the home has a serious mold problem.”
In the
last 12 months, BBB has received 4,936 requests for information on air duct
cleaners in eastern North Carolina,
a 56 percent increase over the previous 24 months. BBB has also received 17 complaints against
air duct cleaners in eastern North
Carolina within the last 12 months, up from just five
complaints within the 24 previous months.
BBB has
recently received an influx in inquiries and complaints about the air duct
cleaning company, Global Air Pro, LLC. This company operates in North Carolina, South Carolina
and Georgia, with offices
located in Raleigh, N.C.
and Atlanta,
Ga. This business is not Accredited with BBB, and has a BBB rating of ‘F.’
In
several instances, complainants claimed their furniture was scratched, ducts
and other household items were broken, or that their personal property was
stolen by duct cleaners from Global Air Pro, LLC. Consumers have also had
difficulty contacting Global Air Pro, LLC, saying the company’s local telephone
numbers in Raleigh
have been disconnected. The company has failed to respond to BBB, despite repeated
attempts to contact them.
Before
choosing a professional to clean their air ducts, BBB recommends consumers:
- Check with BBB for information about the company. Before setting up a visit, research
the company at bbb.org. Ideally, the business will be Accredited by BBB or
at least have a good rating. Pay attention to the name of the business
you’re researching because unscrupulous businesses often choose a name
that is similar to an existing business that has a solid reputation. To review
a business’s Reliability Report or locate a BBB Accredited air duct
cleaner visit http://easternnc.bbb.org/Find-Business-Reviews/.
- Read the fine print. Ads and contracts may contain
fine print which the business might think will absolve them from honoring
their advertised price. Always ask plenty of questions and get to the
bottom line of what it’s going to cost you, before you sign on the dotted
line.
- Get a second opinion. If the duct cleaner discovers that you
have a mold problem, get a second opinion.
Mold remediation can cost thousands of dollars so you’ll want expert
advice on how to take care of it.
- File a complaint with BBB. If you believe you’ve been
misled by a business, file a complaint with your BBB online at www.bbb.org/us/file-complaint.
Fore more advice on home improvement and
maintenance, visit http://easternnc.bbb.org/consumer-tips-home/.
