Frequently Asked Questions

The EPA recommends having your air ducts professionally cleaned every 2-3 years for most homes. However, you may need more frequent cleaning if you have pets, family members with allergies or asthma, recent home renovations, excessive dust accumulation, visible mold growth, or if you've just moved into a previously owned home. Homes in dusty regions or with poor outdoor air quality may also benefit from annual cleaning.

Most residential air duct cleaning takes 3-5 hours, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of your HVAC system. Larger homes or those with multiple HVAC units may take longer. Our technicians will provide an estimated timeframe during the initial inspection. We work efficiently to minimize disruption to your day while ensuring thorough cleaning.

Common signs include: visible dust or debris coming from vents, musty or stale odors when the HVAC runs, excessive dust settling on furniture shortly after cleaning, visible mold growth around vents, inconsistent airflow between rooms, increased allergy or asthma symptoms, higher energy bills without explanation, or if it's been more than 3 years since your last cleaning. If you notice any of these signs, it's time for professional cleaning.

Yes! Professional air duct cleaning removes dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens that accumulate in your ductwork. Many customers report significant improvement in allergy symptoms within days of cleaning. However, results vary by individual. For maximum allergy relief, we recommend combining duct cleaning with regular filter changes and considering our UV light installation service for continuous air purification.

Dryer vents should be professionally cleaned at least once per year. If you do laundry frequently (more than one load per day), have a large family, or notice warning signs like longer drying times, excessive heat, or a burning smell, you should have it cleaned more often—every 6 months. Remember, clogged dryer vents are the leading cause of residential dryer fires, so annual maintenance is critical for your family's safety.

Absolutely! When your air ducts are clogged with dust and debris, your HVAC system has to work significantly harder to circulate air throughout your home. Clean air ducts can improve system efficiency by up to 40%, potentially reducing your energy consumption by 15-30%. Many customers notice a measurable decrease in their utility bills within the first month after professional cleaning. The energy savings often pay for the cost of cleaning within a year.

Yes! The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual chimney inspections and cleaning. Even if you don't use your fireplace frequently, creosote buildup, animal nests, leaves, and structural deterioration can occur. Creosote is highly flammable and is the primary cause of chimney fires. Annual cleaning also allows our certified technicians to identify potential carbon monoxide hazards, structural issues, or other safety concerns before they become dangerous.

Yes, dirty AC coils can harbor mold, bacteria, and allergens that circulate through your home every time your air conditioner runs. The moisture on evaporator coils creates an ideal environment for microbial growth. Symptoms can include respiratory issues, allergic reactions, eye irritation, and worsened asthma. Regular coil cleaning not only improves efficiency and reduces energy costs but also significantly improves indoor air quality and protects your family's health.

The cost of professional air duct cleaning typically ranges from $300 to $500 for most residential homes, depending on the size of your home, number of vents, accessibility of ductwork, and system complexity. We provide free, transparent estimates with no hidden fees. Beware of companies offering extremely low prices ($99 or less)—they often use bait-and-switch tactics. Quality duct cleaning requires professional equipment and typically takes 3-5 hours for a thorough job.

Yes! We offer same-day service based on availability. We understand that some situations require urgent attention, such as severe mold discovery, recent water damage, or dryer vent fires risks. Call us at (562) 443-6785 and we'll do our best to accommodate your schedule. For non-emergency services, we typically can schedule you within 2-3 business days.

Absolutely! We offer discounted package pricing when you combine services. For example, having your air ducts and dryer vent cleaned together can save you 15-20% compared to scheduling them separately. We also offer annual maintenance packages that include regular duct inspections, filter changes, and priority scheduling. Contact us for a custom quote based on your specific needs.

Our comprehensive air duct cleaning includes: pre-inspection with video camera documentation, cleaning of all supply and return vents, thorough cleaning of main trunk lines and branch ducts, cleaning of HVAC unit components (blower, coils, heat exchanger), replacement of standard filters, sanitizing treatment (if requested), post-cleaning verification, and before/after photos. We use HEPA-filtered vacuum systems and EPA-approved methods to ensure the most thorough cleaning possible.

Yes, we require someone 18 or older to be present during the entire service. Our technicians will need access to all areas where vents and HVAC equipment are located. You don't need to constantly supervise—you can work from home or go about your normal activities. We'll update you at the beginning, middle, and end of the service, and show you before/after photos and any concerns we discover.

No! We take extensive precautions to protect your home. Our equipment features HEPA filtration that captures 99.97% of particles, preventing dust from escaping into your living space. We use drop cloths to protect floors and furniture, wear shoe covers, and thoroughly clean up after ourselves. Most customers are pleasantly surprised by how clean we leave their homes. You may notice some dust settling for 24-48 hours after service as the system circulates, but this is normal and minimal.

Yes! Fresco Duct Cleaning is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Our technicians are NADCA-certified and undergo continuous training. We carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage to protect both our team and your property. We're happy to provide proof of insurance and licensing upon request. Never hire an unlicensed or uninsured contractor for work in your home!