CUMMING, GA – With homeowners increasingly focused on indoor air quality, a troubling trend has emerged across Metro Atlanta: fraudulent companies offering air duct cleaning services for as little as $99. According to Scott Sneddon, owner of HVAC Cleaning Technologies and a NADCA-certified specialist with over 27 years of experience, these so-called “blow and go” operations are leaving homeowners with dirty ducts and empty wallets.

“We see the aftermath of these scams almost weekly,” says Sneddon. “A homeowner pays $99 thinking they’re getting a deal, but the company simply blows air through the vents for 20 minutes without actually cleaning anything. Then they present a bill for ‘additional services’ that can run thousands of dollars, or they leave without doing the job properly.”

The Anatomy of the $99 Scam

The scam typically works in a predictable pattern. Companies advertise deeply discounted services to get in the door, then use high-pressure sales tactics once inside the home. Common red flags include refusing to provide written estimates, demanding cash payment, and claiming to find dangerous mold or other issues requiring immediate expensive treatment.

“Legitimate air duct cleaning requires professional equipment, NADCA-certified technicians, and typically takes three to five hours for an average home,” Sneddon explains. “Anyone promising to clean your entire system for $99 in under an hour isn’t actually cleaning anything.”

What Homeowners Should Look For

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends homeowners verify several key credentials before hiring any air duct cleaning service in Cumming. Companies should provide NADCA certification numbers, maintain current business licenses and insurance, and offer transparent pricing in writing before beginning work.

According to industry standards, proper air duct cleaning for an average-sized home typically costs between $450 and $900, depending on the system size, accessibility, and level of contamination. The process involves specialized truck-mounted equipment, HEPA-filtered vacuums, and thorough cleaning of all supply and return vents, registers, and the main trunk lines.

“The cost reflects the reality of what’s involved,” notes Sneddon. “We’re talking about professional-grade equipment that costs tens of thousands of dollars, certified technicians who’ve undergone extensive training, and a process that genuinely improves your indoor air quality. You can’t do that for $99 any more than you can buy a quality car for $500.”

Protecting Your Home and Health

With respiratory health concerns at an all-time high, Sneddon emphasizes that substandard duct cleaning isn’t just a waste of money, but can actually be actively harmful. Improper cleaning techniques can damage ductwork, dislodge contaminants into living spaces, or leave moisture that promotes mold growth.

“Your HVAC system circulates air throughout your home 24/7,” Sneddon says. “If it’s contaminated with dust, allergens, or mold spores, you and your family are breathing that constantly. Proper cleaning makes a real difference, but it has to be done right.”

He recommends homeowners ask potential service providers specific questions: How long will the job take? What equipment will be used? Can you provide references? Are your technicians NADCA-certified? Will you provide a written estimate? Companies that hesitate or refuse to answer these questions should be avoided.

About HVAC Cleaning Technologies

HVAC Cleaning Technologies has been serving Metro Atlanta since 1999, providing professional air duct cleaning, HVAC system sanitization, and mold remediation services. The company maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, a distinction it has held since 2006, and has been a member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) since 2003. All technicians are NADCA ASCS-certified and use truck-mounted Power Vac equipment to ensure thorough, professional cleaning.  Located 5 minutes from Cumming City Center, the company serves over 20 communities across North Georgia, including Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Gainesville, and surrounding areas. For more information or to schedule a free inspection, call (404) 737-9167 or visit www.hvaccleaning.com.

Contact Information:

HVAC Cleaning Technologies

237 Castleberry Industrial Dr Suite A
Cumming, GA 30040
United States

Scott Sneddon
404-737-9167
https://www.hvaccleaning.com/