Per-Vent vs Flat-Rate: Air Duct Cleaning Pricing Explained
Per-Vent vs. Flat-Rate Air Duct Cleaning Prices
Are you doing research on air duct cleaning in Dallas? If so, you’ve likely discovered that many cleaning services offer two pricing methods: Per-vent, where they charge a certain amount for each vent, and Flat-Rate pricing, which includes a flat rate for the entire home. It’s important to note that the way the quote is structured is often more important than the initial quote price itself. A seemingly great price can become a nightmare when the company shows up to start the work.
Per-Vent Pricing
Per-vent pricing is when the company charges you for every individual supply and return vent in your house. At first glance, this seems like a fair way to determine the total price of your duct cleaning project. More vents mean more money. Less vents mean less money.
This method can be abused by the cleaning company however. They could give you a very low per-vent quote over the phone but then find a lot of extra return vents and register grates when they get to your house. They may find a second system in your house you weren’t aware of, and count every little vent they see until the quote is essentially double of what they told you earlier. They don’t want you to walk out before starting the project, and if you do, they have a good chance of getting your money anyway.
Flat Whole-Home Pricing
Flat whole-home pricing, which is simply put, is a single price for your entire house. This quote is typically made after they inspect your system. This price should include:
• Every Supply and Return duct
• Every Register and Grille
• The blower compartment
• An optional sanitizer treatment
With this method, there’s no creative counting of vents or add-ons at your door. The quote you receive before the work starts is the price you pay.
The Bait-Ad
Bait-ad style advertising is a method used by shady duct cleaning companies to get their foot in your door. They’ll advertise a super cheap whole-house duct cleaning special that doesn’t require an inspection. Then, when they’re inside your house, they can upsell you with all sorts of extras. Mold in your ductwork, additional services you “need,” and fees upon fees upon fees.
Red flags that indicate a bad quote are: A quote given without inspection, a vague description of the work they plan to do, and high pressure sales tactics.
A Good Quote
A quality duct cleaning company will do a few things:
1. **Inspect your system before giving a quote** – No excuses
2. Provide a **detailed scope of work** with a solid final price
3. Provide before and after photos of the work
4. **No pressure sales tactics** – Let you decide whether to accept or decline
If a company doesn’t do an inspection, it’s best to keep searching.
FAQS
FAQs
Why Won’t You Quote Over The Phone?
To accurately quote your air duct cleaning project, you need a visual on your system. There’s so much variance from home to home, and each system is unique, that giving you an exact price on the phone would be pointless.
Is Your Estimate Free?
Yes. We never charge for our inspections or estimates.
Does The Price Change On The Day?
No. Once we complete our inspection of your system and write out your quote, we stick with that price.
For more information, check out our full article on air duct cleaning costs in Dallas here: https://cleanairdallas.com/air-duct-cleaning-cost-dallas/
Need more help? Contact us at 214-935-5058