Many restoration contractors are looking for ways to grow and expand their business. It makes sense to consider a service that has good long-term potential, a service that complements existing services, a service that is not difficult to enter and a service that offers good profitability. Dryer vent cleaning portland is just such a service.
The concern and need for good indoor air quality and better energy efficiency will probably never go away, so the market for air duct cleaning should stay strong for a long time. Plus, many fire and mold-contaminated restoration projects need the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system cleaned and coated. Duct cleaning/coating is a good way to expand a restoration business and get benefits like:
Excellent gross profit margins (40% to 60%).
Significant add-on revenues with existing clients.
Ability to attract new customers.
More diversification can help during challenging economic conditions.
Eliminating scheduling and quality control issues sometimes associated with using a subcontractor.
Easy integration with your existing business systems (estimating, marketing, accounting, etc.).
There are many questions restoration contractors have regarding this service. Some of these are:
What is air duct cleaning?
Duct cleaning is more than cleaning air ducts. A more appropriate term to use would be "HVAC system cleaning." The HVAC system includes everything in the air stream. The goal is to remove all the accumulated dirt, debris and other contaminants found in the system. This is called source removal. A basic list of cleaning tasks for residential air duct cleaning includes:
Visual inspection before and after cleaning.
Remove, clean and replace supply air vents and return air grilles.
Install access openings as needed and then re-seal after cleaning.
Clean supply air ductwork.
Clean return air ductwork.
Clean the blower/motor assembly in the furnace.
Clean the air stream side of the heat exchanger.
Clean the secondary heat exchanger if present.
Clean evaporator coil and drain pan.
Wash air cleaner if present
Replace air filter
Coat the ductwork if needed.
What equipment is needed?
In generic terms a typical equipment package to inspect, clean and decontaminate a HVAC systems include:
Vacuum collection system to put the ductwork under suction.
Agitation and cleaning tools like power brushing systems, air washing/whipping systems.
HEPA filtered wet/dry vacuums for contact vacuuming.
Air compressor.
Duct accessing tools and service panels.
Visual inspection system or digital camera.
Sanitizer and fogger, coil cleaner, etc.
Equipment for applying coatings like cart or robotic spray systems and a commercial airless sprayer.
Personal safety equipment
Miscellaneous items like hand tools, drop cloths, ladders, etc.
Plus, a truck or trailer to transport the equipment.
What does it cost to add air duct cleaning services?
The cost to add air duct cleaning services will be determined by the type of services you want to offer (residential or commercial or both), the type of equipment you select and the level of cleaning and what services you want to offer.
For residential, a basic equipment package will cost from $6,000.00 to $7,500.00. For commercial, a basic package will cost from $9,500.00 to $12,000.00. Additionally, for coating ductwork you would need a spray cart or robotic system and an airless sprayer. Equipment suppliers can typically give you several options to choose from that will best fit your needs and budget.