Transparent. Thorough. Proven.
Our Cleaning Process
We don't just vacuum your vents and call it done. Here's exactly what happens from the moment we arrive to the moment we leave — for both air duct and dryer vent cleaning.
HEPA Filtration
Captures particles down to 0.3 microns — nothing re-enters your home
Negative Pressure
Sealed system prevents cross-contamination during cleaning
Before & After Test
Digital air quality measurement — documented proof of results
The 10-Step Air Duct Cleaning Process
Our air duct cleaning follows the NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) source-removal standard — the only method proven to actually remove contamination rather than just disturb it. Every job ends with a pressure leak test and a full CO₂ & indoor air quality report.
Schedule & Pre-Visit Consultation
When you call or book online, we ask about your home's square footage, approximate vent count, and any specific concerns — musty odors, visible dust, recent renovation, or allergy symptoms. This lets us arrive with the right equipment and a realistic time estimate, so there are no surprises on the day of service.
On-Site Inspection
Before touching a single duct, our technician walks every room and inspects each supply register, return air grille, and the furnace cabinet. We look for visible contamination, signs of mold or moisture intrusion, damaged flex duct, and disconnected sections. You get an honest assessment — not an upsell — before any work begins.
Negative-Pressure Containment Setup
We connect our truck-mounted HEPA-filtered vacuum directly to your main trunk line and seal off the supply and return sides of the system. This creates a powerful negative-pressure environment inside your ductwork — meaning all airflow is directed toward our equipment, not back into your home. Dust and debris cannot escape into your living space during cleaning.
Agitation — Breaking Loose Decades of Buildup
With negative pressure holding everything in check, our technicians work through every branch line using a combination of rotating brush systems and compressed-air whips. The brushes scrub duct walls while the air whips blast debris loose from corners, elbows, and flex duct folds. We work from the farthest registers back toward the main trunk, ensuring nothing is left behind.
HEPA Extraction
Every particle dislodged by agitation is immediately captured by our truck-mounted HEPA vacuum — rated to filter particles down to 0.3 microns. That includes dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, and fine construction debris. The vacuum exhaust exits through our truck, not your home. When we're done, the debris leaves with us.
Furnace Cabinet & Coil Cleaning
The furnace blower motor, evaporator coil, and cabinet interior are the most overlooked parts of any HVAC system. A dirty coil reduces efficiency by up to 30% and is a primary breeding ground for mold. We clean the blower wheel, wipe down the coil fins, and vacuum the cabinet floor — restoring airflow and efficiency at the source.
Optional Antimicrobial Sanitizing Treatment
For homes with pets, allergy sufferers, or visible mold indicators, we offer an EPA-registered antimicrobial fogging treatment. The fine mist penetrates every inch of ductwork, killing bacteria, mold spores, and odor-causing microbes on contact. The product is safe for occupants and pets once dry — typically 30 minutes after application.
Final Inspection & Register Restoration
With cleaning complete, we re-inspect every supply and return register, reinstall all vent covers, and restore your thermostat settings. We walk every room to confirm airflow is strong and even at each vent — catching any branch line that may need a second pass before we move on to testing.
Duct Pressure Test for Leaks
Once cleaning is complete, we perform a duct pressure test to check for leaks in the system. Using a calibrated pressure gauge, we pressurize the duct network and measure pressure decay over time. Even small leaks — at joints, seams, or flex duct connections — can reduce HVAC efficiency by 20–30% and allow unconditioned attic or crawlspace air to enter your living areas. We document the results and, if leaks are found, walk you through your repair options before any additional work is done.
CO₂ & Indoor Air Quality Test
Our final step is a comprehensive indoor air quality assessment that goes beyond particulate counts. We measure CO₂ levels alongside PM2.5 and PM10 particulates. Elevated CO₂ — typically above 1,000 ppm — indicates poor ventilation and can cause fatigue, headaches, and reduced cognitive function. We compare readings room-by-room against pre-cleaning baselines and EPA benchmarks, then provide you with a printed or digital report showing exactly what changed. This documented proof of results is something no other local duct cleaner provides.
What's Included in Every Air Duct Cleaning
- All supply registers & grilles
- All return air vents
- Main supply trunk line
- Main return trunk line
- All branch duct runs
- Blower motor & wheel
- Evaporator coil (exterior)
- Furnace cabinet interior
- Indoor air quality test
- Before & after documentation
- Duct pressure leak test
- CO₂ level measurement & report
The 6-Step Dryer Vent Cleaning Process
The U.S. Fire Administration reports nearly 2,900 home dryer fires annually — 34% caused by failure to clean the vent. Our process doesn't just clear lint; it verifies your vent is safe and performing correctly.
Vent Route Inspection
We trace the full dryer vent path from the back of your dryer to the exterior termination cap. We check for kinks, improper materials (accordion foil is a fire hazard), excessive length, and the condition of the exterior flap. Many homes have vents that were never installed to code — we identify those issues upfront.
Exterior Cap & Termination Check
The exterior vent cap is where birds nest, lint accumulates, and backdraft dampers fail. We clear the cap, test the damper operation, and confirm the termination is properly sealed against the exterior wall. A blocked or damaged cap is one of the leading causes of dryer fires.
Rotary Brush Cleaning — Full Length
Using a professional-grade rotary brush system, we run flexible rods through the entire vent run — from the dryer connection to the exterior cap. The rotating brush breaks up compacted lint and debris that a standard vacuum attachment cannot reach. We work in both directions to ensure complete removal.
High-Velocity Air Flush
After brushing, we run a high-velocity air flush through the vent to blow all loosened lint out through the exterior cap. This step clears any remaining debris from elbows and transitions that the brush may have dislodged but not fully extracted.
Airflow Verification
We measure airflow at the exterior cap using an anemometer to confirm the vent is performing within manufacturer specifications. A properly cleaned dryer vent should show strong, unobstructed airflow. If airflow is still restricted, we diagnose the cause — whether it's a crushed section, improper duct material, or excessive run length.
Reconnection & Final Check
We reconnect the dryer to the vent, run a short dry cycle to confirm proper exhaust, and check for any lint leaks at the connection point. You receive a summary of what we found, what we cleaned, and any recommendations — such as replacing accordion foil with rigid metal duct — to keep your home safe.
Warning Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning Now
- Clothes take more than one cycle to dry
- Dryer feels hot to the touch during use
- Laundry room smells musty or burnt
- Dryer shuts off before cycle ends
- Exterior vent flap doesn't open during use
- It's been more than 12 months since last cleaning
Professional Equipment — Not Hardware Store Tools
The difference between a real cleaning and a surface wipe-down is the equipment. Here's what we bring to every job.
Truck-Mounted HEPA Vacuum
Our primary extraction unit generates over 4,000 CFM of negative pressure and filters to 0.3 microns. It stays outside — exhaust never enters your home.
Rotary Brush System
Variable-speed rotating brushes sized for 4"–20" duct diameters scrub all four walls of every duct run, not just the center.
Compressed-Air Whips
Pneumatic whip attachments blast debris loose from elbows, transitions, and flex duct folds that brushes can't fully reach.
Digital Air Quality Monitor
We measure PM2.5 and PM10 particulate levels before and after cleaning — giving you a real number, not just a promise.
Common Questions About Our Process
How long does air duct cleaning take?
Most homes take 2–4 hours depending on square footage and duct count. We'll give you a time estimate when you book.
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
Yes — we need access to the furnace, all registers, and the exterior dryer vent cap. An adult should be present for the duration.
Will cleaning make a mess in my home?
No. Our negative-pressure system ensures all debris travels toward our vacuum, not into your home. We lay drop cloths at the furnace and clean up before we leave.
How often should I have my ducts cleaned?
The EPA and NADCA recommend every 3–5 years for most homes. Homes with pets, smokers, recent renovations, or allergy sufferers benefit from more frequent cleaning.
How often should dryer vents be cleaned?
At minimum once per year. High-use households (4+ people, frequent laundry) should consider every 6 months.
Is the antimicrobial treatment safe for kids and pets?
Yes. The EPA-registered product we use is safe for occupants and pets once dry — typically 30 minutes after application. We'll let you know when it's safe to re-enter.
What does the duct pressure test check for?
The pressure test identifies leaks at duct joints, seams, and flex duct connections. Leaky ducts pull unconditioned air from attics or crawlspaces into your living areas and force your HVAC to work harder. We pressurize the system and measure pressure decay — any significant drop indicates a leak we can locate and recommend for sealing.
What is a normal CO₂ level in a home?
Outdoor CO₂ is around 400–450 ppm. Indoor levels below 800 ppm are considered good. Levels between 800–1,000 ppm indicate the space needs more fresh air. Above 1,000 ppm, occupants may experience drowsiness, headaches, and reduced concentration. We measure your home's levels and compare them to EPA benchmarks so you know exactly where you stand.
Ready to Schedule?
Licensed (#RCE-67113), fully insured, and locally owned. Serving Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, Caldwell, and the Treasure Valley.