Identifying a true professional for air duct, heating, and air conditioning (HVAC) cleaning in Greater Montreal can be as challenging as it is essential. In a fast-growing market like North Shore, South Shore, Laval, Longueuil, and Montreal, many consumers fall victim to fake duct cleaning specialists who promise miracles at rock-bottom prices… but deliver disappointing—or even harmful—results for your health and your HVAC system.
At AirGreen, we’ve been called numerous times to fix mistakes or even damage caused by these so-called professionals. In this article, we’ll show you the telltale signs of a scam, best practices to follow, and real examples of successful interventions we’ve carried out throughout Greater Montreal.
False promises: how to recognize them quickly
The most common trap? Flashy ads or cold calls offering full duct cleaning for $99 or even less. This price, far below professional standards, often hides a rushed, incomplete, or even non-existent service.
Signs of a typical scam:
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Ridiculously low price with no detailed breakdown.
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No service report provided after the work.
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A company with no clear physical address or RBQ license number.
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No proof of certification or liability insurance.
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Technicians with no uniform, ID badge, or proper professional equipment.
These so-called interventions put at risk not only your indoor air quality, but also the proper functioning of your HVAC system. Many clients have reached out to us after noticing increased dust, strange odors, or even system malfunctions following a so-called “cleaning.”
How to spot a true professional in duct cleaning
At AirGreen, every HVAC cleaning job follows a strict protocol, in line with industry recommendations and tailored to the climate conditions of Greater Montreal.
Here’s what proves a company’s professionalism:
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Initial visual inspection with before/after photos provided.
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Detailed service report of the cleaning performed.
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Professional-grade equipment (high-powered vacuums, rotary brushes, compressed air sanitization systems).
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RBQ license number, liability insurance, NADCA or equivalent certification.
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Transparent pricing, with a detailed estimate based on number of vents, type of HVAC system, accessibility, etc.
Case study: Corrective interventions in Montreal and on the South Shore
In Longueuil, a couple contacted us after a suspicious $79 service. The result? No improvement in air quality, and a layer of dust still present in the vents. Our team carried out a camera inspection and found that only two vents had been partially cleaned. We performed a full cleaning, including:
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The main duct.
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The return air box.
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All distribution ducts.
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A disinfection using a Health Canada-approved antibacterial product.
In Laval, a property manager was left with damaged ducts, following a cleaning by an uncertified company. The AirGreen team replaced the damaged sections and installed a permanent service access, ensuring safe future maintenance.
Our tips to avoid nasty surprises
1. Ask for verifiable references
A reputable company will be able to provide client testimonials, photos of completed projects, or even direct you to Google or Facebook pages with authentic reviews.
2. Check for a professional website
Fraudulent companies often only have a temporary page with no legal info. At AirGreen, we regularly publish HVAC cleaning projects completed in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore, with photos, technical descriptions, and available grants.
3. Beware of aggressive upselling tactics
Some scammers offer a basic low-cost service, then try to push unnecessary add-ons once inside your home. Our estimates are clear from the beginning, with accurate pricing and no surprises.
The consequences of poor cleaning
A poorly done—or only partially done—cleaning can have serious impacts:
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Build-up of contaminants in the ducts (dust, allergens, mold).
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Reduced energy efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
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Premature wear on mechanical components, especially blower motors.
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Increased risks for people with asthma or allergies.
Why choose AirGreen for your duct cleaning in Greater Montreal
We don’t just clean—we sanitize and optimize your HVAC systems. Our certified technicians carry out:
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A preliminary diagnosis to target priority areas.
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A full mechanical intervention including tightness testing.
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Safe cleaning of all components: fan, ducts, air exchangers, air vents.
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Professional disinfection using non-harmful products.
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A thorough explanation of the work performed, with recommendations for the coming years.
In conclusion
In a market as active as HVAC duct cleaning in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore, it’s critical to distinguish true experts from shady service providers. Through transparency, technical rigor, and real-world experience, AirGreen stands out as your trusted partner for HVAC maintenance and duct cleaning.
We invite you to check out our many documented projects, contact us for a free evaluation, and see for yourself the quality of our approach.