It is no question that the Aix La Chapelle boiler system is unique in the way of condo heating units. Each unit has a closet where the lower portion is occupied by a fan wheel whose heating coils is connected to the central boiler. This boiler was put in place in 1964, consequently these units have seen over 45 years of loyal service and build-up.Being a home owner, I recently contacted a typical air duct cleaning company to do a routine cleaning. I used the conventional methods of finding a "reputable" business (ie. yellowpages.com, classifieds, mailers, etc.) to perform the service. I was enticed by what seemed to be a "deal" for an $89.95 cleaning of 10 vents and a return. I called them and they came to out to clean my vents. They said that they had never seen this type of system before so it would be an extra $20 for the fan wheel. They went on to say they had a sanitizer treatment for $120. I told them I didn't need it and after a "sales pitch" they agreed to give it to me it for 50% off because, after all, it was worthless to have the cleaning done if they didn't sanitize. This would have been $230 but they gave me a HUGE deal at $170 . . . yeah right!
They used what seemed to be nothing more than a truck mounted shop vacuum with an extra long hose that they fished down the vents. This so called "sanitizer" was sprayed in each vent and on the blow unit. The whole process took about 15 minutes and they were gone.
I then got a call from Crystal Clean Vents, Inc. who I had called earlier for a bid. They said that they were here at the complex to come give me a bid. I was too embarrassed at that point to say I already had it done so I let them come up.
He came up and took at look at the fan system and was sort of excited. To my surprise, had seen this kind of system before. He told me although they are rare, they are a great and efficient system to have as long as they are maintained regularly. He actual thinks they are better than the individual furnace systems found in most other complexes. The only downside it that because hot water flows through the coil, condensation can build up and over the years can cause mold and mildew.
This is what gives the "old home smell" found in some of the units!
He then proceeded to pull a rat sized piece of dust and build-up out of the fan unit (yuck.) This is after I just had them cleaned! I felt I just payed almost $200 for something I could done in 15 minutes with a shop vacuum and a can of Lysol. He went on to tell how he use to work for those other companies and left after he realized they were all scams. They are trained to "bait and switch" and have bonuses for every time they can get a customer above a certain price point. He went on to say that the "sanitizer" is nothing more than water and fragrance. As he is talking I am getting madder and madder (remember, he still doesn't know I just had the vents serviced.)
He quoted me $350 which made me feel a little better until he told me what he does. He puts covers on all the vents, including the return, and pressurizes the whole air system. This breaks apart any particle stuck along seams and walls of the vents. Then they use a brush that they feeds down the vents, instead of a shop vacuum hose that only sucks up what is loose. After that, they use a 8" vacuum line, not the 3" line used by the "other guys," to suck it all out. Then, they treat the whole vent system with an environmentally friendly sealant that seals the whole vent system protecting it from rust and moisture which ultimately stops mold and mildew.
At the end he treats the WHOLE air system with a REAL sanitizer, not just the vents. The whole process takes 3-4 hours so plan accordingly.
He admits to his service being a little more than others but actually I don't think its that much more, especially considering everything he does. He told me that the majority of the cost comes from bringing the truck out to the location and setting up the truck. However, if I could find another home owner he would take $25 off of both our units, bringing it down to $325. After bargaining some more, he agreed to continue to do that for each additional unit until the price comes down to $250 for everyone. That's only 4 units! This is almost the same as the original price for the other guys!
I have already been scammed out of my money, plus I don't have an extra $250, but I wanted to pass this on to everyone else who might be thinking of this. I highly recommend having your ducts serviced especially before the pollen spring months and the hot summer months when the A/C is always running. I have even noticed a little difference with the crappy service by the other guys.
HERE IS CRYSTAL CLEAN VENTS' NUMBER;
801-561-0924
