Frequently Asked Questions

We connect a powerful negative-air machine to your main trunk line, then agitate debris from each vent with compressed air whips or rotary brushes — all contaminants get sucked out, not redistributed. The process takes 2–4 hours for most Georgia homes, longer for systems with heavy buildup or multiple HVAC units common in larger Druid Hills properties. We inspect before and after with video cameras; you'll see the difference. Furniture and flooring stay protected, and we run HEPA filtration during work to protect indoor air quality.

Most residential jobs in Georgia finish in 2.5–4 hours, though 5,000+ square foot homes in Belvedere or multi-zone systems in Atlanta's Buckhead-adjacent neighborhoods can take a full day. Commercial properties in Columbus or Phenix City with rooftop units and extensive duct networks typically require 1–3 days. We schedule with realistic windows — not the "we'll be there between 8 and 5" uncertainty. You'll get a 2-hour arrival window and text updates if traffic on I-75 or I-20 shifts our timing.

Every 3–5 years for most homes, but Georgia's pollen-heavy springs and humid summers push that to every 2–3 years for allergy sufferers or homes with pets. In Savannah and Whitemarsh Island, where coastal humidity hits 85%+ in summer, mold-prone systems need annual inspection and cleaning every 2 years. New construction in North Augusta or Augusta often needs immediate cleaning — drywall dust and debris from builders frequently clog brand-new ducts. If you're noticing dust accumulation on vents within weeks of cleaning, that's your signal to shorten the interval.

You can vacuum vent covers and the first few feet of visible duct with a shop vac and brush attachment — that's safe maintenance. Beyond that, no: rotary brushes, negative-air machines, and proper agitation tools require training, and DIY attempts often damage flexible ductwork or dislodge connections in attic spaces. In Georgia's older homes, particularly in Savannah's historic district or mid-century ranches in Decatur, ducts may contain asbestos insulation or fragile fiberglass that requires professional handling. We've repaired dozens of DIY-damaged systems; the "savings" rarely hold up.

It often helps significantly — we've had customers in Macon and Augusta report reduced sneezing and congestion within 48 hours, especially when combined with HVAC filter upgrades to MERV 13 or higher. Cleaning removes accumulated pollen, pet dander, dust mite debris, and mold spores that recirculate with every system cycle. That said, ducts are one piece of the puzzle: if you have wall-to-wall carpet, unsealed crawl spaces, or outdoor air infiltration, you'll need a broader approach. We assess your whole home environment, not just the ductwork.

We run Abatement Technologies portable HEPA vacuums and compressed-air agitation systems — the same equipment specified in hospital and school IAQ protocols. For sanitizing, we apply EPA-registered botanical solutions compatible with Honeywell and Aprilaire whole-home air purifiers, so your existing filtration investment keeps performing. In commercial jobs across Atlanta and Columbus, we've also deployed Guardsman containment systems for occupied-space cleaning where downtime isn't an option. The tools matter, but technique matters more: our technicians are trained on pressure balancing and access point strategy, not just equipment operation.

We clean ductwork connected to every major HVAC brand — Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman — and specialize in the high-velocity mini-duct systems common in historic Savannah renovations where traditional ductwork won't fit. For homes with Honeywell or Aprilaire whole-house dehumidifiers (essential in Georgia's climate), we coordinate cleaning to protect those components. If you've got a newer variable-speed system, we adjust our negative-air pressure to avoid triggering pressure fault codes. We've yet to meet a Georgia system we couldn't service properly.

Replace them after — your old filter captured what it could during the dirty-duct period, and a fresh filter gives you a clean baseline to measure future buildup. We stock 1-inch, 4-inch, and 5-inch filters on our trucks, including MERV 11–13 options that balance filtration with airflow for Georgia's heat-pump-heavy market. For customers in Augusta and North Augusta with Aprilaire media cabinets, we carry the correct 213 and 413 replacements. We'll install your new filter as part of the service and note the replacement date on your invoice.

Yes — we're fully licensed, insured, and bonded for residential and commercial HVAC duct cleaning throughout Georgia, with specific compliance for Atlanta's commercial building codes and Savannah's historic preservation requirements where access is restricted. Our technicians carry NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) certification, which exceeds Georgia's minimum contractor requirements. We've maintained continuous coverage since Scott Gray founded the company over 20 years ago; we'll provide certificates of insurance for property managers or HOA boards on request.

Georgia requires HVAC contractors to hold a Conditioned Air Contractor license from the State Construction Industry Licensing Board for any work affecting the mechanical system — but "duct cleaning only" occupies a gray zone many companies exploit. We hold full conditioned air licenses because we frequently find and repair disconnected ducts, improper seals, and code violations during cleaning. In Columbus and Phenix City, where Georgia and Alabama codes differ across the river, our dual-state knowledge prevents compliance headaches. Ask any cleaner for their license number; hesitation is a red flag.

Every technician passes background checks and drug screening before entering any Georgia home — we enforce this strictly because our crews work in occupied bedrooms, home offices, and around children and pets. Training runs 120 hours initially, covering NADCA standards, OSHA confined-space protocols for attic and crawl space work, and Georgia-specific mold remediation guidelines. Scott Gray personally oversees continuing education; we don't send anyone solo until they've assisted on 50+ jobs. Our 4.9-star average across 433 verified reviews reflects that investment in people.

Same-day service is available throughout our Georgia service area when mold, sewage backup, or post-fire smoke contamination creates immediate health risks — call (877) 565-7296 before 10 AM for best scheduling. In Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah, we maintain dedicated emergency crews; outlying areas like Belvedere or Whitemarsh Island may see next-morning arrival for non-health-critical requests. True emergencies (visible mold spreading, rodent infestation, carbon monoxide concerns) get prioritized regardless of location. We'll tell you honestly if your situation can wait or needs immediate attention.

Flooding or sewage intrusion into ducts, active mold growth visible at vents, smoke damage from fires, and dead animals creating foul odors or fly infestations all require same-day response. Georgia's humidity means water in ducts becomes a mold problem within 24–48 hours — we've seen it in Garden City crawl spaces and North Decatur basements after summer storms. If you smell gas, call your utility first; if your carbon monoxide detector alarms, evacuate and call emergency services. For duct-specific emergencies, we're the call after those immediate dangers are handled.

Commercial accounts with service agreements get 4-hour response guarantees; new commercial requests in Atlanta's Perimeter area or Augusta's medical district typically see same-day or next-morning scheduling. We understand downtime costs — a closed floor in a Columbus office building or disrupted patient flow at a Savannah clinic isn't acceptable. Our commercial crews carry larger Abatement Technologies equipment for faster throughput, and we schedule after-hours or weekend work when occupancy demands it. Property managers at multi-family complexes in Druid Hills and North Decatur particularly appreciate our tenant-notification protocols.

Yes — if you're not satisfied with visible results, we'll re-clean the area of concern at no charge within 30 days. Our guarantee covers workmanship and equipment performance; we also warranty our seal repairs for 2 years against separation or leakage. With 433 verified reviews averaging 4.9 stars, we don't see many callbacks — but when they happen, we respond within 48 hours. That guarantee has been in place since Scott Gray started the company, and it's non-negotiable regardless of job size.

Duct sealing and patching carries our 2-year workmanship warranty; full duct replacements include 5-year coverage on materials and installation. We use mastic sealant and mechanical fasteners — not duct tape, which fails in Georgia's attic heat — and source rigid metal or properly rated flex duct from established suppliers. If a repair fails, we'll fix it and investigate why: sometimes it's underlying pressure imbalance or equipment vibration we need to address. Warranty claims are rare, but we document every job with photos to expedite resolution if needed.

Our mold remediation includes identifying and addressing the moisture source — without that, mold returns regardless of cleaning quality. We warranty our botanical treatment for 1 year against regrowth in treated areas, provided you've maintained recommended humidity levels (50–55% in Georgia summers) and replaced filters on schedule. In coastal Savannah or Whitemarsh Island homes where outdoor humidity overwhelms standard dehumidification, we'll recommend Aprilaire or Honeywell whole-house units as permanent solutions. We don't treat and run; we solve the conditions that caused the problem.

Absolutely — every estimate is itemized in writing, showing vent count, return count, main trunk lines, sanitizer application, and any recommended repairs with their individual costs. We provide these on-site after inspection or via email for remote estimates based on square footage and system descriptions. No pressure, no "today only" pricing gimmicks. Our 20-year reputation in Georgia was built on transparency; we'd rather you compare our detailed quote to competitors' vague promises and choose confidently. Call (877) 565-7296 to schedule your free estimate.

Written by Scott Gray, Owner at Everest Air Duct Cleaning Service Georgia, serving Georgia since 2004.