Had our ducts cleaned, may have got scammed?

[Rubycon]

I've thought of rigging my own snake to check out my own ducts actually. A fish line with a USB camera and light would probably work. Just need to mount it very solidly as it's going to get bounced around a lot.

My ducts are pretty bad, but it would be fun to see just HOW bad before I decide if it's worth to get a guy out or not. I know a plumber / HVAC guy so don't think he'd try to rip me like the OP got ripped.

One way to check straight run ducts is using a mirror and flashlight. Think the best bet before anyone gets their ducts cleaned is to try to inspect them to see if it's really that bad.

The blower looks like a PITA to clean though. Also have to be careful not to force dust right in the motor assembly if it's a direct drive one.

Squirrel cage blowers can be cleaned by removing the wheel from the motor shaft and soaking the wheel in detergent. Just be sure NOT to move those clips you find on the blades! Those are placed there when the wheel is made to maintain balance. If knocked out of balance you will be sorry.

Also if the wheel is hard to get off the shaft you may want to apply some anti seize compound on the shaft to keep it from getting stuck. The only thing that should hold it to the shaft is a set screw.

 

[Sea Moose]

In commercial areas ducts may need to be cleaned. Most homes should not have much dust build up as a commercial setting with a high changeover of people.

THis