EDIT: Updated a few hours later. I just couldn't sleep tonight thinking about the bait and trap situation and the gut feeling that I had. So I did a little research. IN THE PAST, the last company I used was AMAZING. They made me feel safe, showed me pricing on their website (and told me upfront that it was $20/vent: didn't even explain the process, just told me upfront and was honest.), and then also showed me pictures as he was taking them with his camera extended into my vents. THIS TIME: I called and asked for a per vent price for a duct cleaning. The lady who answered said it is $89 for the whole house. I specified that I had 20+ vents and two returns and she said that it would take the price to $145 total. I again asked for the per vent cost and she said, "We have a special, go look at website. No per vent cost. Only $144 unless you have to catch rodent or something bad.". My home is only 17years old and I know what bad looks like. I have personally been in the attic to see the condition and knew it was ok. Yes, my vents had build up a bit, but I knew that these were not bad. The last house we serviced was from the 70's. That was bad! Anyway, they hooked up the vacuum to one vent and closed other grills by moving tab. Vacuum started. Sean showed up about 5 min. later with a picture of dust sitting on the bottom of the ducts telling me they needed scrubbing. I at first was waiting for him to go do the scrubbing, but he looked at me like he was confused. He then told me that is extra. I explained the situation that the lady and I discussed on the phone and explained my disappointment. I explained that I have had this service done before only 3 years ago where they opened and cleaned each vent (including scrubbing....apparently Summit Clean Air considers this a separate charge where as other vent cleaning companies have it INCLUDED in their very basic vent cleaning pricing), put a foam piece in there, and then run the vacuum (where the last company I saw TONS of debris flying though, and this one I see nothing). He said it was a newer machine, stronger, and that the other company must have been using old technology. He asked for a napkin after I persisted on how disappointed I was and the fact that I would have never used them if the lady on the phone wasn't so misleading. My husband and I stood there as he tried on 3 failed attempts to get one vent in our main dining area (the closest to the vacuum machine they hooked up) to suck up the paper. Needless to say, my husband and I were left less than impressed by his last attempt where he held it up to the vent for a few seconds before it gently held the light 1/4 piece paper towel. At this point I told him I have already spent my budget. I was upset and that he just pretty much robbed us of our money we set aside for this project. I explained that I had two kids, one who is allergic to almost every debris and that the musky smell is just going to stay because I can not afford any up-selling. I told him flat out that his company was misleading and that I was upset. I asked for knowledge how much his per vent cost was (even though the lady on the phone said they were running a special and it was INCLUDED) and he quoted me $45/vent! Alright, now here is a picture from there website where it clearly states $35/vent. Don't you think he would know his price/vent or the lady would give me that price when I asked twice? I am sure it is family owned. Furthermore, there is also a screenshot from there website where it said under the negative pressure method: deep cleaning duct brushing (doesn't say added cost). On the pricing page, it shows the "deal" she was talking about not adding extra costs per vents. BAIT AND TRAP IT IS! Now, we did work out a deal by negotiating, but he also asked that the payment be CASH. I am kinda unsettled now (I had to drive to the bank). Who knows what kind of job they did. I have 20 vents! They finished in about 1 hour (1.5 hours less than my last house with 12 vents). I know one was untouched because of paint on it, but now I am questioning the job done as the musky smell reappears as the sanitizing fades. He also did my dryer deep clean but didn't hook the negative pressure to it. I never saw them extending past the first 5 feet in my ducts or dryer. I am calling another company to review the work and take pictures. Part of old review: There was a little misunderstanding of my needs. I was quoted one thing on the phone for a service I expected to get and given a service that did not meet my needs. After a quick explanation, they did try and work out the misunderstanding (It looks like not long ago a reviewer had the same experience on 2/13/17, so that is a little unsettling to be honest. I have used duct cleaning companies before and am familiar with the way it works). Needless to say, we worked it out and they treated me professionally. Clearly, they do a good job because I had that musky smell go away.
Will update w/ screenshots read more