Ocean Air Care

I responded to an ad in a mailer for a complete air duct cleaning. Two guys arrived, hooked up a large circular, flexible duct to their truck with a weak vacuum. They then proceeded to go up to the attic (told me they had to look at the furnace), and then called me up. They showed me three areas of the black plastic covering my heating ducts where they had torn holes into the plastic, and some scattered pellets on the floor. They told me that this was evidence of rats, and that they were 99% sure that there were rats in the ductwork of my house. I knew for a fact that the holes weren't there in the plastic before they came over, and also knew there was no noise/smell, evidence of rats anywhere else in our (cat inhabited) home. So I told them to just clean the dryer vent and finish the duct cleaning and that would be enough. They left within 30 minutes, having only completed the dryer vent cleaning. I think they went looking for an easier target. I sent them a letter the same day and cancelled payment on my check, writing them a new check for only the amount of the work actually performed (dryer vent cleaning). They did not dispute my letter, nor did they respond to the complaint I lodged with the Better Business Bureau.

Horrible experience. I called in response to a coupon mailer advertising complete air duct cleaning for $39.95. From the coupon it isn't clear at all that the cleaning does not truly include the entire ventilation system, and the technician immediately attempted to sell my wife a "true" entire cleaning for much MUCH more money (don't recall the exact price). When she refused, he continued to pressure her. The coupon also included free deodorizing of the ducts, which the technician said could not be done unless she purchased the entire system duct cleaning. In my opinion, none of this is clearly stated on the coupon and this is nothing but a bait and switch service. They also accidentally dropped some of their equipment on the floor, scratching the side of my stereo equipment. In short: very unprofessional, gives less service than suggested on the coupon, and high-pressure sale. Not recommended at all.