The Duct Cleaning Narrative

We had never done it, nor did we think we had to. Most people hadn't thought of it so why bother now? The thought of strangers, mostly men, walking through my house while 'checking on' the heating vents being cleaned had me thinking, in a most unseemly way,”Could they be casing the joint for future access? Such silliness.

Duct cleaning service had arrived a few weeks after the installation of a smaller state-of-the-art electric furnace, a more efficient user of electricity and with it, an outside heat pump. (“Living better electrically” is a lie started in the 60's, when this form of energy was cheap and in plentiful supply). Other heating choices had been considered then dismissed. Too risky, in my opinion. It had been over 30 years since we moved in. The original heating system had been a few years old then so it was time. With electricity costs sky high, a new one would be more efficient, smaller and less costly to operate.We were satisfied.

I had began to move objects and furniture out of the way of the floor vents. With a large hose moving about, throughout the house, I wanted my efforts to make things easier for the technicians. I covered this and that in case dust and other flight bound objects might land creating for me a cleaning nightmare later. Dusting is so time consuming. I am very particular how I do it. No cleaning company would do. Then there was the seeming intrusion into our lives. Some items were personal, not for eyes of a stranger.

The day had arrived. I was uneasy. With two dogs afoot, the noise and annoyance factor shot up ten fold. But at least security was here. Two men alighted from their nearly new mega van. A conversation began with my husband. He remained till I felt comfortable. A son once remarked, many years ago, that I would be fine anywhere men congregated. I understood what he meant. Surrounded by males all my life, then being the mom to three sons, set the standard for me, a Green Beret code of parenting. But as these gentlemen entered the house, I knew we were in good hands. Mr. Wiggles and Sally, his energetic 10 year old canine sister greeted them with enthusiasm and calm - while ensconced within their respective leashes. With all ceremonial introductions completed, I could now relax knowing my canine concerns had been lifted. My 'team' had decided. These 'suspicious' characters had met their criteria. All was good.

The trail of wide flexible hoses, threaded throughout our house, gave clear evidence that a massive cleaning operation was underway. I asked questions as this newest twist on housecleaning began. How often should this be done? Why are you using these lengthy finger-like metal projectiles inside the vent? My learning curve had expanded. ... Every two-three years, to help loosen any dust or debris adhering to the inside of the duct work. Each vent had a magnetic cover to keep the dust of that particular room contained as the hose managed to pull the particulates from an adjacent space. It all made sense to me.

As these gentlemen moved about, they never forgot to take off their boots. I had wondered about that step. Walking throughout my house without removing shoes would sound the death knell for future visits. Who knew what horrible things lie in wait beneath these warrior boots? But my fears were groundless as each technician removed footwear with each re-entry. The appointment lasted under 4-5 hours, I think, made painless because of their professionalism, caring and respectful manner. The dogs had been acclimated to the company otherwise alot of noise would have resulted during this time. It was as though friends were visiting. Freshly made orange juice was offered. It was a hot day after all and they deserved it.

So here I am totally satisfied and comforted by the excellent job done, with pictures to show before and after, inside our floors. Our 'house' was not the dirtiest. Thinking that a long gravel driveway, the dust and dirt of country living, along side 'fireplace' heat might be the culprits in our internal dusty malaise, I was surprised to learn it was none of those. Our pets and the fur they wore were most at fault. Well, now I understood. The invoice would go to them. Made sense to me.