Hey everyone! I'm a first-time homeowner and I'm in a bit of a bind. We recently moved into a brand new house built in 2023, but we've noticed a funky, musty smell coming from the AC. I called a highly rated HVAC company, and the technician looked pretty shaken when he found lots of mold and dog hair in the ductwork. He mentioned it could be a health hazard since I have a 1-year-old at home. They're getting quotes to replace the ducting, but I'm wondering if it just needs cleaning instead. Can anyone give me advice on whether it can be cleaned or if it really needs to be replaced? What should I be asking the next guy I call? Thanks a ton! Edit: I just got a quote for $4865, and apparently, it can't be cleaned because it's on fiberglass - he said the cleaning solution would just make it worse. Ugh!
2 Answers
Definitely get multiple quotes. It's always good to compare options to ensure you're not overpaying.
Did they show you any pictures or videos of the issue? If they didn’t, push for that. Having visual proof helps you know if they're being honest. It's also a good idea to get a couple more technicians to check it out, since some just sell way more than they actually fix.
He did show me something, but I wasn’t sure if it was actually my duct. Getting more quotes is definitely the plan!