We do not recommend duct cleaning because you called about duct cleaning. We open the system from the registers to the plenum, photograph what is there, and only then tell you what it needs, if anything.
Or call +1 (737) 299 19 19for free inspection
Dust at the vents is a symptom. The cause can be the ducts, but just as often it is a dirty blower, a coil that has never been cleaned, a leaking return box or a plenum that was never sealed to the air handler. Cleaning the ducts alone would leave the source in place, and the dust would be back in a season.
So the inspection follows the air. It starts at the supply registers in the rooms, goes back through the ductwork to the air handler, through the coil, blower and drain, and ends at the plenum and duct connections in the attic. Nine steps, every one of them photographed.
Every step below is part of the same free visit. Under each one: what we check, what can go wrong, and what we photograph so you can see it yourself.
The inspection starts inside the house. We check the supply registers for dust, debris and staining, the first signs that the system needs a closer look.
Dark streaks around a register, a grille that is dusty a week after it was wiped, or one room that is always dustier than the rest.
Several representative registers, plus a close-up of the buildup.
If a register shows buildup, we take it off and look inside the register box and the first section of duct. This is where we see how dirty the ducts really are and whether professional cleaning is actually needed.
A box full of debris, insulation fibers pulled into the airstream, a flex duct that was never taped to the box, or a duct run that is clean and does not need anything.
The register removed, the inside of the box, and the duct interior before any cleaning.
We open the furnace or air handler and check the overall condition of the HVAC unit. The point is to make sure the problem is not limited to the ducts.
A filter that does not fit, a cabinet that pulls unfiltered attic air through a gap, wiring buried in dust, or a unit that is simply overdue for maintenance.
The open unit, and the condition of the components inside.
The coil is checked for dust, debris and signs of biological growth. A coated coil restricts airflow, makes the system run longer and pushes whatever is on the coil into every room.
Fins packed with dust, a grey or black coating on the intake side, a musty smell that gets stronger when the AC starts.
The coil, especially the intake side, where the real condition is visible.
The blower wheel is checked for packed dust and dirt. A dirty blower keeps re-distributing contamination through the duct system no matter how clean the ducts are.
Blades caked with dust, a wheel out of balance, or a motor working harder than it should because the blades cannot move the air.
The blower wheel, close up.
We check the condensate drain line and the pan under the coil for blockage, standing water, rust and leaks.
A pan holding rusty water, a clogged line that is one hot week away from overflowing into the ceiling, or a pan that has already rusted through.
The drain line, the pan, and anything we find in them.
We open and inspect the return box: how much buildup is inside, how well it is sealed, and what the inside surface looks like. A dirty or leaking return feeds everything downstream, the coil included.
Exposed fiberglass lining shedding into the airstream, gaps that pull attic or wall-cavity air, debris on the floor of the box.
The inside of the return box, plus the gaps, buildup and bad seams.
The supply plenum is checked for dust, moisture damage and visible suspected microbial growth. We also check whether the plenum is properly attached and sealed to the furnace or air handler.
Buildup on the plenum walls, water staining, a plenum that has pulled away from the unit and leaks conditioned air into the attic.
The inside of the plenum, and the joint between the plenum and the HVAC unit.
In the attic we check every accessible duct connection to the supply plenum. We look for disconnected or damaged ducts, air leakage, poor sealing, crushed or kinked sections, and whether the ductwork is properly supported without sagging or compression.
A run pinched between rafters, a collar held on with nothing but tape, a duct lying on the ceiling drywall and sweating on it, a branch that fell off years ago and has been cooling the attic since.
The duct system overall, and every problem connection or damaged section on its own.
Our rule for every technician: No recommendation without documentation. If we recommend cleaning, repair, sealing or replacement, you see the photo that explains why.
Not just "you need duct cleaning." You get the condition of the whole path: registers, register boxes, ducts, return box, filter area, blower, coil, drain, supply plenum, duct connections and supports. Sometimes the answer is cleaning. Sometimes it is a dirty blower or coil, a leaking return, or a plenum that needs sealing, and the ducts are fine.
If the inspection finds something, these are the services it points to. If it finds nothing, you keep the photos and we leave.
Less dust on the shelves within days. Cleaning that reaches the trunk lines, coil and blower, with photos before and after.
Even temperatures room to room and a lower electric bill. We find the leaks, seal them and verify airflow.
The musty smell when the AC starts is usually the plenum or the coil. We find it, photograph it and fix it, and tell you straight when a licensed remediator is needed instead.
Fewer breakdowns in August and a lower bill. Coil, blower, drain, refrigerant and electrical checked before the heat does it for you.
Real air duct findings from Central Texas homes, before and after.
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BeforeAfterRead what local homeowners say about the inspection and the work that followed.
They came to do the full inspection of our HVAC system and performed a thorough inspection with photos and a very detailed list of quoted recommendations. Gary and team were punctual the 3 times they came to our home and their price was very reasonable.
Read on GoogleGary and the team completely overhauled and replaced all ducts, return boxes, drains, etc. for both of our HVAC systems. Timely, professional, prepared, friendly and completed the large job in record time.
Read on GoogleGary inspected the plenum, there was microbial growth in the insulation. The system was replaced 3 years ago but had the original 20 year old plenum. Gary replaced the plenum and installed a scrubber. We haven't had any allergy problems in our new home so far.
Read on GoogleAnother company installed my HVAC and did a poor job. Air Duct Busters came in to fix the other company's mistakes and improve the efficiency of my heating and cooling. They're now our go-to HVAC professionals.
Read on GoogleAir Duct Busters inspects air duct systems for homeowners throughout Central Texas, including Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Burnet, Georgetown, Leander and surrounding communities.
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An AC that never shuts off in a Texas summer is usually not broken. Attic ducts, a dirty coil, a thin attic and a leaking plenum are the common causes, and most are cheaper to fix than a new unit.
September 7, 2026 · 4 min read
Yes, within our service area. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour for a single-system home. You get the photos and a written price for anything we recommend, and no obligation.
Yes, for the last step. We check the plenum and the duct connections where they live, which in Central Texas is almost always the attic. We bring our own ladder and lights.
Then we tell you that and show you the photos. Roughly one inspection in five ends with no cleaning recommended at all.
The coil, blower, drain and the cabinet, yes. Dust at the vents often starts there, not in the ducts, and cleaning ducts around a dirty blower is wasted money.
Usually. If the inspection finds what you expected and you approve the written price, the crew starts right away. Larger findings, like a plenum replacement, are scheduled separately.
Every one of them, sent to your phone the same day, whether you book any work or not.
Leave a number and we call back within the hour to set a window. Photos at every step, written price before any work.
+1 (737) 299 19 19