Doug Kanter wrote:
"Fred" wrote in message
...
On 8 Jan 2005 02:21:37 -0800, "Sennin" wrote:

During wintertime, the furnace air has been drying out the
family
sinuses. Also, we have been sick a few times. While
investigating, I thought maybe it was a furnace issue.

I had a reputable furnace man out. He suggested having the
furnace
cleaned/AC cleaned and each air duct cleaned. For a total
of $500.

I have heard that the furnace/AC cleaning is a good idea. I
have
also heard that duct cleaning is just a scam, because the
filter
picks up the dirt that would be in the duct.

Any thoughts on that?

Yeah.

You are a sucker for the charlatans and they will rob you
blind.

Don't let these quacks near your home.

Fred

Just one exception, and a comment: First, there are companies
that
will actually get the ducts clean, regardless of whether it's
necessary. That leads to the exception: We have a talk show
here
which sometimes has a home inspector as the guest. He's
mentioned a
few instances where he's inspected homes that sat empty for
quite
some time before being sold, and that somehow, mice end up in
the
ductwork. The clue is the mouse crap, and you don't want that
gradually turning to dust and mixing with your air. If a duct
inspection turns up anything other than the expected dust
deposits,
they're worth cleaning.

Sidelight:
When I was a kid, my folks used to drop coins into the registers
so I'd clean them. It worked, and I was sure to reach in far
enough to get any and all dust/paper clips, etc. that collected
in there, especially that great big square return register! They
had to force me the first time, but after that ... g
--
One should not be so philopotemic
lest they be seens as disputatious.