An HVAC system is used in American houses to keep the air quality consistent and healthy. Hiring air duct cleaners for regular heating and air maintenance checkups can help residents protect their health from the potential risks associated with breathing contaminated air from their HVAC system.
However, when we get our air ducts cleaned, there is a common question that many homeowners wonder about but cannot find a clear answer to: should I tip the cleaner? Here, we will explain in more detail what an air duct cleaner usually does and why you should consider tipping them.
What Does An Air Duct Cleaner Do and How Much Do They Make?
A professional duct cleaner will assess your ducts for buildup and then use a strong suction to remove any dirt, grit, or particles. This method can enhance indoor air quality, allowing you to spend less time in discomfort and more time-saving money. They’ve got all they need in terms of skill and tools to execute a great job and give a rough price quote for cleaning your ducts before officially beginning any AC service and maintenance.
Air duct cleaners earn an average of $35,000. Annual earnings might vary from $25,000 to $50,000 or more, based on qualifications, industry, and geographic region.
Naturally, those who have a long history in the industry or are working in major cities tend to earn the most. On the other hand, despite the greater overhead expenditures, self-employed air duct cleaners can earn significantly more than their salaried counterparts.
Now, Should I Tip My Air Duct Cleaner?
Cleaning air ducts is a skilled job, and its practitioners can expect to earn a fair wage for their efforts. Because of this, many homeowners may choose not to tip them, and instead, most people will at least provide them with refreshments, if not food. In other words, they do not necessarily expect a tip, but it will be appreciated if you do.
Some people often hesitate to tip for fear of making the air duct cleaner feel uncomfortable. However, when someone flat-out refuses, you should not insist. It is important to let them know that you are not tipping as an act of charity but rather because you greatly appreciated their work.
We have listed the most common reasons why homeowners would consider tipping:
People think about leaving a tip when:
- The cleaner exerts maximum effort to complete the task in as little time as possible.
- The cleaner spends considerable time in uncomfortable conditions (such as high heat or low cold).
- The cleaner works at irregular hours, like early in the morning or late at night.
- The cleaner leaves the work site in better condition than when they arrived.
People won’t leave a tip if:
- You already paid a big amount for a regular job
- The cleaner did a poor job
- The cleaner is careless or rude
When tipping, the ideal amount would be around $20-$30. If the cleaner had a helper with them, an extra $5-$10 for their assistance would suffice.
In conclusion, you should not feel obligated to tip your air duct cleaner, but it is also no problem if you want to. HVAC companies do not necessarily implement a no-tipping policy. Besides, it is a good idea to reward exceptional service with a tip.
On the other hand, it is not uncommon for a busy homeowner to overlook cleaning their air ducts. That is why even knowing the dust and dirt in it are bad for their health, they keep using it. Mr. Duct Cleaner has a large team of professional air duct cleaners and HVAC technicians who can keep your home free of harmful air pollutants, so you won’t have to take time off your daily schedule and still have clean, healthy indoor air.
If you have a problem with your HVAC system’s heating capacity, do not hesitate to avail yourself of our home heating maintenance service. We can also include an air duct cleaning service alongside it for an additional charge!
You are welcome to seek our expert support if you experience discrepancies with your HVAC system and air duct or simply have general questions about them. Just drop us a line at Mr. Duct Cleaner!