Resources + Tips

Finished Basement Problems (aka Buried Drop Cold)

What is a “buried drop cold”?

In an unfinished basement or basement with removable ceiling tiles, access to the main supply and return lines of your ductwork is very easy, which assists us in making appropriate access points to ensure a thorough cleaning of your system.

Unfortunately, drywalled basement ceilings can prohibit us from fully accessing your system to ensure that thorough cleaning. Of particular concern is a situation that we call the “buried drop cold”. This is a situation in which your main cold (return air) duct has a bend or drop in it, and the ducting on the lower side of this drop is encased in drywall.

Why is this a problem?

In the course of our cleaning, we use our high pressure RotoWhip and airline through each vent, to blow dust and debris down to the main ductwork in the basement, where our large vacuum hose is attached, and it can be sucked out. If the dust and debris gets trapped in the lower ductwork and the vacuum is attached in the higher section, there may be a significant amount of dust and debris that we are unable to remove from the system. Because we fully guarantee our work, we are unable to clean in this situation.

What can be done about this?

In order to complete the thorough cleaning of your furnace & ducts, you will need to either cut a hole for us, or have a contractor cut a hole and install a grate so that we can access the ductwork on the lower portion of the main duct run.

Why can’t Alberta Furnace Cleaning cut a hole in my ceiling or wall?

We are really good at cleaning furnaces and ducts, but we’re not very good at cutting holes in houses. You wouldn’t want your dentist to perform open heart surgery on you, right?


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Alberta Furnace Cleaning Reviews

Benito and his partner gave exceptional service for us. They came when they said they would, were quick and efficient. We had fewer vents than first estimated so were even able to get a lower price than the initial quote. They were professional, polite and friendly. We highly recommend them if you are looking for a furnace cleaning. They also gave great advice, don't wait until the fall to clean your furnace, do it now when they have more times available and if you have air conditioning then it's good to have them clean for the summer too.

- The Real Tracie Gray

This company knows their stuff, provides great customer service and excellent work. I’m totally happy with how the two very friendly and knowledgeable associates cleaned my furnace, vents, dryer vent and AC coil. I will certainly book my next appointment with them.

- Mark

Benito & Misha were out last week. Arrived on time, very friendly & knowledgeable. They did a very thorough cleaning of my vents & furnace a/c. It feels like the furnace & a/c are working much better. Gave me helpful hints for changing filters, etc in the future. I will definitely book with Alberta Furnace Cleaning again!

- Linda Hayne

We had Edison and Roberto out to our home to clean our furnace vents and dryer. They were extremely polite, professional, thorough and efficient! They explained the entire process before they got started and even as they were working. I really appreciated the care they took to wear boot covers, lay down mats, and seal the front door. I couldn't have asked for a better customer experience! Alberta Furnace also offers competitive pricing and I was really pleased with the communication provided before and after our service. All around, a great experience with wonderful people every step of the way! Oh yeah, and clean vents too 😉

- Aimee Canepa

Andrew M and Roberto M were fantastic! They were super friendly from the start and they explained what they were going to do. From the booking request to the attendance of the techs everything was well communicated. I would highly suggest using this company to anyone needing to have their furnace serviced and ducts cleaned. Thanks so much!

- Amanda Amyotte

The crew who came out was very knowledgeable. I appreciated that they were thorough and honest. I didn’t realize the humidifier filter was a thing and they showed me it was time for a change. Overall, fast friendly service all around. Would use them again.

- Liz Kulikowski

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