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

The two technicians were fantastic. They communicated details of the process making it easy to understand. Very polite and took care while performing the cleaning. Would highly recommend to anyone.

- Geoffrey Park

A big shout out to Andrew and Aaron from Alberta Furnace Cleaning. My husband and I had recently renovated our home and were noticing a fine dust on everything that I couldn’t keep up with. Andrew and Aaron came in and cleaned the furnace, air conditioning unit and all the duct work. It was shocking to see what the found - construction debris, dog toys, tennis balls etc. They definitely have the equipment to thoroughly clean the mechanical and duct work. Both workers used care in removing vent covers, and cleaned all surfaces, properly replacing the grills when done. They were on time, efficient, polite and respectful of ourselves and our home. I could not be happier.

- Kerri Davis

Professional and Excellent Service! The team explained the entire process clearly and even showed me how dusty the furnace was. They performed their duties meticulously, ensuring everything was cleaned thoroughly. Highly recommend their services!

- SB

Salvador & Alfred’s service are the best. Very professional in handling the services. Alberta furnace has all the needed tools, equipment and PPE needed. Highly recommended!

- April Galong

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