Resources + Tips

Question: Why are the bags on the top of the furnace truck floppy?

Furnace cleaning trucks have a very distinct look and sound. When one is operating, you can hear it from a block away. When you see it there are normally several bags sticking out of the top of the truck. Have you ever wondered what those bags are for? 

Generally, people assume that the bags on the top of the furnace truck is the vacuum. When the bags are sticking straight up it must mean that the cleaning is underway, right?

The bags are actually an exhaust dust filter for the vacuum. Think of the little dust filters that you can buy for a shop vac that clip on the exhaust air port to prevent dust from filling the room. The bags are like those, but on a much larger scale.

The vacuum that sucks all the dirt out of your furnace system is actually located inside the truck. It’s very obvious when the vacuum is on and the cleaning is taking place – because you can’t hear anything else! The vacuum makes a very loud humming noise when operating, and as long as the sound is blasting, the vacuum is doing its job (and so are our technicians). 

If the bags aren’t sticking up straight, am I getting as good of a furnace cleaning?

Yes. Another assumption people have about the bags on the top of the furnace truck is that if they aren’t sticking up straight, the cleaning isn’t as good. But this is not the case. 

The bags filter out dust and debris from many houses, and every couple of months we have to clean them out because as you can imagine, they get filthy. The dirtier the bags are the more the airflow is restricted. This is because less air can get through the build up of dust, causing the bags to stick up in the air. 

So when you see bags that look like this:

…you know that a truck with recently cleaned bags is servicing your furnace system!

We proudly maintain our trucks at peak performance level, so whether the bags are floppy or sticking straight up in the air, you can trust that your furnace is getting the best cleaning possible.


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What Our Customers Have To Say

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

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

Fantastic TEAM of office admin & cleaning professionals! Excellent service from the moment the estimate was confirmed, the appointment time was arranged and the reminder texts were sent prior to their arrival. The service teams were punctual, polite and SUPER professional! Protective floor mats were placed, shoe guards were used and the Furnace & carpets were thoroughly cleaned and completed in a timely manner. Thank you again for the excellent service :-)

- Alixe Regan

Glad we got Alberta Furnace. The price was reasonable for a thorough job. Tic & Roberto did an amazing job today! They worked hard even pointing out things on the furnace to look out for. They were kind and polite and when we get our furnace cleaned again, I would certainly hope for these 2 gentlemen.

- Sandra Crabtree

The guys called to inform us that they will arrive early which was great. They were friendly, respectful, professional, explained what they were about to do, clean, placed protectors on the floor and around furnitures. Overall we are 100% satisfied with their service.

- Rosalia Giralao

The technicians were efficient and very friendly. They explained what they how and what they were doing. The only thing was there was some sort of residue left on the concrete from their truck all the way to our front door that was not there before they arrived. (Dark stains on our driveway, walkway and front steps leading into the house).

- Maureen Miyagishima

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