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

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

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

We have been using Alberta Furnace Cleaning for I believe 20 years now! They have always been bang on with their quotes. They have always done very thorough job, punctual showing up and professional when they are working in your house. I would recommend them to anyone. Thankyou for the great service!

- Amra Fowler

I recently had Alberta Furnace Cleaning come over to clean my furnace and ducts, and they did an amazing job! They were super quick but still really thorough. The team was also very friendly and easy to talk to. I’m really happy with their service and would definitely recommend them to anyone needing their furnace or ducts cleaned.

- Larysa Bilous

I recently have my furnace and ducts cleaned. The two technicians were very professional, thorough and careful in their work. They ensure that nothing was missed and that any debris was cleaned up prior to departure. I know it's not the cheapest option out there for duct cleaning, but I went with a cheaper company a few years back and it turns out that company completely missed one of my cool air intake ducts to empty. Alberta Furnace sucked out A LOT of debris missed in that one duct. You get what you pay for and for their price (which is reasonable) you will get top service. 5 stars!

- Megan L

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