This page answers the most common questions Melbourne homeowners ask FreshDuct before booking a duct cleaning service — covering our process, service area, pricing approach, and what to expect. If your question is not answered here, call 0431 918 137 and we will answer it directly.
For deeper guides on specific topics, use the links throughout this page or browse the full Air Duct Cleaning knowledge library.
About the FreshDuct Service
What does a FreshDuct duct clean include?
Every FreshDuct residential duct cleaning service includes: negative pressure extraction of all supply duct branches and trunk line, negative pressure extraction of the return air duct, rotary brush cleaning of all accessible duct runs (with brush type matched to duct material), removal and vacuum clean of all supply and return registers, filter replacement, and tea tree oil sanitisation fogging of the complete duct network. A verbal handover at completion covers any findings. A written condition report is available and recommended for rental properties and any system with identified damage.
What equipment does FreshDuct use?
FreshDuct uses professional-grade portable negative pressure extraction equipment with HEPA filtration, a full set of rotary brushes in sizes for all standard Melbourne residential duct diameters (matching flex duct and rigid duct brush types appropriately), compressed air tools for trunk line agitation, and a fogging machine for sanitisation. For camera inspection, we carry a flexible camera probe for condition assessment in complex or heavily contaminated systems. See our full guide on duct cleaning equipment.
What sanitisation agent does FreshDuct use?
We use a tea tree oil-based sanitisation solution fogged through the complete duct network after mechanical cleaning. Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil) has well-documented antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It is a natural, low-toxicity agent that is safe for household use and does not leave chemical residues that affect indoor air quality. The fogging is performed with the extraction machine drawing the mist through the duct system to coat all interior surfaces.
Do you service all ducted system types?
Yes. FreshDuct services ducted gas heating systems, ducted reverse-cycle systems (including fan coil unit cleaning and condensate pan service), and evaporative cooling systems (including pad inspection, water tray cleaning, and distribution system check). For homes with dual systems, both scopes are covered in a single visit. See our system-specific guides:
Before Your FreshDuct Service
How do I prepare my Melbourne home for duct cleaning?
Very little preparation is needed. Ensure an adult is present for the duration of the service. Provide clear access to the roof manhole (remove any items stored directly under or over the manhole). Clear a small area below each supply register — registers are removed during cleaning and laid nearby. If you have pets, it is helpful to keep them in a contained area away from the work zone for their comfort. The system should be off when the technician arrives — we switch it off as part of our setup if it is running.
Should I tell the technician about known problems?
Yes — any information you have about the system’s history and current issues helps us allocate attention appropriately. Tell the technician about: rooms with consistently weak airflow, any musty smell, any known pest activity, recent renovation work, how long since the last professional service, and any previous findings from gas or HVAC service visits. This information improves the efficiency and thoroughness of the service.
Do I need to know my system brand or model?
No. The cleaning process is equipment-agnostic — it does not depend on the system brand or model. Knowing whether you have gas heating, evaporative cooling, or reverse-cycle is helpful for quoting and for allocating the right service scope. The system brand and model become relevant if there is a specific system-unit fault that requires manufacturer guidance — which is outside the duct cleaning scope.
After Your FreshDuct Service
What should I notice after a professional duct clean?
Most Melbourne homeowners notice: less dust settling on surfaces near registers when the system runs, elimination of any musty first-start smell, and improved airflow from registers that were previously restricted. Energy consumption may decrease as improved airflow efficiency reduces system run time. For households with allergy sufferers, a reduction in symptom load during system operation is a common reported outcome over the weeks following cleaning.
How long does the tea tree oil smell last?
The tea tree oil sanitisation produces a noticeable herbal scent for the first 1 to 3 operating hours after the service. This dissipates completely — it does not persist beyond the first day of normal system operation. If you find the scent strong, run the system for a few hours with windows slightly open to accelerate dissipation.
When should I book the next service?
Standard households: 3 years. Pet households or allergy households: 2 years. Rental properties: align with the 2-year gas service cycle. Set a calendar reminder at the time of booking so the next service interval is on your schedule. See our full guide on how often to clean air ducts in Melbourne.