Local ads offering a low price on air duct cleaning might seem like a great deal with minimal risk. Though most companies are on the straight and narrow, Better Business Bureau warns consumers to beware of air duct cleaning businesses that employ bait-and-switch tactics or try to scare homeowners into thinking they have a serious, health-threatening mold problem.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage your house's ducts or heating and cooling system, possibly increasing your heating and air-conditioning costs or forcing you to undertake difficult and costly repairs or replacements. From The Augusta Chronicle.