What the camera can show
A small camera on a flexible cable is fed into a register, a return or the dryer vent. You watch the live view or look at images afterward, so you can judge the condition of the inside yourself.
- Dust and debris build-up on the duct walls.
- Lint along a dryer vent run and inside the outside hood.
- A blockage, a crushed section or a duct that has come apart at a joint.
- Signs of pests, such as a nest or droppings.
- Visible moisture or what looks like mold growth.
What the camera cannot show
A camera sees only what is along its path, so the picture is partial by nature.
- Anything behind walls, floors or ceilings that the camera cannot reach.
- Sections past a tight bend or a closed damper the camera cannot pass.
- How much air is moving. An inspection is a look, not an airflow test.
- Whether dust in a duct ever reaches the air you breathe. It shows build-up, not exposure.
When an inspection makes sense
Looking first costs little in time and can save you from a cleaning you do not need.
- You are deciding whether cleaning is worth it and want to see before you spend.
- You finished a renovation and want to know if construction dust got into the ducts.
- You are moving into or buying an older home and want to know what the ducts look like.
- A dryer takes longer than it used to and you want to see the vent run.
- You had a cleaning and want to confirm the result.
What to do with what you see
If the ducts look fine, you have your answer and no cleaning is needed. If there is heavy build-up or lint, cleaning is the next step. Some findings need a different trade:
- A duct that is crushed, disconnected or leaking is a repair for a licensed HVAC contractor.
- Visible mold means there is a moisture problem to find and fix first. Cleaning alone will not solve it.
- Old duct wrap or tape that might contain asbestos should be left alone until a licensed professional has assessed it.
Common questions
Can I watch the camera while it runs?
Yes. A camera inspection is meant to let you see for yourself, so we show you the live view or images, and you can ask us to stop and look at anything.
Do I need an inspection before every cleaning?
No. It is optional. It is most useful when you are unsure whether cleaning is needed, or when you want a record of how the ducts looked before or after.
Does a camera inspection find air leaks?
Not reliably. A camera can show a disconnected joint or a gap it passes, but it does not test airflow or pressure. Leaks are better found with a duct test by an HVAC professional.
Can the camera look at a dryer vent too?
Yes. The same kind of camera can follow a dryer vent run and show lint build-up, a crushed section or a blocked hood.
