An inspection gathers information. Cleaning is a service performed after the condition and scope are understood. Treating those as separate steps helps prevent unnecessary work.
What an inspection should consider
The technician should ask about the concern, identify the equipment and accessible duct sections, review registers and returns, and look for visible buildup, damage, disconnection, moisture, or pest evidence.
Cleaning is not every repair
Cleaning does not reconnect damaged ducts, correct an active moisture source, remove pests, repair HVAC equipment, or automatically solve household dust. Those conditions may require another qualified trade or a different scope.
When cleaning may be considered
Substantial visible buildup, debris released from registers, certain post-construction conditions, or confirmed contamination in accessible components may support a cleaning recommendation.
The customer should receive a choice
The provider should explain what was found, what is recommended, what is included, and the price. Work should begin only after the customer approves that scope.