20 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Duct Cleaning Robot: The Contractor's Evaluation Checklist (2026)

Why the Questions You Ask Determine the Robot You Get

Buying a duct cleaning robot is a $5,000 to $15,000 decision that directly determines your business's revenue capacity for the next 3 to 7 years. The difference between a robot that pays for itself in 3 months and one that sits in your garage gathering dust comes down to the questions you ask before you buy. Most first-time buyers ask about price and delivery time. Smart buyers ask the 20 questions below — and the manufacturer's answers tell you everything you need to know.

Part 1: Technical Capability (Questions 1–6)

1. "What is the minimum and maximum duct diameter this robot can clean?"

Most robots work in a specific range — typically 100mm to 600mm for AC duct robots and 200mm to 800mm for kitchen exhaust robots. If 80 percent of your target jobs fall within a robot's range, that is a good fit. If only 50 percent do, you need a second robot or a different model. Ask for the exact specifications, not "it handles most ducts."

2. "What is the cable length, and is it user-replaceable?"

A 20-meter cable handles most residential and light commercial jobs. Industrial jobs may require 30 to 50 meters. Equally important: if the cable gets damaged (and it will, eventually), can you replace it yourself in 15 minutes with basic tools? Or does it require shipping the robot back to the factory? A user-replaceable cable saves days of downtime and hundreds in shipping costs.

3. "What is the IP rating for water and dust protection?"

For AC duct cleaning: IP54 or higher is sufficient. For kitchen exhaust cleaning with degreasers and water: IP65 minimum, IP67 preferred. A robot with an IP67 rating can withstand temporary immersion — essential for kitchen exhaust work where liquid grease and cleaning chemicals are present. If the manufacturer cannot provide an IP rating, the robot has not been tested to any standard.

4. "What is the brush RPM, and is it adjustable?"

Brush speed determines cleaning effectiveness. 400–800 RPM is standard for most duct types. Adjustable RPM lets you reduce speed for delicate flex duct and increase it for heavy grease. Fixed-speed brushes are simpler but less versatile. Ask whether speed adjustment is continuous or has preset levels.

5. "What material is the robot body made of?"

For AC duct cleaning: high-impact ABS or aluminum is standard and adequate. For kitchen exhaust: 304 stainless steel is the minimum acceptable — it resists corrosion from degreasers and acidic grease. 316 stainless is even better for marine environments or heavy chemical exposure. A painted steel body in a kitchen exhaust robot will rust within months.

6. "What is the camera resolution, and does it record?"

1080p is the current standard. 4K provides better detail for documentation and client presentations. The camera should have built-in LED lighting (adjustable brightness is a plus). Recording capability — either to SD card, USB, or wireless tablet — is essential for before/after documentation that justifies premium pricing. Ask whether the camera feed can be viewed in real time by the customer on a separate monitor.

Part 2: Daily Operation (Questions 7–12)

7. "How long does setup and teardown take on a typical job?"

A well-designed robot should take 10 to 15 minutes to set up — unload from vehicle, connect cables, position at the access point, and begin cleaning. Teardown should be similarly quick. If the manufacturer hesitates or says "it depends," ask for a video of a real setup sequence. Robots that require 30+ minutes of assembly eat into your daily job capacity.

8. "Can one person operate this robot, or does it require two?"

Single-operator capability is the industry standard for modern robots. One person controls the robot via wireless remote while monitoring the camera feed. Two-person operation doubles your labor cost per job. Confirm that the remote control is truly wireless (not tethered) and has intuitive controls that a new technician can learn in under an hour.

9. "What is the total system weight, and can it fit in a standard van or SUV?"

A typical duct cleaning robot weighs 15 to 30 kg (33–66 lbs). With accessories, the complete system should fit in the cargo area of a minivan, SUV, or small cargo van. If the system requires a dedicated box truck, your vehicle costs just increased significantly. Ask for the dimensions and weight of the shipping crate — this also affects your import shipping cost.

10. "How do I clean and maintain the robot after a grease-heavy kitchen exhaust job?"

Kitchen exhaust robots get coated in grease. The manufacturer should have a clear cleaning procedure — ideally, the robot can be pressure-washed (if IP67 rated) or wiped down with degreaser without damaging seals or electronics. If the cleaning procedure is "be careful not to get it wet," the robot is not designed for real kitchen exhaust work.

11. "What is the typical brush life, and how do I know when to replace it?"

Nylon brushes last 300–500 operating hours. Steel wire brushes in grease applications last 200–400 hours. The manufacturer should provide clear replacement indicators — bristle length below a certain threshold, visible wear patterns, or reduced cleaning effectiveness. Replacement brushes should be available as an off-the-shelf item, not a custom order.

12. "Does the robot have any consumable parts I need to budget for?"

Every robot has consumables: brushes, belts, carbon brushes (for brushed motors), filters, and eventually cables. A transparent manufacturer provides a complete list with estimated lifespans and replacement costs. If they say "nothing really wears out," they are either not being honest or have never spoken to a contractor who runs their equipment daily.

Part 3: Support & Warranty (Questions 13–17)

13. "What exactly does the warranty cover, and for how long?"

A standard warranty is 12 months. But the details matter: does it cover parts only, or parts and labor? Are motors and electronics covered, or just the frame? Is there a separate warranty period for the battery (if applicable)? Are consumables like brushes and belts excluded? Get the warranty terms in writing before you pay.

14. "How do I get technical support when something goes wrong mid-job?"

This is the most important question on the list. Mid-job equipment failure costs you the job, the customer, and your reputation. The manufacturer should offer: (a) video-call diagnostics where an engineer looks at your robot via your phone camera and guides you through troubleshooting, (b) a WhatsApp or WeChat number for instant messaging support during business hours, (c) emailed troubleshooting guides with photos. If the only support option is "send an email and we will respond within 48 hours," find another manufacturer.

15. "Where are spare parts stocked, and how fast do they ship?"

If spare parts ship from the factory in China, delivery takes 3–7 business days to most countries. If the manufacturer has a warehouse in your region (US, Europe, Middle East), delivery may be 1–3 days. Ask specifically about the parts you are most likely to need: brushes, belts, cables, and carbon brushes. If these are not in stock at all times, the manufacturer is not serious about supporting professional users.

16. "What training do you provide, and is it included?"

At minimum, you should receive: (a) a printed or PDF user manual in clear English, (b) video tutorials covering setup, operation, maintenance, and common troubleshooting, (c) access to a live video training session where an engineer walks your team through their first setup. Some manufacturers offer on-site training for an additional fee. Remote video training should be included at no charge.

17. "Can you provide references from contractors in my country using this exact model?"

A confident manufacturer will connect you with existing customers who can share their real-world experience. If they decline or say "our customer information is confidential," ask for anonymized case studies or video testimonials. The absence of any reference customers is a red flag — it means either the robot is new and unproven, or existing customers are not happy enough to recommend it.

Part 4: Business & Logistics (Questions 18–20)

18. "What is the total delivered cost including shipping, customs duties, and any hidden fees?"

The equipment price is only part of the total. Ask for a breakdown of: FOB price (equipment at factory gate), international freight (air vs sea), customs duties and taxes in your country (the manufacturer should provide the HS code so you can check with your customs broker), and any bank transfer or currency conversion fees. A reputable manufacturer provides this as a single-page quotation with no hidden line items.

19. "What certifications does the robot have, and can you provide the documentation?"

CE marking is the minimum for import into most countries. For the US, ask about FCC compliance for the wireless remote. For Canada, CSA or equivalent. For Australia, RCM. If the robot has no certifications, you may face customs clearance issues or — worse — liability problems if the equipment causes an incident and you cannot demonstrate it met recognized safety standards.

20. "What happens if I want to order a second robot in six months — will the price, specifications, and compatibility be the same?"

This question reveals whether the manufacturer is a stable operation or a trading company that sources from whichever factory offers the lowest price that month. A real manufacturer maintains consistent specifications and pricing. They can also tell you about backward compatibility — will new accessories and spare parts fit your existing robot, or do specifications change with each production batch?

5 Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away

1. No IP rating or refuses to provide one. This means the robot has not been tested for water and dust resistance — a basic requirement for duct cleaning equipment.
2. Cannot provide a video of the robot working in real ducts. Marketing photos of the robot on a white background prove nothing. Ask for video footage from an actual job site. If they cannot provide it, the robot may have never been used in real conditions.
3. No English-language documentation or support. If the user manual is a machine-translated PDF and support communication requires translation apps, you will struggle every time you need help.
4. Requires 100% payment upfront with no production verification. Standard terms are 30–50% deposit, balance before shipment — with photos or video of your completed equipment before you pay the balance. 100% upfront with no verification is a risk you should not take.
5. Cannot explain the difference between their models. If the salesperson cannot clearly articulate why you should buy Model A versus Model B for your specific application, they are order-takers, not equipment specialists. Work with a manufacturer whose team understands the equipment.

The Buyer's Scorecard: Rate Each Manufacturer

After asking these 20 questions to each manufacturer you are considering, score them:

• Technical Capability (Questions 1–6): ___ / 6 points
• Daily Operation (Questions 7–12): ___ / 6 points
• Support & Warranty (Questions 13–17): ___ / 5 points
• Business & Logistics (Questions 18–20): ___ / 3 points

Total: ___ / 20 points

16–20 points: Serious manufacturer, buy with confidence. 12–15 points: Acceptable with some gaps — negotiate the weak areas. Below 12 points: Keep looking.

Start Your Evaluation Here

Gaolijie's engineering team answers all 20 of these questions — with specifications, videos, and references — in the first conversation. Contact us with your application details (duct types, sizes, typical job volume) and we will provide a detailed quotation with technical documentation within 24 hours. No pressure. Just answers.