Dryer vent cleaning to save the day!

Many people blame their dryer's inefficiency on the actual dryer, but most of the time it is their dryer exhaust vent that is causing the problem. Even with proper lint trap maintenance, a lot of lint and debris is routinely expelled through the exhaust vent. Over time, buildup occurs, restricting airflow. Dirty or clogged vents don't allow the hot air and moisture to escape efficiently, causing it to take longer to dry a load of laundry. This not only wastes your time, it also causes unnecessary wear and tear on your appliance.

Major appliance manufacturers recommend having a professional inspect and clean your dryer vent at least once every year. However, cleaning intervals vary depending on many factors. An honest recommendation is every 1-3 years depending on: The age of your dryer. If it is more than 10 years old it may need to be cleaned more often. A vent that has several bends or elbows will collect more lint than a straight run. A full-size dryer has better flow than a compact or stackable dryer. If you are using the dryer a lot, it will need to be cleaned more often. Dryer vents that are 5 feet or fewer in length will not need to be cleaned as often as a dryer vent that has a length of 15 feet or more. The longer the vent, the more it will build up with lint. The National Fire Protection Association recommends “once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.” Vents in multi-unit buildings or commercial properties may require more frequent cleaning.

Yes, in some cases you can. If the dryer vent is short (4 feet or fewer) and straight, you may be able to clean it yourself. There are also kits sold at some home improvement stores for a DIY cleaning. We have heard mixed reviews on those kits. Sometimes people have good luck with them, other times people have spent hours trying to get it to work only to have the kit break while trying to clean their vent. Then they call us to remove the broken kit from the system and complete the cleaning.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System, there are approximately 15,500 dryer fires every year, resulting in as many as 34 deaths, 430 injuries, and $209 million in property damages. In order to protect your home from a dryer fire, we recommend having your vents cleaned and inspected at least once a year. If you notice any warning signs reach out to us ASAP. Excessive Lint: Do you have lint on your clothing, behind your dryer, or in the door seal? Excessive lint can be a warning sign that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned and maintained. Overheating/Shut Off: A clogged dryer vent can lead to your dryer overworking and overheating. To prevent fires, your dryer may be warning you by shutting down. Burning, Musty or Unwanted Odors: Burning odors can indicate the need for cleaning. Musty odors could indicate a clogged/dirty vent. When the humid air from your laundry cannot make it outdoors, the water will collect in the vent, soaking the lint inside. If you notice a musty smell or other unusual odors indoors when your dryer is running, it can indicate a disconnect or leak along the vent, letting the air exhaust back into your home. This can lead to moldy odors from the humidity, and poor indoor air quality from the chemicals in detergents and fabric softeners exhausting indoors. Long Drying Times: Restricted air flow causes trapped moisture in your dryer, resulting in longer drying times. This is a warning sign that your dryer vent could be obstructed.