Dryer Vent Cleaning
Why Dryer Vent Cleaning is Important
The neglect to clean your dryer vent could result in a dryer fire that may cost you thousands of dollars in damages or, worse, a life. The number one cause of dryer fires in the United States is neglecting to clean the dryer vent, according to the United States Fire Administration (USFA). Approximately 2,900 dryer fires occur every year, making it one of the country’s most common types of household fires.
With such a prominent problem in dryers, it is critical you maintain your dryer and its ductwork. Professional dryer vent cleanings offer substantial benefits to your home, many of which you may not realize. After our team has completed your dryer vent cleaning, you can expect the following:
- Reduced risk of a dryer fire
- Lower energy costs
- Improved dryer efficiency
- Fewer allergens
- Longer-lasting dryer
- Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning (gas dryers only)
Reduce the Risk of a Dryer Fire
You can reduce the risk of a dryer fire in your own home by following one simple maintenance step throughout the year. After every cycle of clothes drying is complete, remove any lint that was captured in the trap. This should be changed after every single load to avoid a buildup. When your lint trap gets too full, it increases the chance of a fire. Make sure this part of your dryer is clear of too much lint.
How Often Should Dryer Vents Be Cleaned?
You should have your dryer vent professionally cleaned once every year. You could perform the cleaning yourself by purchasing a dryer vent cleaning kit at the local hardware store, but professional cleaning is capable of performing the job more effectively. We may also spot a problem associated with your dryer vent or the connections that you may miss. For these reasons, a professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended on an annual basis.
Choosing the Right Dryer Vent
Some types of dryer vents are better than others. Depending on the type you have, it may be contributing to your dryer’s inefficiency. Some of the most common dryer vents are flexible aluminum tubing. These vents have hundreds of small ridges running along the sides that help them remain flexible and fit into smaller spaces.
Unfortunately, those small ridges may be to blame for excess lint buildup and your dryer’s poor efficiency. Each of those ridges acts as a wall to slow down the escaping air. They can also catch lint more often, leading to more blockages. If you want the most efficient dryer vent possible, we recommend a rigid metal duct.
Signs of Needing a Dryer Vent Cleaning
For some, dryer vent cleaning may need to be performed more than once a year. It comes down to the frequency you use your dryer. Larger families may require two or three cleanings every year, while a person living alone can easily get away with cleaning once a year. If you are unsure if you need a dryer vent cleaning, there are some signs you can look for.
Give All Day Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vent Cleaning a call today if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Clothing takes longer to dry
- Clothing is hot to the touch after completed
- Dryer is hot to the touch
- Odors of smoke or burning
- Dryer shuts off or requires repairs
- Longer than a year since the last cleaning
- Just moved into a new home
Our Dryer Vent Cleaning Process
The whole process of cleaning your dryer vent takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Large vents or vents longer than average may take up to an hour. The process is relatively quick and simple for many. Of course, the complexity varies on the placement of the dryer vent in the home.
You can expect our dryer vent cleaning process to look like the following:
- Remove the dryer vent cap from outside.
- Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall.
- Disconnect the dryer vent connection.
- Remove lint and debris from the dryer’s connection
- Insert hand brush or motorized brush into the dryer vent, making sure to remove all lint and debris from the walls.
- Clean up any lint and debris removed from the vent inside and outside.
- Reattach the dryer connections.
- Plugin dryer.
Can I use a dryer vent cleaning kit?
Yes, you may use your own dryer vent cleaning kit to remove lint and debris buildup in your vent. Not everyone can do this, though, because some vents are too complex for storebought kits. Another downside is that you’re not educated or knowledgeable enough to identify potential issues associated with your dryer connections or vent. These cleanings are best left to the professionals.
Are plastic or vinyl dryer ducts okay to use?
No, we do not recommend vinyl or plastic dryer ducts. Because the air escaping the dryer is hot, these materials can wear and melt over time. They are also at a greater chance of catching fire. For this reason, avoid these materials at all costs.
Can I use duct tape to seal a dryer vent leak?
Contrary to its name, duct tape should not be used on your dryer vent. Since hot moisture is escaping through the duct, it will heat up, which affects the adhesive of the tape. Soon after application, the adhesive will dry out, and it will fall off.
Instead of duct tape, you should use foil tape. It will have a metal foil coating on the back that will adhere to the ductwork and not degrade from the heat.
Give us a Call
Are you looking to schedule a dryer vent cleaning? Get a free quote over the phone by calling us now. You can learn more about this service by speaking with a team member. We’ll help you schedule an appointment for your dryer vent to be cleaned!
Send us a Message
If you don’t want to call, fill out the form on our contact page. Once we receive your submission, a team member will respond within 48 hours. From there, they’ll assist you in reserving the services you are looking for.
Free quote
We’ll remove the lint obstructions from your vent to reduce the risk of a fire. You can receive a free quote over the phone today by calling, a representative from our team will discuss the details of your dryer vent cleaning and schedule an appointment!
Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning Services
Don’t hesitate to call All Day Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vent Cleaning. Our team is ready and able to help!
