Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer Vent Cleaning

In most homes today, a clothing dryer is a common appliance used on a regular basis. The vent of a dryer collects debris, fluff and hair that accumulates when the clothing spins around in the machine. It should be emptied after each load, but unfortunately, not everyone makes a habit of doing so. The debris can build up over time and even clog the dryer’s vent. Our dryer vent cleaning service can help to prevent a dangerous fire from starting because of a clogged dryer vent.

Dangers of a Clogged Dryer Vent
Believe it or not, thousands of home fires each year are started due to the dryer vent. When debris begins to clog the dryer vent, the exhaust gases produced by the dryer begin to back up and create a potential fire hazard. This can turn an otherwise helpful appliance into a disaster waiting to happen. Aside from the biggest risk of a home fire, clogged dryer vents can lead to short-circuiting and major electrical problems, overheating in the home and increased energy bills as the dryer has to work harder and harder with each spin cycle in order to dry clothes.

Signs That a Dryer Vent Cleaning is Needed
It is important to clean dryer vents before they get to the point where they could be a fire hazard. Some of the signs that a dryer vent cleaning is necessary include the following:

  •     Clothing comes out of the dryer much hotter than normal
  •     The drying cycle takes longer, or clothes are damp after a normal cycle
  •     The laundry room feels much hotter than normal
  •     The lint filter fills up quickly or appears unusual
  •     Utility bills rise without an explanation
  •     Clothes from the dryer take on a musty smell
  •     Dryer sheets smell odd or break down more than usual during the cycle
When to Call in a Professional to Clean a Dryer Vent
All of the signs listed above signify that a dryer vent absolutely needs to be cleaned. Many homeowners opt to clean their dryer vents themselves, which can be done by unplugging the dryer from the wall outlet, removing the vent exhaust pipe from the dryer, vacuuming or pulling out debris from both the dryer and pipe, visually inspecting the interior of the vent pipe and checking the exterior of the home for any blockages where the exhaust vents outside. However, this can be a time consuming process, and it is not always effective. A better idea may be to call a professional. Rather than just calling a handyman, it is worth looking for a dryer exhaust technician that is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. These professionals are familiar with the biggest fire risks and can help you prevent clogs as well as eliminate any existing ones. 
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