Our Dryer Vent Cleaning Process
We begin our dryer vent cleaning process with a thorough inspection, ensuring that your dryer vent system operates at its best and remains safe. During this inspection, we assess the condition of the duct work, ensuring it’s in compliance with safety codes.
- It’s not uncommon to find dryer vents made of aluminum, flex hoses, or semi-rigid pipes when the code specifies 28-gauge galvanized steel pipes. While we always recommend bringing such non-compliant vents up to code for long-term safety, we can still attempt to clean them for short-term use, and we provide estimates for this service.
- Please note that cleaning non-compliant vents carries a risk, as these materials can be fragile due to age. In the event of breakage or damage during cleaning, we cannot be held responsible.
We clean the dryer vents using professional dryer vent cleaning equipment from behind the dryer or outside at the termination.
- Our cleaning methods are comprehensive and effective. We employ professional dryer vent cleaning equipment to clear blockages and ensure your dryer can function safely and efficiently.
- This equipment includes a rotary brush system, which scrapes and shreds lint blockages from the vent walls, as well as high-powered air to blow lint out through the termination point.
In cases where severe blockages have caused water and heavy wet lint buildup, we use specialized equipment and invest additional time and effort to ensure the complete removal of these obstructions.
- Bird nests are also a common issue we encounter. If the nest is empty, we can remove it for an additional charge.
- Additionally, we offer the option of installing a bird guard to prevent future nest buildups.
- If there are birds present, due to the Bird Protection Act, we recommend leaving the bird there during the nesting season and scheduling us to come back and remove the nest at a later date.
- Screens
- Regarding screens on dryer vents, we advise against them as they can accumulate lint and potentially pose fire hazards. Instead, we recommend installing a Defender Guard, which allows lint to pass through while still providing protection against animals.
The dryer vent cover on the side or roof of the house is cleaned as well, removing all blockages.
- Please be aware that some covers are made of plastic and can degrade over time. We carry replacement vent covers and can replace them for an additional fee.
After completing the cleaning, we conduct another airflow test to ensure the vent is entirely clear, allowing your dryer to operate safely and efficiently. If airflow remains suboptimal, it could indicate issues with the dryer vent or dryer, leading us to recommend further inspection, potentially including a video inspection or evaluation of the attic/crawlspace.
- A video inspection can be performed at this time. This will allow us to see the inside of your dryer vent and determine if anything is disconnected or damaged. We may also access your attic/crawlspace to evaluate the dryer vent.
Rest assured, our process is designed to be clean, preventing lint and dust from entering your home. We also employ special equipment like airsleds and floor sliders to protect your floors when moving appliances to access the dryer vent.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Benefits
Dryer vent cleaning offers numerous benefits, including:
- Reducing the risk of a dryer fire: Keeping your dryer vent clean minimizes the risk of a dangerous fire.
- Lowering your power bill: A clean dryer vent ensures your dryer operates efficiently, reducing energy consumption.
- Extending dryer lifespan: With fewer repairs and less stress on the appliance, your dryer can last longer.
- Faster drying times: Clean vents result in faster drying cycles and less lint left on your clothes.
- Preventing dryer overheating: Clogged vents can cause dryers to overheat, potentially damaging clothing and posing a fire risk.
- This process pays for itself.
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
In terms of maintenance frequency, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend annual dryer duct inspections and cleanings. The frequency may vary based on factors such as the number of loads dried per week, the presence of pets, vent length, and the number of bends in the ducts. As a general guideline:
- 1 to 3 loads a week, should be cleaned approximately every 2 years.
- 4 to 7 loads a week, should be cleaned annually.
- 8+ loads per week should receive cleanings about every 6 months.
- But this can change based on the layout of your dryer duct.
Who needs dryer vent cleaning?
Everyone who has a dryer in their home, whether it’s a house, condo, apartment, or townhome, can benefit from yearly dryer vent cleaning. If your dryer vent is longer than ten feet, neglecting this service can lead to a significant fire hazard, so it’s crucial not to postpone it. The risks associated with a dryer fire are simply too high to ignore.
Why Is Dryer Vent Cleaning Important?
With every load of laundry that is put in the dryer, tiny bits of fabric fibers (lint), pet hair, our hair, and other small items are tossed loss from the clothes we dry. Dryer vent cleaning is vital because it prevents lint and debris buildup in your dryer vent duct system, which can reduce airflow and create a potential fire hazard. While the lint trap in your
dryer captures most fibers, some bypass it and accumulate in the vent. Over time, this buildup can lead to excess heat in your dryer, damaging clothing and increasing the risk of fire. In fact, there are approximately 15,000 dryer fires each year, many of which could have been prevented
with professional dryer vent cleaning.
Additionally, clogged dryer vents can raise your energy costs by up to $24 per month, adding up to $288 annually. Regular inspection and cleaning can save you money in the long run.
Your Dryer Vent System
The primary purpose of your dryer vent system is to remove moisture, heat, and lint as your laundry dries. Routine dryer vent cleaning prevents lint and debris buildup, ensuring proper drying, reducing drying times, and mitigating fire hazards.
Clogged Dryer Vent
Blocked dryer vents can also attract wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, rats, snakes, bats, and other animals, which can nest in the vent and cause blockages. We offer a solution to this by installing a Defender Guard.
Wondering If You Need A Cleaning?
There are several warning signs that indicate your dryer vent needs cleaning:
- Drying cycles take longer than 45 minutes.
- The dryer feels hot to the touch or emits a burning smell.
- Clothes and dryer have a burning smell.
- Lint remains on your clothes at the end of the drying cycle.
- Clothes are still damp at the end of the drying cycle.
- You detect a moldy smell.
Schedule Your Dryer Vent Cleaning Today!
Regular dryer vent cleaning ensures your dryer operates safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of fire and saving you money on energy bills. Don’t hesitate to schedule a cleaning if you notice any of these warning signs.
