Dirty dryer vents are a common issue for homes across the United States. Not only are they a fire hazard, but they can also cause your clothes to take longer to dry. That’s why it’s essential to have your dryer vent cleaned regularly. This blog post will discuss what dryer vent cleaning is, the benefits it offers, and how you can find a qualified professional to clean your dryer vents.
What is dryer vent cleaning?
Dryer vent cleaning is the process of removing lint and other debris from a dryer vent. It involves using a special tool to clear the blocked dryer vent of any obstructions and then vacuum the debris. It’s not as simple as just clearing your dryer’s lint catcher and the exterior vent; a full vent cleaning involves going deep into your dryer’s duct system.
Why is dryer vent cleaning important?
Professional dryer vent cleaning offers a lot of benefits to homeowners. Some of these include:
Reduces the risk of dryer fires
Dryer fires are among the most common emergencies that the fire department responds to across the United States. A dirty dryer vent is a significant cause, as the lint and debris can easily catch fire. Over time, the dryer vent line accumulates more lint, making it even more likely to catch on fire. Unfortunately, this is a risk for both electric and gas dryer models. But one sure way to prevent dryer fires is to get your dryer vent cleaned professionally.
Reduces the amount of time it takes for clothes to dry
A dirty vent can make drying clothes take longer than it should. This is because the dryer vent clogs prevent the efficient flow of wet air outside, increasing the time it takes for your clothes to dry. By fixing your clogged dryer vents, your clothes should dry much faster.
Reduces the amount of energy used to power the dryer
Most homeowners don’t realize that a clogged dryer vent will make their dryer use more energy than it needs to. Since the airflow from your machine has nowhere to go, it’s forced back into its internal components and makes them work harder than they should. The result is a higher energy bill at the end of each month.
It keeps allergens out of your air
A dirty vent can let a lot of allergens into your home. The lint and debris caught in your dryer duct will eventually make their way into the air you breathe, which can cause health problems if left unchecked over time (especially for those who suffer from asthma or allergies.) Older gas models can even release unhealthy fumes into your home if the vent gets too clogged. Luckily enough, you can avoid this by getting professional dryer vent cleaning services.
Reduces mold growth
Mold growth is a common problem in homes with excess moisture. The best way to prevent this is through professional dryer vent cleaning. A dirty vent line can make this more likely to happen because it traps moisture from your clothes and keeps it near an area where mold likes to grow (inside walls), making for perfect conditions if left unchecked long enough.
Extends the life of your clothing
Dirty dryer vents can also cause your clothing to wear out more quickly. They trap lint and dirt from your clothes inside the ductwork, which will rub against garments during drying. Cleaning the dryer vents helps prevent this from happening so that you don’t have any unwanted holes or other damage on items like jeans or towels.
How to find a qualified professional for dryer vent cleaning
How to find a qualified professional for dryer vent cleaningIt can be challenging to know who to trust when it comes to something as important as your home’s safety. That’s why we’ve put together a list of tips on how to find a qualified and reputable professional for a clean dryer vent:
-Ask your family and friends for recommendations. Chances are, somebody you know has had their vent cleaned in the past and can recommend a good company.
-Do some research online. There are plenty of review websites to read about people’s experiences with different companies. This is a great way to understand which ones are worth considering and which ones to stay away from.
-Call your local Better Business Bureau. The BBB can tell you of any complaints filed against a company in the past, as well as how they resolved them. This is an excellent way to gauge a business’ overall reputation.
-Schedule an appointment for an inspection. Most companies will come out to your house and do a free inspection before giving you an estimate on what it will cost to clean the vent.
-Get multiple estimates from different companies so that you can compare prices and services offered. Many people find this helpful because they want more than one opinion about how much work is required and the best option.
How often should I schedule dryer vent cleaning?
Most professionals recommend that you have your vent cleaned annually, or at the bare minimum once every three to five years. However, this is just a guideline, and some people may need it more often than others, depending on how many loads of laundry they do per week or month and the kind of clothes they dry.
Contact the Professionals!
At Better Air Northwest, we are proud to offer dryer vent cleaning services to our clients. Our team of qualified professionals will come out and inspect your vent line for any blockages, then clean it until it’s sparkling clean. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for dryer vent cleaning!