Dryer Vent Cleaning
Commercial & Residential
Reduce Fire Risk, Lower Energy Bills & Maintenance, Faster Drying
Basic laundry 101 says to clean the lint trap every time you use the dryer. While this is good practice to help your system work more efficiently and prevent safety hazards, sometimes it’s simply not enough. The dryer vent, the tube that runs from your dryer to the outside of your house, helps remove hot air and moisture.
But did you know that it also needs to be cleaned out annually?
According to the US Fire Administration, 34% of residential fires are due to dirty dryer vents. Debris and highly flammable lint can build up in your dryer hose and vent duct, reducing airflow and backing up exhaust gases. Couple that with the hot temperature of the dryer and it makes for a very dangerous combination.
There is also a chance that gases and carbon monoxide, that should be released outside through the dryer vent, could be getting backed up into your home through the clogged vent, causing an air quality risk for you and your family.
Let Best Air clean and Inspect your Dryer Vent to keep it efficient and Safe!
Why Clean your Dryer Vents
Reduce Risk or Dryer Vent related Fires
Lower energy bills
Faster drying
Increased dryer lifespan and reduced need for maintenance
Get a sense of how much it will cost to keep your dryer safe and efficient...
Please be advise we DO NOT service dryer ducts where the dryer vent termination (outside cap) is higher than 25'
What to Expect...
While every job is slightly different, here is a look at our typical dryer duct cleaning process:
Please be advise we DO NOT service dryer ducts where the dryer vent termination (outside cap) is higher than 25'.
Our technician provides the customer with a courtesy call once on route to the job site.
Upon arrival, the technician greets the customer, introduces himself and provides a brief description of the job process.
We will ask a few questions and take a brief tour of the dryer area (and attic if applicable) and then we will properly assess the cleaning.
If we see any damaged or crushed dryer duct during our initial service assessment, we will bring this to the customer’s attention and recommend a solution.
Our technician will locate the “termination point” outside and set up our 175 p.s.i. micro line or the required equipment. In some cases the use of brushes will be essential.
As 175 pounds of compressed air surge through this instrument, it forces any lint or debris backwards and out of the pipe. Even the toughest blockage is no match for our tool, including bird nests, which are broken free easily.
Once the line is clear, airflow is verified and determined to be at peak operating performance.
We will remove and clean dryer filter and lint trap.
We will then pull out the dryer if its side by side & the area allows it, sweep under and behind it. PLEASE NOTE: We DO NOT move stackable washer & dryer as it can potentially damage water lines or other connections.
The itemized invoice is filled out and presented to the customer for payment. Then it is time for thanks and valediction.
Safety Tips...
1. Check Your Outside Dryer Vent
When your dryer is running, check the outside dryer exhaust vent to make sure hot air is escaping as it should. If you do not feel any air movement, it probably means there is a build-up of lint clogging the outlet. In this case, cleaning dryer vent ductwork is recommended.
2. Clean Your Lint Trap
Lint is the most common source of dryer fires. Lint collects inside the dryer cavity near the heating elements where temperatures can reach 550 degrees. Always clean your lint screen before and after every load of laundry. This is the easiest way to reduce the risk of a dryer fire and it takes very little time. You should also wipe down the inside of the dryer to get rid of any extra lint that the screen does not catch. Never run your dryer without the lint trap in place because this will remove the defense against lint building up in more dangerous areas such as the duct or inside the dryer housing.
3. Check Around the Dryer
It isn't enough to clean lint from the lint trap and dryer vent; it can also accumulate behind and under the dryer itself. The heat from your dryer while it's running can ignite the lint hidden around the dryer. Make sure the area around your dryer is free of lint and clutter.
4. Understand Fire Safety Codes
When your dryer is installed or replaced, it's a good idea to be aware of local fire safety codes to make sure they're followed. The dryer vent should have a diameter of at least 4 inches and as large as the dryer outlet. The exhaust duct coming from your dryer should be a maximum of 25 feet. The shorter the dryer exhaust duct, the lower the risk of fire. The vent should also exhaust outdoors. Surprisingly, many homeowners learn that their dryers vent into an attic, crawl space, or even empty space in the walls instead of outdoors. The fittings should also be secure to keep the exhaust from seeping back into the home.
5. Keep a Working Fire Extinguisher Nearby
A fire extinguisher is always a safe addition to your home. Along with adding an extinguisher to your kitchen, it's a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in your laundry room for dryer vent safety. If your dryer or vent catch fire, a working fire extinguisher can stop the fire before it spreads.
6. Don't Leave the House with the Dryer Running
Just as you wouldn't leave your home with your oven on, always plan to be home when the dryer is running. Dryers and ovens are the leading causes of appliance-related home fires and they should never be used without supervision.
7. Use Metal Dryer Ductwork
Flexible or rigid metal ductwork is best because it can sustain proper airflow. Accordion-style ducts trap lint and develop clogs much easier. These outdated ducts are also prone to getting crushed or damaged, even during normal dryer operation.
8. Move Flammable Items
Make sure you keep the area around your dryer free of any flammables. Along with lint and dust under and around the appliance, this can also include baskets of clothing, cleaning products, and paint.
9. Don't Put Clothes With Flammable Materials in the Dryer
Never put anything in your dryer after it comes in contact with flammable materials like cooking oil or gas. These items can be safely laundered in your washer, but they should never go into the dryer if you can still smell a fuel aroma. Excessive heat in the dryer can cause the fabric to actually ignite. You should also avoid putting anything in your dryer with plastic or rubber. This includes bathroom mats. When plastic or rubber backing gets too hot, it can crack and melt, damaging your dryer and potentially causing a fire.
10. Schedule Regular Dryer Vent Cleaning & Inspection with Best Air
Your dryer vent requires regular cleaning to remove any blockages that may develop. As lint builds up in the duct inside your wall, it reduces airflow which can cause overheating and a fire. Professional dryer duct cleaning is an affordable and effective way to keep your dryer working efficiently while dramatically reducing your risk of a house fire.