"My combo boiler/hot water went out yesterday Moore did a great job and came up with innovative solutions to get it fixed quickly - very pleased as temps are going to below zero and big snow has begun. Also great job on mask-wearing for COVID. I have used Moore Heating, including buying my boiler from them 9 years ago, and very pleased with their professional service!"
Dryer Vent Cleaning questions, answered by experts
Failing to open your flue can lead to serious health hazards if you start a fire because the smoke will back up into your home. Breathing fire smoke, even in relatively small quantities, is bad for human lungs, and smoke can also irritate your nasal passages and eyes. Furthermore, smoke can cause damage to your interior fixtures and furnishings, at the very least leaving an unpleasant smoky smell for a long time. In short: If your flue isn’t open (or you’re not sure if it is or not), don’t start a fire to find out!
It’s possible to clean your dryer vent yourself in most cases, but it’s usually best to leave this important task to a professional. If you make a mistake when reinstalling the vent, you could kink it, which makes it easier for a blockage to form. Instead, call in a professional annually to do a thorough cleaning and an inspection. They will make sure there are no kinks in the vent that could promote blockages in addition to cleaning it. If your vent runs through a wall, you’ll need help from a professional regardless.
As a general rule, you should have your dryer vent professionally cleaned at least once a year to remove lint and debris buildup, which can cause fires and increase energy costs. However, the frequency may need to be adjusted based on usage. If you have a large household, use the dryer frequently, have pets, or have an older vent system, it is better to clean the vent more often, such as every six months or even quarterly. You should also schedule a cleaning immediately if you notice signs of a blockage, such as clothes taking longer to dry, the dryer feeling hot to the touch, or an odd odor. Routine vacuuming is not a substitute for a thorough, professional cleaning.
You have two different types of air vents in your home: supply and return air vents. Your supply air vents are responsible for pushing air into your home. Meanwhile, return air vents draw warmer air back into the ductwork to condition it by removing the warm molecules from it. Both types of vents are necessary to a working HVAC system and a comfortable home.
Dryer vent cleaning costs around $150 on average, and most homeowners pay between $75 and $350 for the service. There are a few factors that affect your pricing, including the following:
Length of the dryer vent
Whether the vent is rigid or flexible
Accessibility of your dryer vent
Amount of lint needed to remove from the vent
According to the Department of Energy, around 15,000 house fires are started every year from clogged dryer vents. It might seem expensive, but dryer vent cleaning can help you avoid severe house fires, injury, and even death.
The Wrangell, AK homeowners’ guide to dryer vent cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A dryer vent cleaning cost averages about $140 when done by a professional. Read our tips to understand the key cost factors involved in dryer vent cleaning.
When your dryer is leaving wet or overly hot clothing, it might be time to get your dryer vents cleaned by a professional. Learn more about this and other signs you need a dryer vent cleaning, like a hot laundry room or broken vent hood.
You might not think much of lint, but it’s actually a major fire hazard. Running your own dryer and dryer vent inspection can help you spot dangerous buildup.
Knowing what questions to ask a dryer cleaning pro can help prepare you for the job. Check out these dryer vent questions before cleaning your dryer vents.
