Get matched with top dryer vent cleaners in Southwest Harbor, ME

According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryers and washing machines cause over 15,000 fires a year, with dryers causing about 92 percent of those fires. Because dryer fires are more common than you might think, it’s important to clear the lint trap regularly and have annual dryer vent cleanings.

Dryers pull in air from a circular opening in the back of the dryer. The dryer's heating element heats the air, and a blower fan circulates the hot air through the drum. The hot air travels outside the dryer through a vent or is cooled by a heat exchanger that condenses the steam into water and sends it down a drainpipe or to a containment compartment.

The average cost of a dryer vent ranges from $100 to $300 for the various models, but that price doesn’t include installation. If you're hiring a pro, the labor cost to install a dryer vent will be an additional $20 to $35 per hour. The job takes roughly two to four hours, so that’s an extra $40 to $140 altogether.

Taking good care of your dryer will help ensure its longevity and keep your clothes nice and dry. Some dryer maintenance tips include:

• Clearing the lint screen after every use

• Deep cleaning the lint screen with detergent every three months

• Don’t overload your dryer

• Cleaning the dryer vent at least once a year

• Cleaning the dryer drum twice a year with a microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol