"Very punctual and professional. Got the job done in no time flat with good results. No more bugs and I couldn't believe how much stuff he got out of our dryer ducts!"
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 ideal time for dryer vent cleaning is typically during the spring or fall. These seasons offer moderate weather conditions, making it easier to access the exterior vent and work on the dryer without the extreme heat of summer or cold of winter. However, the timing can also depend on your usage patterns. If you use your dryer heavily year-round, consider scheduling cleanings more frequently, perhaps every six months, to prevent lint buildup and reduce fire risks. Ultimately, there is no wrong time of year to prioritize safety.
Depending on how much you use it, your dryer should be disinfected about every six to 12 months, especially if you see frequent buildup of lint or evidence of stains from fabric bleeding or ink.
Other signs you should sanitize your dryer more often are overheating, improper drying, excessive humidity, or if you notice a strange odor when it’s running.
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.
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!
The Ashley, ND 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.
Regular dryer vent cleaning is essential to keeping your dryer running safely and efficiently. But when it comes to dryer vent cleaning, is it better to hire a pro or DIY?