Get matched with top dryer vent cleaners in Spearfish, SD

There are several common warning signs that indicate your dryer vent may be clogged. If your clothes are taking longer than usual to dry, the vent could be the culprit. Other signs include the exterior of the dryer becoming very hot during operation, or the dryer shutting itself off due to overheating. You might also notice an excess of lint left inside the dryer or in the lint trap after a cycle, see lint building up around the exterior vent opening, or detect unusual or burning odors. A clogged dryer vent is a serious fire hazard, so if you notice any of these signs, you should stop using the dryer and have the vent cleaned immediately.

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.

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.

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.