How do I know when it is time to clean my dryer vent?

You just finished spring cleaning, and you remembered you didn’t clean your washing machine and dryer vents. You talk yourself into postponing that final bit of cleaning; after all, it’s not urgent. While this argument was enough to push it until later, you’re wondering, how do I know when it’s time to clean my dryer?

Dryer vents might seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of home maintenance, but they play a bigger role than you might think. Ignoring them for too long can lead to performance inefficiencies and safety hazards.

AirWiz Duct Cleaning professionals understand the importance of a clean dryer vent and are here to help. Wielding knowledge, experience, and high-tech cleaning tools, they’ll swoop in to return your dryer’s efficiency and keep dryer fires at bay.

Signs it’s time to clean your dryer vent

Your dryer is more than just a box that dries clothes. It’s a finely tuned machine, and like all machines, it sends signals when something’s amiss. Recognizing these signals can save you from bigger issues down the road. Here are some tell-tale signs that your dryer vent needs cleaning:

• Extended drying time:

If you’ve had your dryer for a while, you know how long it takes to dry an average load of clothes, typically less than 45 minutes. So, if you notice your clothes are still damp after this time, it might be a sign to call in professionals for a vent cleaning. Long drying times are caused by lint build-up in the dryer vent and can be an inconvenience when you need clothes dried fast. It can also lead to a spike in energy bills.

• Overly hot clothes

Clothes shouldn’t feel like they’ve just come out of an oven. If they’re too hot to handle, it indicates the dryer’s exhaust isn’t venting out properly. This makes the dryer run hotter and can wear out your clothes faster.

• A toasty laundry room:

If your laundry room is hotter than normal, it’s a bad sign. Blocked vents push hot air into the room instead of outside, making the space uncomfortably warm and increasing indoor humidity.

• Unpleasant odors

A burning smell from the dryer is a red flag. It’s often excess lint getting too hot or catching fire. This isn’t just a sign of a blocked vent but also a serious fire hazard. Immediate attention is needed.

• Lint flap issues

That small flap on the outside vent should open freely when the dryer runs, allowing air and lint to exit. If it’s stuck or doesn’t open fully, it indicates restricted airflow, which can lead to bigger problems.

• Dryer’s own alert

Many modern dryers come equipped with sensors detecting airflow problems. It’s their way of telling you something’s not right. Heed these warnings – they’re designed for a reason.

• Sudden shutdowns

If your dryer stops before the cycle is done, it’s not just an inconvenience. Overheating caused by blocked vents can make dryers shut down to prevent damage or fire.

When should you clean your dryer vent?

Dryer vents should be cleaned once a year. However, for individuals with families or homes buzzing with laundry activities, twice a year is ideal. But if you’ve got furry friends leaving hair everywhere, you’ll want to clean more often.

You’ll also need to clean your dirty dryer vent more than once a year if you buy new clothes often. Generally, new clothes have created more lint than older clothes. Bulky clothing like towels and blankets produce more lint, clogging up the dryer vent faster. So, if your load of laundry has many of these, you should clean the vent several times a year.

What does dryer vent cleaning include?

Cleaning starts on the exterior wall. Using a specialized tool, the line is snaked from outside, going all the way to the clothes dryer. It’s more than just a manual pull; this tool suctions all the lint buildup backward, ensuring every bit is taken out of your home. The line is threaded multiple times to make sure by the end of the process, it’s spotless.

Once outside cleaning is done, the focus is turned to the back of the dryer. We’ll move the dryer from the wall and clean the lint trap with an air tool. We’ll also blow debris from the back of the dryer.

Our team will perform dryer vent cleaning from the termination point opening to the outside of your home. We achieve this cleaning using an extension tool. Finally, we reconnect the dryer, put it back against the wall, and test it to ensure it’s operating efficiently.

The benefits of regular dryer vent cleanings

Here are some benefits you’ll enjoy when you have your dryer vents cleaned by a professional:

• Faster drying: Clean vents promote efficient air flow, cutting down drying time. That means less waiting and more time enjoying your day.
• Gentler on clothes: When the dryer exhaust vent is clean, the dryer operates optimally, ensuring clothes dry evenly. This prevents over-drying, which can damage fabrics.
• Safety first: A build-up of lint can be a fire hazard. Regular cleanings dramatically lower this risk, ensuring a safer home environment.
• Energy efficiency: A clogged vent makes your dryer work overtime, using more energy. With clean vents, it runs efficiently, which is great for your electricity bill.
• Extending Dryer’s Life: A well-maintained vent puts less strain on your dryer, leading to fewer repairs and a longer lifespan for your appliance.
• Breathe Easier: Less lint and debris means fewer allergens and irritants in the air. A clean vent can positively impact indoor air quality.
• Reduced carbon monoxide risk: Dryers, especially gas ones, can emit carbon monoxide. A clear vent ensures it’s properly vented out, reducing the risk of harmful build-up.

Schedule professional vent cleaning with AirWiz Duct Cleaning

We cannot stress this enough: a clean dryer vent pipe isn’t just about speeding up your laundry or extending the life of your dryer—it’s about ensuring a safe, efficient, and healthy environment in your home. While DIY methods can help, nothing beats the thoroughness of a professional touch.

AirWiz Duct Cleaning boasts the expertise to ensure every nook and cranny of your vent is spotless. We take our time and use the latest technology to do a thorough job. Ready to experience the myriad benefits of a clean vent? Don’t wait for signs of a clogged vent. Contact us to schedule your professional cleaning with AirWiz Duct Cleaning today. Your home (and dryer) will thank you!