Maintaining a clean dryer vent is crucial for preventing potential fire hazards and ensuring optimal performance of your dryer. In this post, our experts at Power Vac of Ottawa will discuss the dryer vent cleaning procedure and what's involved in the process.
Why Is Dryer Vent Cleaning So Important?
Dryer vent cleaning is important to prevent the buildup of lint and debris, which can lead to reduced airflow and increased risk of fire and improve indoor air quality. Regular maintenance can also improve your dryer's efficiency, saving you time and money in the long run.
In Canada alone, there are about 15,000 dryer vent fires every year. What's concerning is that these fires can be prevented with proper cleaning of lint traps and the exhaust system.
Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs a Clean
Is your dryer duct taking longer to dry clothes, leaving them damp at the end of a cycle, or making them hotter than usual? These could be signs that your dryer vent needs cleaning. Another indicator is if the outdoor flapper on the vent hood stays closed while the dryer is running.
You should not ignore these signs, and should schedule a dryer vent cleaning as soon as possible so professionals can clean your dirty dryer vents.
How Does Dryer Vent Cleaning Work?
Wondering what's included in the dryer vent cleaning process? Here are the steps that our experts at Power Vac of Ottawa follow during every job:
- We start at the exterior vent and use a special cleaning tool to snake the line outside of your house down to your dryer. The specialized tool suctions all lint and debris backward, removing it from your dryer.
- Next, we fish the line through the passage to your dryer several times until it is completely clean.
- After that, we'll examine the back of your dryer. We will pull it out from the wall, use an air tool to thoroughly clean the lint trap, and blow out any debris.
- We will clean your dryer vent with an extension tool from the back of your dryer to the termination point on the outside of your home.
- We'll reconnect and push your dryer back into place.
- Finally, we will inspect your dryer to ensure it is operating efficiently and safely.
DIY vs. Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning
Cleaning your dryer vent yourself can save you money and give you control over the dryer vent cleaning process. You can even purchase DIY dryer vent kits.
When selecting a DIY dryer vent cleaning kit, be sure to consider the material of your duct to prevent any potential damage. Using the wrong brush attachment can lead to costly repairs or even the need for a full duct replacement, ultimately outweighing the initial cost.
It's also important to note that DIY cleaning may not be as thorough as professional cleaning, which could result in safety hazards and reduced efficiency for your dryer.
Professional dryer vent cleaning services have the necessary tools and expertise to thoroughly clean and inspect the vent system, reducing the risk of fire hazards. Additionally, hiring a professional service can save time and energy for homeowners who may not have the knowledge or experience to clean their dryer vents properly.
Although we're not against DIY dryer vent cleaning, we recommend it only as an extra step between professional cleanings.