HVAC companies will do a number of services for their customers. This can include repairing and replacing HVAC units, ductwork, and air conditioners. But will they clean your dryer vents? Let's take a look below.
HVAC companies will clean dryer vents as part of their annual maintenance services. This is important because lint buildup in the vents can lead to a fire hazard. The company will also check the ductwork for any blockages or leaks.
Knowing when you should have your dryer vents cleaned is important. In this article, we will discuss why you should have a professional company clean your dryer vents and how often you should have this done. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about dryer vents debris buildup, so read on!
Should You Hire An HVAC Company To Clean Your Dryer Vents?
Believe it or not, lint and debris buildup in your dryer vents is the leading cause of house fires.
Lint is highly combustible, and all it takes is a tiny spark for it to ignite. When this happens, the fire can spread quickly, often before you even realize there's a problem.
That's why it's so important to have your dryer vents cleaned on a regular basis by a professional company. They will be able to remove all of the lint and debris that has built up over time, reducing the risk of a fire in your home.
And we don't just mean cleaning the lint filter in your dryer. Instead, an HVAC professional will clean the entire vent system, including the ductwork. This will ensure that all of the lint and debris are removed and that there are no blockages or leaks in the ductwork.
The HVAC specialist will disconnect the dryer from the ductwork and use a high-powered vacuum to remove all of the lint and debris. In addition, the outside vent will be cleaned to ensure that there is no blockage.
While this will come at a cost, it is better than the alternative of having a fire in your home. Not to mention, it will save you money in the long run by prolonging the life of your dryer.
How Often Should A Dryer Vent Be Professionally Cleaned?
On average, you should have your dryer vent cleaned and inspected annually. This will ensure that there is no buildup of lint and debris and that the vent is in good working condition.
However, if you have children and pets in the home or if you do a lot of laundry, you may need to have the vent cleaned more often. This is because there will be more lint and debris buildup over time.
If you notice that your dryer is taking longer to dry clothes or if there is excessive heat in the laundry room, these are also signs that it's time to have the vent cleaned.
How Much Does It Cost To Clean A Dryer Vent Exhaust?
There are a few factors that will affect the cost of having your dryer vent cleaned, such as the size of the vent and the location. However, on average, you can expect to pay $100-180 to have your dryer vent cleaned and inspected.
It's a good idea to shop around and get a few quotes from different companies before making a decision. This way, you can be sure to get the best price for the service.
Also, check reviews online to ensure that you're hiring a reputable company that will do a good job. The reason being is that you need to have it done right. If the company doesn't clear a blockage correctly, it can cause a fire. So, it's important that you find a company that you can trust to do the job right.
How Long Does It Take For A Professional To Clean A Dryer Vent?
Depending on the extent of the buildup, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to have your dryer vent cleaned. However, most vents can be cleaned in about an hour.
If you haven't had your dryer vents and ducts cleaned regularly, then it will probably take longer, as there will be more lint and debris to remove. This also could raise the price of the service. The longer it takes to clean the vent, the more it will cost.
How Can You Tell If Your Dryer Vent Is Clogged?
There are warning signs to watch out for that indicate your dryer vent is clogged. Let's take a look at them below.
Clothes Won't Dry
It doesn't matter if you have a new dryer or an old one. If the vent is clogged, clothes won't dry. This is because the moist air isn't able to escape through the vent. As a result, it will take much longer for clothes to dry. So, if you find your clothes are still damp after a cycle, this is a sign that the vent is blocked.
Excessive Heat
If clothes are taking longer to dry and you're also noticing excessive heat in the laundry room, this is another sign that the vent is clogged. The heat is caused by the moist air being trapped in the dryer. This can cause the dryer to overheat and eventually break down.
If you notice that your laundry room is hotter than usual, it's time to have the vent cleaned.
Clothes Are Hot
Of course, you want your clothes to be dry and not damp. But, if they're coming out of the dryer extremely hot, this is also an indication that the vent is blocked. The clothes should be warm, but not too hot to the touch. If they are, then this is a sign of a clogged vent.
Burning Smell
A burning smell is a scary sign that you should never ignore. If you notice a burning smell coming from the dryer, this means that there is lint or debris trapped inside.
As the lint or debris gets heated, it will start to smoke and produce a burning smell. This is extremely dangerous, as it could lead to a fire. If you notice this, turn the dryer off, and call a professional to clean the vent.
Lint Is Coming Out Of Dryer Hose
If you happen to move your dryer to clean behind it and lint comes out of the hose, this is a sign that the vent is clogged.
It's normal for there to be some lint buildup inside the dryer hose. However, if there's so much that it's coming out when you move the dryer, this means that it's time to have it cleaned.
Dryer Isn't Working
If the lint blockage is severe enough, it can cause the dryer to stop working altogether. This is because the lint prevents the dryer from getting enough air to function properly.
You can check for signs of blockages yourself. From there, call a professional to have the vent cleaned.
Can You Clean Dryer Vents Yourself?
While you can technically clean the dryer vent yourself, it's not recommended. This is because it's a difficult and time-consuming job.
You would need to disconnect the dryer from the vent, take it apart, and then clean it all out. And, if you don't do it right, you could cause more damage.
One mistake homeowners make is using a clothes hanger to fish out the lint. However, this actually pushes the lint farther down and makes the problem worse. In addition, it can puncture the dryer vent hose, which can cause a fire. So, it's best to leave it to the professionals.
HVAC professionals have special equipment that they use to clean dryer vents. They also know how to do it quickly and efficiently.
Can Dryer Sheets Clog Dryer Vent?
While dryer sheets can leave your clothes smelling nice, they can actually clog your dryer vent. Typically, this is due to the use of too many dryer sheets in a load of laundry. When there are too many dryer sheets, they can coat the lint trap. As a result, the lint isn't able to pass through properly.
So, while you may want to use multiple dryer sheets to make your clothes smell nice, it's best to use just one or two.
How Common Are Dryer Vent Fires?
While the number varies each year, it's estimated that there are over 15,000 fires caused by dryers each year. Most of these fires are caused by lint buildup. When the lint gets heated, it can start to smoke and cause a fire.
That's why it's so important to have your dryer vent cleaned regularly. By doing so, you can prevent a fire from happening in your home.
Final Thoughts
Due to the high risk of house fires, it's important to take dryer vent clogs seriously. If you notice any of the above signs, it's time to have the vent cleaned. To prevent this, schedule an annual dryer vent cleaning.
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