Dryer vent cleaning is essential for many reasons. There are a number of threats to home safety associated with lint and debris accumulated in a dryer vent, including the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning and structural fires caused by lint accumulation.

The risks that these dryer hazards carry are reduced when they are correctly cleaned, homeowners can extend the dryer’s lifespan, and the dryer will be able to perform at its optimum level.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding dryer vent cleaning.

Why is Dryer Vent Cleaning Important?

Heat makes lint flammable, which makes it easy to catch fire in dryers. According to the U.S. ‘Fire Administration,’ more than 15,000 structure fires each year are caused by clothes dryers, 80% of which are caused by blocked dryer vents.

Clogged vents may also release fumes into your home. Your home could be affected by the gasses and carbon monoxide that should be released outside, causing the air quality to decline. Mold is another issue for clogged dryer vents, as wet lint accumulates.

If your dryer vent is clogged, you may need to run the dryer several times before your clothes are totally dry. This leads to the long-term problem of wasting more money and energy because your clothes dryer isn’t functioning efficiently.

How Often Should Dryer Vents Be Cleaned?

Annual professional cleaning and inspection of your dryer’s exhaust vents is a good idea. It may be wise to increase this amount to every six months if you think you use your dryer more often than the average person, or if you have a larger household with many people, for example.

In case your dryer exhaust needs cleaning, even if it isn’t time for your annual maintenance yet, there are a few telltale signs. You can tell these things by:

  • Clothing needs to go through a second drying cycle, which takes longer
  • Clothing comes out very hot
  • During the drying process, the dryer itself becomes hot to the touch
  • It smells like a burning smell or musty smell when the dryer is working

How Much Does Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost?

Homeguide suggests the average cost of cleaning dryer vents is $80 to $185. It costs between $150 and $250 on average to clean roof dryer ducts. Depending on the service provider, a dryer vent cleaning can cost between $80 and $250. But the size of every home varies.

Duct Hunters charges $129 for  dryer vent cleaning services and free estimates on air duct cleaning. To clean your dryer vent piping, we use specialized brushes and trained technicians who are experienced in clearing lint and debris from your system. Contact today for a quote.