Protect Your Home With Our Dryer Vent Cleaning Services

Why Do I Need To Clean My Dryer Vents?

At Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service, we have the equipment and training required to expertly clean your dryer vent. A professional dryer vent cleaning will lower your risk of a dangerous dryer fire and lower your energy costs, but that’s  not all they contribute to a household.

These are the biggest reasons to regularly service your dryer vent:

• Reduce the risk of a fire. One of the most critical reasons to clean your dryer vents is to prevent the possibility of a house fire. When lint and particles build up in the dryer vent, the combination of heat generated by the dryer and the presence of the flammable lint can lead to a fire. Regular cleaning removes this fire hazard and keeps your home safer.
• Maintain the dryer’s efficiency. A clogged dryer vent limits the flow of hot, moist air from the dryer to the outside of your home. This makes your dryer less efficient, causing it to exert more energy and run longer to dry your clothes. When you clean the vent, you improve airflow, resulting in shorter drying times and more energy savings.
• Lower your energy expenses. A dryer that isn’t working to its full potential takes longer to dry clothes and consumes more energy which will directly result in higher monthly bills. By cleaning your dryer vents, you can improve the dryer’s efficiency and reduce your home’s energy consumption.
• Minimize the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Gas dryers produce carbon monoxide, which – if all is running well – moves through your vents and safely out of your home. If clogs are present, though, this dangerous (and invisible and odorless) gas will only go right back into your living space.
• Increase dryer lifespan. All home appliances suffer from wear and tear over time, but when your dryer has to work harder due to a clogged vent, it puts extra stress on the appliance’s components – and they’ll be bound to break down sooner. Regular maintenance, including vent cleaning, can extend the lifespan of your dryer.
• Prevent moisture and mold issues. A blocked vent can cause moisture to build up in the laundry area or surrounding ductwork. This moisture can then create an environment that’s perfect for mold growth, which is harmful to your family’s health. Cleaning the vent helps prevent moisture-related problems.
• Save yourself money. Neglecting dryer vent maintenance can lead to expensive repairs – and you may even find yourself in need of a new dryer. Normal (affordable) servicing to address repairs and remove clogs protects your budget in the long run.

Is Dryer Vent Cleaning Necessary for Electric Dryers? Or Is It Mainly for Gas Dryers?

During the drying process, gas dryers produce combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide and other gases. If the vent is clogged, these gases can get turned around, which can then lead to a potentially dangerous situation. Needless to say, dryer vent cleaning for these systems is a must.

But dryer vent servicing isn’t just limited to gas dryers. If you own an electric dryer, its venting setup needs just as much attention.

Although electric dryers don’t create combustion byproducts like gas dryers do, they can still pose a fire hazard if the vent is clogged. Remember – lint is highly flammable, and when it accumulates in the vent, it can be ignited by the heat generated during drying cycles. In addition, electric dryers can become inefficient when the vent gets clogged up with lint and residue.

To sum up, no matter what type of dryer you have, a clogged vent restricts the airflow, making it harder for the dryer to expel hot air. This results in longer drying times, more energy consumption, and potential household threats. So, don’t hesitate to book your dryer vent cleaning with us.

Are Clogged Dryer Vents Really That Dangerous?

We don’t want to cause you any panic, but yes – a clogged dryer vent is a serious risk that needs to be attended to promptly. Why? Here are a few of the biggest reasons:

• Lint is extremely flammable. Did you know that clogged dryer vents are a leading cause of residential fires? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), dryers cause an average of 13,820 fires each year at an average of $233 million in property damage.
• There’s an increased risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Gas dryers produce gases like carbon monoxide, which must be safely vented out of your home. A clogged vent can cause these harmful toxins to back up into your living space, posing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is life-threatening.
• It can lead to poor air quality. When you use your dryer, it produces lint and other particles. If these are not properly vented outside, they can be released into your home’s indoor air, which then affects its quality. Poor air quality is bad for anyone, but can especially aggravate respiratory issues like allergies or asthma.

How Do I Know if My Dryer Vent Needs To Be Cleaned?

It’s not always easy to tell when your dryer vent is clogged, but here are a few warning signs that your dryer vent may be due for a cleaning:

• It’s taking longer for your clothes to dry. It shouldn’t take too long to dry clothes in a properly functioning dryer that isn’t overloaded. If your clothes are taking longer to dry than they used to or if you need multiple cycles to get the job done, it could be a sign that your dryer vent may be clogged. Reduced airflow due to lint buildup forces your dryer to work harder, leading to increased drying times.
• Your laundry area is hotter than usual. Does your laundry room suddenly feel like a sauna when the dryer is running? That could be an indication of poor airflow. A clogged vent prevents proper ventilation, causing the hot air to linger in the room.
• Your dryer and/or clothes are hot to the touch. If the exterior of your dryer feels unusually hot, it may be working a bit too hard and is overheating. Similarly, it’s normal for your clothes to be warm after a cycle, but they shouldn’t be scalding hot.
• There’s a burning smell. Is there a burning odor overtaking the pleasant smell of detergent and fabric softener? It’s a cause for concern if you notice a burning-like smell while your dryer is in operation. This can be a sign that lint or debris in the vent is overheating, which is a fire hazard.
• You can see a buildup of lint. Check the area around your dryer’s lint trap and the outer vent cover. If you can see lint accumulating in these areas, it means the lint is not being completely expelled from the vent.
• There’s a musty smell or more condensation in your laundry. A poorly-vented dryer can cause moisture to build up in your laundry room. If you notice an increase in condensation on the walls or windows near the dryer, it could be a venting issue.
• Your dryer is making odd noises. Clanking, high-pitched squeaking, and other unusual noises coming from your dryer can sometimes point to a clogged vent. The debris in the vent can cause obstructions that result in weird sounds.
• You see an increase in energy bills. A clogged dryer vent forces your dryer to run longer and use more energy to dry your clothes. If there’s a sudden uptick in your energy bills, scheduling a vent cleaning could clear up the problem.
• Your dryer overheats and shuts off mid-cycle. If your dryer frequently overheats or shuts off during a cycle, it’s a safety concern. Overheating can result from a clogged vent, and the safety mechanisms in the dryer may cause it to shut off to prevent damage or limit the risk of a fire.

How Often Should Dryer Vents Be Cleaned?

We recommend dryer vent cleanings at least once a year by a certified dryer exhaust technician or chimney sweep. If you have a larger family and your dryer is regularly working overtime, you may need to schedule a dryer vent inspection and cleaning two to three times a year.

The length of your dryer vents can also dictate how often it needs cleaning. Short, straight vents tend to accumulate less lint and may require less frequent cleaning compared to longer, more complex venting setups.

The best thing to do is to speak with your chimney technician during your inspection. Once they’ve had a chance to see how your dryer is functioning, they can give you a game plan that works for your family. Our service is customizable and can be adjusted to suit your needs. You can always add or reduce the number of cleanings, if necessary.