Like many other household appliances, the dryer is often neglected until it suddenly stops functioning. Until our dryer breaks down and we're left with nothing to wear, we usually take the 20 minutes to dry our clothing for granted. Having your dryer vent cleaned on a routine basis will help your dryer last longer and keep your family safe from harmful gasses. This won't just improve the dryer's performance but also protect against fires and other mishaps. But you may wonder how often to clean dryer vent and why it's so important. Let's take a look.
How Can I Tell If My Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning?
Even if it is not time for your yearly maintenance, a few signs indicate you should get your dryer vent cleaned. Some of the most reliable indicators are as follows:
- Things dry more slowly, such as when running a second laundry cycle.
- Clothes are pretty heated when they are removed.
- During the drying process, the dryer itself might become quite warm.
- When the dryer is in use, it emits an odd odor, which may be burning or musty.
What Happens If You Don't Clean Dryer Duct Vent?
Because of the potential for lint to accumulate in the dryer's exhaust system, the appliance may fail to dry clothes. Drying clothing will take longer, your electricity cost will go up, and there will be a greater fire risk. Dryer duct fires cost around $35 million annually, not to mention hundreds of injuries and even a few fatalities. That's a lose-lose-lose situation.
How Much Should It Cost To Clean Out A Dryer Vent?
The dryer vent cleaning cost is between $101 and $176, or about $138 on average. The price varies based on the length of the vent, the type of dryer you own, and whether your home has an indoor or outdoor vent. Several factors affect how much it costs to clean dryer vent: the type of service, any specific issues with the vent, location and material of the ductwork, difficulty in accessing it—and so on.
When Should I Clean My Dryer Vent?
So, how often to clean dryer vent? It is recommended that dryer exhaust vents be inspected and cleaned professionally once a year. That frequency should be increased to every six months if your household uses the dryer often, such as when several people live there. Increase the frequency even more if you have a lot of humidity in your house. You should also have your dryer duct cleaned if it is clogged with lint and other debris.
Final Thoughts
A clean dryer vent enhances safety, saves energy, and extends the life of your machine. The best way to clean a dryer vent is with a professional duct cleaning service. At 4 Ducks Duct Cleaning, we are dedicated to providing you with the best dryer vent cleaning service in the area. We will ensure your vent is free of lint and debris so you can use your dryer safely and efficiently. We offer a wide range of dryer vent cleaning services, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today for more information!