Dryer Duct Cleaning is Recommended Every 1-2 Years for Home Safety and Efficiency
Dryer ducts are the conduit for hot, moist air to escape the dryer.
Whether you are a homeowner, renter, or property manager, there are certain home maintenance tasks that should never be overlooked. One of these is dryer duct cleaning. And not just because a working dryer protects our clothing, improves energy efficiency, and prevents expensive repairs – clogged dryer ducts are one of the leading causes of home fires. This is especially important to consider in Portland, OR, where we are more susceptible to fire risks. In this blog, we’ll explain how a dryer duct works, signs that it may be clogged, and the benefits of regular, annual scheduled dryer duct cleaning.
How Do Dryer Ducts Work?
Dryer ducts are the conduit for hot, moist air to escape the dryer. The duct typically connects to a vent leading to the outdoors, so that the hot, wet air doesn’t lead into the home and cause mold growth. Oftentimes, the water vapor and moisture that are leaving the dryer also contain lint and other particles that blow through the duct with them. Overtime, this debris builds up in the duct system, potentially clogging the airflow and leading to heat buildup. Different variables like duct length, pet hair, and laundry volume can affect the amount and rate of lint and debris buildup in the duct.
Effects of a Clogged Dryer Duct
As debris builds up in the dryer duct, it blocks the flow of moist, hot air out of the dryer. This can cause the following effects:
Reduced Drying Efficiency: A clogged duct restricts the airflow, making it harder for the moist air to escape from the dryer. Reduced airflow leads to longer drying times, as the moisture-laden air takes longer to be expelled.
A clogged dryer duct can pose home safety risks.
Increased Energy Consumption: Longer drying times result in increased energy consumption, leading to higher utility bills.
Overheating and Fire Hazard: Restricted airflow can cause the dryer to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. Lint, a highly flammable material, tends to accumulate in clogged ducts and can easily ignite under the high temperatures generated by the dryer.
Moisture Accumulation: Instead of being vented outside, moisture-laden air may be forced back into the laundry area, leading to increased indoor humidity. High humidity can create an environment conducive to mold growth, potentially causing health issues and damage to the surrounding structure.
Appliance Damage: Overheating due to restricted airflow can damage the heating element and other components of the dryer, resulting in costly repairs or the need for premature replacement.
Recommended Frequency for Dryer Duct Cleaning
The recommended frequency for dryer duct cleaning is every 1-2 years, but if you are doing commercial loads of laundry or drying large, bulky loads of towels, sheets, or items with pet hair on them very frequently, then up to twice a year will keep your dryer running more efficiently and safely. Apartment complexes are actually required by the law to schedule dryer duct cleaning on an annual basis to ensure tenant safety! PNW ProClean offers special rates for commercial dryer duct cleaning jobs including apartments, hotels, gyms, and more.
Signs That You Need Your Dryer Duct Cleaned
Signs that you may need your dryer duct cleaned include:
- Your laundry is taking forever to dry and often requires multiple cycles to dry properly.
- There is a burning smell when your dryer is running.
- The dryer and surrounding area gets very hot.
- Your dryer is not working at all (this could also be a larger issue).
We’ll include minor dryer duct repairs and replacements with your duct cleaning service.
When we come out to inspect and conduct a dryer cleaning, we’ll also include any minor repairs as part of the service.
How Do I Clean My Dryer Duct Myself?
Of course, many people would rather just clean their own dryer ducts rather than hiring and paying for a professional service. DIY dryer duct cleaning is possible, but it requires an extremely strong vacuum or an air compressor with a hose attachment – and it comes with risks. You’ll want to make sure that you don’t end up improperly disconnecting the duct and/or blowing lint throughout your home or around the exterior vent. We recommend hiring a professional to prevent costly mistakes – it will be more affordable in the long term!
Schedule a Dryer Duct Cleaning with PNW ProClean – or Get One for Free with Full Duct Cleaning Service!
Call or email us today to schedule a dryer duct cleaning service today!
