Proper Dryer Vent Cleaning

Routine cleaning is done from the outside by sending an air propelled jet snake through the vent.

Proper dryer vent cleaning.

Also locate the dryer exhaust vent at your home s exterior. If you have a gas dryer turn the supply valve off while cleaning. If the vents are blocked and the dryer can t expel air there will be consequences. A home owner can take apart and clean the dryer vent s interior himself.

Effects of a blocked vent. All clothes dryers have different types of filters to catch the lint generated as clothing tumbles inside the dryer but the filters cannot catch all the lint. The first step on how to clean a dryer vent is to unplug the dryer. Turn off and unplug dryer.

If you have a gas dryer it will also be necessary to turn off the gas before you go any further. If you don t know how to clean a dryer vent or lint screen and trap here s how in eight quick steps. In order to properly clean your dryer s ventilation system you have to first know where it is and where it ends. Before dryer vent cleaning locate the vent which should be easily found at the back of the dryer.

In back of most dryer units is a short 4 inch diameter exhaust. Dryer vent cleaning is a very real commercial trade and the contracted work is sometimes described as routine and problem cleaning. What causes a clogged dryer vent. The lint is caught in a.

This is made easier with a vacuum cleaner with a long hose attachment. Some amount of lint inevitably passes into the ductwork leading to the outdoor vent and proper maintenance requires that you clean this ductwork regularly. Venting the dryer outside in cold weather wastes a lot of heat. To clean the dryer vent first unplug your dryer from the wall socket.

By taking all the dangers of a clogged dryer vent into consideration it is plain to see it can cost you far more than the average vent cleaning price of 130 a visit so it is smart to understand that the biggest cause of a clogged dryer vent is a lack of maintenance and prevent it. Once the vent is exposed use a vent brush first clean the exterior surfaces. It blows air 360 degrees backwards blasting the lint loose and blowing it outside. To make the dyer more efficient you can buy an inexpensive heat diverter and install it in the exhaust duct of electric dryers only not gas dryers you ll save about 50 worth of heat per load in the winter.

Then get on the roof and peel back any shingles that may be covering the vent as well as the guard. One is that moisture can t escape and so the dryer takes longer to dry your clothes. Some hvac professionals and chimney sweeps also offer dryer vent cleaning as a service.