Dryer Vent Cleaning

What are the Average Costs of Dryer Vent Cleaning Services?

The national average dryer vent cleaning cost is $132.

The cost typically ranges between $94 and $172, with the lower end at about $65 while the higher end at about $300.

The cost really depends on the company as well as the amount of time and effort required to clean the dryer vents. It also depends on the severity of the clog.

Most companies charge a flat rate for the work they do. There are some companies who also charge on an hourly basis. So find out how a local dryer vent company near you charges before you hire them.

Some other factors that can determine the final cleaning cost are as follows:

• Number of technicians working
• Type of dryer vent cleaning equipment used
• Responded to an emergency call
• Working on holidays or weekends

Be wary of companies that charge an extremely low hourly rate. They may make up the difference in ‘additional fees’.

What are Some Warning Signs of Clogged Dryer Vents?

Now that we’ve established that a clean dryer vent can protect you and your family from a fire hazard, you also need to watch out for certain warning signs that point to the fact that your dryer vent could be clogged and requires immediate attention.

Keep an eye out for the following:

• Excess lint behind dryer
• Longer drying time
• Overheat shutoff
• No lint on lint screen
• Excess lint on clothing
• Lint around door seal
• Hot dryer and hot clothes
• Moldy smell
• Odd smelling dryer sheets
• Laundry room hotter than usual
• Increased utility bills

There are certain things that you must do and some that you shouldn’t when it comes to dryer vents. Here are the don’ts.

• Don’t use vinyl, PVC piping, plastic or slinky foil materials for dryer vents.
• Don’t use duct tape to connect venting materials.
• Don’t use screws or bolts to secure joints.
• Don’t terminate dryer vents in crawl spaces or attics.
• Never ignore signs indicating that your clothes dryer is not operating properly.

Whenever in doubt, always contact a professional company to come take a look.

You probably already know that something is wrong with your dryer because it may be taking way too long to dry your clothes. Ask yourself the following:

Q: How many cycles does it take for your clothes to dry?

If it takes more than one cycle to dry your clothes, then it’s safe to say that your vent could be clogged. Go ahead and get a local dryer vent cleaning company to come and clean your vent.

Q: Is the dryer too hot after it’s cycle?

You touch your dryer and it feels like you might burn your hand. This means your dryer is overheating. Shut it down and call a local dryer vent cleaning company immediately.

Q: Have you noticed birds coming in and out of your dryer vent exhaust?

Birds love to make their homes in cozy spaces – vents among one of them. This is especially true when the exhaust is on the side wall.

How can Clogged Dryer Vents Affect the Indoor Air Quality?

A clogged dryer vent does not allow the clothes dryer to exhaust properly. Gas clothes dryers that are clogged push carbon monoxide back into your home.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is very dangerous and can be fatal when you and your family are exposed to it for a long time.

Did you know that newer homes are more susceptible to poor indoor air quality?

The newer homes tend to have dryers located away from an outside wall. This means dryers have longer vents, creating more bends to accommodate the extended path they must take through the home.

The additional length creates more places for lint to collect or for small animals and birds to hide.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Company?

Lint trap is just one component of dryers. The hose and vents are the other major parts that carry bits of lint out of the dryer. While you may be able to clean the lint trap thoroughly, it may not be possible for you to do the same for the vent and hose.

On the other hand, a professional dryer vent cleaning company can certainly do a meticulous job of cleaning them. Here are top 3 benefits of hiring a professional company.

#1 – Expert Knowledge

The dryer vent cleaning technicians are trained to not only clean the vents, but also look for other faulty parts. They will check everything properly. For instance, they will look at the outside vent opening to ensure its lint-free.

Additionally, when they are done with cleaning or replacing the vent or hose, they know how to hook everything back up correctly. This ensures that your dryer operates smoothly without any issues.

#2 – Specialized Equipment

The dryer vent cleaning companies have the right equipment to complete their job. A simple DIY kit may not cut it if the lint build up is too much.

You need to know that a regular vacuum is not enough to remove all the lint from the vent and hose.

#3 – Extend the Dryer’s Life

Your dryer is a big investment. To ensure that you don’t need to repair or replace it often, a professional clean up once a year will ensure it functions efficiently.

That said, you need to do your bit to make sure that it lasts as long as it’s supposed to according to the manufacturer. By calling a dryer vent cleaning company, you can protect your investment.

What to Check Before Hiring a Dryer Vent Cleaning Company?

License – Ask for all local and state business licenses.

Proof of Insurance – Check proof of both workman’s compensation and liability insurance.

Business Stability – Find out how long the company has been in business.The longer, the better!

Check Online Reviews – Rely on websites like Yelp to look for reviews and ratings of dryer vent cleaning companies in your locality.

References – Ask for references and find out about the work, timeliness, cost and whether the clients would use the company again for future work.

24-hour Emergency Service – Make sure your local company offers emergency 24 hour service. If something goes wrong, it’s good to know that you will not have to wait days for them to come and fix it.

Over the Phone Pricing –  Not recommended. The cost of dryer vent cleaning is something that can’t be estimated before having a look.

Free Estimates – Most companies offer free estimates, ask for one.

Safety Record – You want a company that doesn’t have a high incidence of on-the-job mishaps or injuries.

Building Codes – In certain areas, you’ll need to make sure that the local company meets all building code requirements.

Satisfaction Guarantee – Choosing a company that offers a satisfaction guarantee will ensure that they get the job done right the first time. It will save you money and frustration in the long run.

Cleanup – The mess left behind can be major. Ask what cleanup work the company includes with it’s services.