What Is: Dryer Vent Cleaning & Repair?
Dryer vent cleaning and, to a lesser extent, repair are important to the proper, efficient and safe operation of clothes dryers. If a dryer is not venting correctly, it can't operate efficiently will run much hotter, won't dry clothes completely, and may contribute to a more severe problem such as a vent fire. Routine maintenance (cleaning) of dryer vents is recommended for most vents every few years, but many residential dryer owners only consider it when a problem arises. Routine dryer vent cleaning is done from the outside using a snake that shoots compressed air into the vent and removes the debris; this type of maintenance usually occurs at apartments, condos, etc. where there are large numbers of dryers. In residential situations, a technician is generally called when the dryer is not working properly. The technician disconnects the dryer unit and pulls it out so that the vent can be accessed and cleaned using blowers, vacuums, and/or brushes. If necessary, the vent can also be dismantled and reconfigured to provide for better venting; vents with turns and elbows do not vent as well as straighter, shorter ones. Dirty vents alone generally don't cause fires; contributing factors are usually thermostat or dryer limit switch failures, missing or damaged lint screens, or crushed hoses.
