Do you remember the last time you had your appliances serviced? One of the many reasons to have your whole-home appliances serviced is to have your dryer ducts cleaned. Regular dryer duct cleaning services are essential for safety, energy efficiency, lifespan, and overall performance. Don’t let duct safety hazards put your family at risk. Below is everything you need to know.
What Is a Dryer Duct?
A dryer duct is a flexible tube that is used to connect a clothing dryer to an external vent on the outside of a building. The dryer duct is responsible for directing the hot air and moisture generated by the dryer safely out of the building. Ducts are made of fire-resistant material and should be properly sized to accommodate the airflow of each appliance.
Regular cleaning and inspection of the duct is required to ensure it is free from lint build-up and any other debris that could impede airflow. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing and maintaining a dryer duct. If a duct is damaged or not properly installed, it could be a fire hazard.
Why Have Your Dryer Ducts Cleaned?
Although you can’t see it, unless heavily soiled, your clothing contains small amounts of lint, dust, and pet hair. Or lots of pet hair if you have a heavy shedder or two!
Your dryer is designed to capture this buildup in the lint tray, it is inevitable that some will find their way into your ducts. Cleaning your lint tray after every load will minimize this buildup, but your ducts still need to be cleaned.
Lint buildup in the ducts:
- Makes it take longer for your clothing to dry.
- Makes your dryer work longer and harder.
- Drives up your energy bill.
- Increases your risk of an electrical fire hazard.
- In gas dryers, can release carbon monoxide into your home.
If you notice an unpleasant smell in your laundry room, it could be the carbon monoxide caused by a leak or clogged duct. It could also be due to other blockages in your dryer duct. Turn off the gas in your home immediately, and call for a professional inspection.
What to do if you have a pet that is a heavy shedder?
If you have a pet that sheds a lot, remove as much before you wash and dry, as their hair can cause clogs in your washing machine too. Or add a FurZapper to your washer and dryer to attract pet hair.
What Other Blockages Might Occur?
Since ducts connect with an external vent, they are subject to outside intrusion. Occasionally, insects, birds, or rodents will nest in your vent. An infestation further increases your fire risk, as it is likely to damage your duct. Infestations could also be a reason why your clothing or laundry room doesn’t smell very good.
Adding a vent cover will minimize the likelihood of an infestation.
Other Dryer Duct Issues?
Dryer duct cleaning services aren’t the only reason to schedule an inspection. During your inspection, all of your dryer components will be checked.
In terms of your duct, other issues may include:
- Damaged duct
- Disconnection from the wall
- Disconnected joints
- Kinks in the duct
- Damaged external vent
- Damaged vent cover
- The duct is too long or too short
How Often Do Dryer Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?
Dryer duct cleaning services should be performed at least once per year. If you have 4 or more people in your family, or dry laundry daily, every 6 months. Commercial dryers should be serviced every 3 to 4 months.
In addition to cleaning your ducts, our inspection includes checking for:
- Overheating
- Broken settings dial
- Excessive noise including squeaking or grinding sounds
- Your machine rocks back and forth
- More drying time/cycles are required than usual
- Clothes coming out torn or dirty
- Foul odor inside the machine and newly dried clothes
- Digital display malfunctions
- Drawing too much power (blown fuses/circuits)
- Tumbling mechanism broken
- Lint tray jammed or not working
Tips for Maintaining Clean Dryer Ducts
Here are some quick tips for maintaining clean dryer ducts:
- Regularly inspect the outside vent and clear away any lint or obstructions.
- Ensure the duct and vents are securely attached to the dryer and wall.
- Double-check connections after sliding your dryer out for self-cleaning or maintenance.
- Clean your ducts at least once per year, every 6 months if you have a large family.
- Make sure your dryer is the correct size for your space and use the appropriate vent ducts.
- Clean your lint trap after every single load, double-checking each time you turn the dryer on.
- Have a professional inspect and clean the dryer ducts at least once a year.
Can You Clean Your Own Dryer Ducts?
Yes! Cleaning your dryer ducts is something you can do yourself if you want to. Maybe you clean it every 6 months and schedule professional cleaning every 6 months.
- Read your owner’s manual for cleaning instructions.
- Unplug your dryer.
- Disconnect the dryer duct from the dryer or wall.
- Use a vent brush or long hose vacuum to clean.
- Visually check both inside and outside for blockage.
- Visually inspect the duct for wear and tear.
- Reattach the duct if it’s still sound.
- Plug it in and slide it back in place.
- Turn your dryer on high.
- Go outside to ensure air is flowing through the external vent.
Looking For Dryer Duct Cleaning Services in Santa Barbara County?
Annual appliance inspections are a great way to ensure the safety of your home, improve your home energy efficiency, and maintain your appliances. Annual inspections minimize the risk of unexpected and costly repairs and extend the lifecycle of your appliances. This is achieved by replacing belts and other parts at the early signs of wear and tear.
Superior Appliance Repairs can be scheduled to clean your duct and inspect your dryer or inspect and service all of the appliances in your home. In addition to your annual service visit, any time any of your appliances sounds differently, smells differently, or performs differently in any way—call for repair.
We provide same-day, evening, weekend, and emergency after-hours repairs. Call or text now to schedule your service visit!
