Cleaning the dryer vent is an important and necessary task that every homeowner should regularly get done. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that you get your dryer vents cleaned professionally on a regular basis, depending on how many people use the dryer and if there are pets at home. Though there are many DIY vent cleaning kits you can buy, there are things you may miss that can later mean more fixes to make and more costs. Every year, 2900 fires caused by dryer vents are reported that cause approximately 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss each year.
Why does it cause so many fires? Lint that gets past the filter builds up in your vents and causes a clog of very flammable material where it can be accidentally set on fire at any point.
When do I know it’s time to get my dryer vent cleaned?
There are usually warning signs that mean you need to get your dryer vent cleaned that you shouldn’t ignore. If your dryer is taking longer than usual to dry all your clothes, that’s a sign that something is blocking the heat from entering the compartment. And if your clothes come out a little damp instead of freshly dry, that is a warning sign and it is extremely important to call a professional immediately.
What happens during a professional dryer vent cleaning job?
There are many ways a professional can clean your vents, but it will usually entail cleaning the entire length of the vent with some kind of vacuum.
Us here at Dryer Vent Professionals of San Diego have a two-part process that involves: first, disassembling all parts of your dryer and cleaning each component as well as inside and around the dryer; and second, cleaning out the dryer vent with a vacuum. This two-part process ensures a thorough clean of your dryer that leaves no stone unturned and may lower your risk for a house fire.
What does it cost?
In 2014, Angie’s List, a directory for home services, surveyed their members and found that they paid between $125 and $175 to get their dryer vents professionally cleaned.
But at Dryer Vent Professionals of San Diego, you pay between $90 and $160 for a thorough cleaning that will take an average of 1.5 hours (though some jobs are as short as 45 minutes while others can take up to 3 hours).
The price is affected by a number of factors, such as: how accessible the dryer and vent are, how long the actual vent is and how much there is to clean, and if there are any additional repairs to make before the dryer vent can be cleaned.
