Dryer Vent Cleaning - Q & A from The San Anselmo Wizard

Q & A about Dryer Vent Cleaning and Lint Build-up

Dryer vent cleaning is the removal of lint build-up, starting in the dryer drum itself, leading to the exhaust ducts and the dryer vent attached to the outside of your home. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about dryer vent cleaning:

Q: Honestly, do I really need to concern myself with dryer vent cleaning?
A: Yes! One of the leading causes of house fires is the clothes dryer! Most dryer fires happen as the result of improper maintenance, mainly, failure to clean the dryer vents and exhaust ducts.

Q: How often is dryer vent cleaning recommended?
A: Dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year; more often if you have a large family or several pets as pet hair also builds up in the system.

Q: How can I tell if dryer vent cleaning is necessary?
A: The number one sign of dryer lint build-up is your dryer taking more than one cycle to properly dry your clothes.

Q: My home is a newer model with the laundry facilities upstairs near the bedrooms; does this mean my dryer vent system is more efficient; therefore requiring less need for maintenance?
A: No! Though there are advantages to newer systems being more energy efficient, your clothes dryer requires proper air-flow in order to perform its job. The location of your laundry room requires longer exhaust ducts; therefore, more places for lint to build up and create a problem. In fact, longer ducts means less air-flow and increased lint build-up.

Q: My old dryer does take longer to dry a load of laundry; could it be wearing out?
A: Not likely; this is a sure sign of lint build-up. If your dryer is heating up and clothes are not drying, it is because there is no air-flow. Lint has built up so heat and moisture cannot escape from the dryer drum. Even a brand new dryer will not work if the dryer ducts are blocked.

Most dryer vents are mounted about two feet above the ground on the wall outside of the laundry room. Some dryers are vented through the roof. Some dryer ducts are very short and straight; others are very long, especially if the laundry room is upstairs or in the basement. Some systems are quite easily cleaned by the average homeowner; others require special tools and equipment. A certified dryer vent professional will have the necessary tools to do the job.

Green Laundry Tip: Solar Drying is Free! Try using a clothes line for a refreshing change


Rhonda Nole provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation, dryer vent inspections and all dryer vent services for homes and businesses in Sonoma County, Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Kenwood, Windsor, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Petaluma, Sonoma, Guerneville, Graton, Napa County, Calistoga, Angwin, Deer Park, St. Helena, Yountville, Napa, American Canyon, Marin County, San Rafael, Tiburon, Greenbrae, Larkspur, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Kentfield and neighboring cities and communities.


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