Dryer Vent FAQs

How often do dryer vents need to be cleaned?  

Cleaning your dryer vent should be done regularly to improve the efficiency of your dryer and also to prevent fires. Dryer fires are avoidable. For most households, it is recommended that the dryer vent be cleaned every one to two years to remove lint buildup. Heavy use may require more frequent cleanings. Additionally, if you have a very long dryer duct, or if it has numerous turns, it may need to be cleaned more frequently as well.  

Here are some telltale signs that your dryer vent needs cleaning:

  • Slow drying time

  • Poor air flow. If you have easy access to your outside vent, turn on your dryer. The strength of the airflow will help you determine if there is a blockage. Checking airflow before and after after a cleaning will indicates the effectiveness of lint removal.

  • Your dry gets very hot or there is burning smell. This happens when heat builds up because it cannot escape. Some newer dryers will give a warning of flow restriction.  High heat can damage your dryer. Turn off your dryer immediately and call us to schedule a cleaning.

Can I clean my own dryer vent?

If you have a short and accessible dryer vent, it may be possible to clean it yourself. However, if that proves ineffective or inconvenient, a professional cleaning is highly effective, convenient, and relatively inexpensive. The most common method of cleaning dryer vents is to use long metal cables with a brush attachment to snake through the dryer duct to loosening the lint before blowing it out and removing it.

How long can a dryer vent hose be?

A dryer vent shouldn’t be longer than 35 feet in total distance from the dryer to the exterior. However, if your dryer vent has bends, the overall length must be reduced by 5 feet for each 90-degree bend and 2.5 feet for each 45-degree bend. And a dryer vent that is longer than 35 feet may require the addition of a dryer booster fan. Source: https://homeinspectioninsider.com/how-far-dryer-vent-pipe-run/

I have a plastic dryer vent hose. Does it need to be replaced?

Yes, a plastic dryer vent hose should be replace immediately. Plastic dryer ductwork is against many building codes because of the increased fire hazard. Always use a metal dryer vent hose.