Written by Daniel Walker, Walker Company Heating & Air (303) 386-4082
Walker CO. does NOT do dryer vent cleaning BUT we do believe it is very important so we have included it in our home maintenance information.
Probably the last thing most home owners think about is maintenance on their dryer vent. Though this is often overlooked you have good reason to have your dryer vent inspected and cleaned on an annual basis. Often, signs of a restricted dryer vent are mistaken as a failure of the dryer. The following are some indicators that your dryer vent is in need of maintenance:
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Clothes are taking longer to get dry.
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When the clothes come out of the dryer they are very hot and the outside of the dryer is very hot.
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Clothes are still damp at the end of a cycle.
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When the dryer is running, you notice a burning smell.
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You notice lint coming out of the joints in the dryer vent piping.
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You notice lint coming out of the dryer rain hood on the outside of your house.
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The back draft damper on the dryer rain hood will not close.
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The back draft damper on the dryer rain hood does not open when the dryer is operating.
Often, signs of a restricted dryer vent are mistaken as a failure of the dryer. In 2010 the National Fire Protection Agency reported more than 15,500 dryer related fires in households across the nation. Please don´t let this easily preventable hazard run unchecked.
These are all signs that need to be taken very seriously. In addition to wasting your time with longer dry times, itś wasting your money with increased operational cost. A restricted dryer vent will shorten the life of your dryer, catch fire, or in the case of a gas dryer, may poison you with carbon monoxide. In 2010 the National Fire Protection Agency reported more than 15,500 dryer related fires in households across the nation. Please don´t let this easily preventable hazard run unchecked.
Dryer vent service can be performed by a professional for as low as $80.00 depending on the length of your dryer vent. Or if your vent is easily accessible you may be able to perform this maintenance yourself. If you are going to perform vent maintenance yourself, coming to the job prepared with the right equipment is essential. A list of needed tools is as follows:
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Dryer vent cleaning kit (can be found at a local home improvement store; we recommend a rotary type).
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Corded or cordless drill.
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Vacuum cleaner.
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5/16¨ or 1/4¨ nut driver to remove hose clamps (wire cutters if the hose was clamped with a zip tie).
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Replacement flexible dryer duct (it is best to pipe your dryer with rigid piping but a flexible duct is acceptable as long as it does not have any kinks or sags)
First, unplug the dryer and turn off the gas. Begin by using the smaller pipe brush that should have come with your kit. Remove your lint filter and use the brush to loosen caked-on lint. Use the vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool to clean out the remaining lint. Pull the dryer out from the wall and remove the vent pipe. Use the smaller pipe brush again to clean the dryer discharge duct and vacuum up the remaining lint. Though it is not necessary to replace your flexible vent connection every time you clean the dryer, if the pipe has been kinked, has holes in it or has been damaged in any way, it needs to be replaced. Flex ducts are inexpensive. If in doubt, just replace it.
Now, insert the 4” brush with one fiberglass flexible rod attached into the dryer vent. If you went with a rotary type, attach your drill to the end of the rod. Brush the duct two or three times to remove all lint. You can insert the hose from your vacuum cleaner into the duct to suck up the lint as you go. Repeat this process adding flexible rods until you have cleaned the entire vent length.
Next, take the smaller brush and your vacuum cleaner to the outside rain hood; use the brush to clean the hood and vacuum up the remaining lint. Check that your back draft damper is operating freely and is not damaged. If it is damaged, then it should be replaced to prevent rain, bugs and animals from getting into your dryer. Thats it! Reconnect the dryer and it is ready for service for another year.