A dirty dryer vent can increase your gas or electricity costs and damage your dryer’s heating element – not to mention your favorite outfit! To keep your home and clothes intact and your clothes smelling springtime fresh, use this quick guide to help you know when your dryer vent needs cleaning.
8 signs that it's time to clean the dryer vent
There are a number of warning signs that signify you should clean your dryer vent. Some of the most common red flags include the following:
- A longer drying time than usual.
- Lint everywhere – on your clothes, around the doorway, behind your dyer.
- An overheating dryer that shuts off regularly.
- Hotter than usual clothes or dryer at the end of a “Normal” drying cycle.
- A lack of lint or lint on the wrong side of the filter.
- A burning smell in the laundry room.
- Pet hair on clothing after drying (if you have a pet).
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to clean your dryer vent.
Extreme Heating and Cooling, LLC. is here to help!
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
We recommend cleaning your dryer vent once a year. However, if you notice any warning signs, you should clean the unit more frequently (or do a deeper cleaning).
Can I clean my dryer vents myself?
In order to increase the energy efficiency of your appliance, we recommend having your dryer vents cleaned and inspected every year. However, if you notice any of these symptoms, such as hot clothing, longer drying times, excess lint, and more, we highly recommend having one of your expert technicians inspect and clean your vents to help prevent a dryer fire.
Should lint be blowing out of the dryer vent?
If you notice lint coming out of your dryer vent, it means that there is lint making its way into your ventilation system at a noticeable rate. This is a strong indicator that your vent should be cleaned right away to prevent damage to the machine, your clothes, or worse your home.
How much does it cost to have my dryer vent cleaned?
A typical dryer cleaning will cost between $175 – $275. However, a high-end job can run as much as $350 – i.e. your dryer is far from an exterior wall.
