Dryer Vent Cleaning in Columbus, IN

Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs To Be Cleaned

Be sure to contact Advantage Heating and Air if you notice any of the following signs that you should have your dryer vent cleaned:

• Longer Drying Times: One of the most common signs that your dryer vent needs cleaning is a noticeable increase in the time it takes for your clothes to dry. If you find yourself running multiple cycles to get your laundry fully dry, it could be due to restricted airflow caused by lint buildup.
• The Exterior of the Dryer Gets Hot While Running: A dryer that feels excessively hot to the touch during operation may indicate that the vent is clogged. Proper ventilation is essential to dissipate heat effectively, and a blockage can lead to overheating.
• Burning Smells: If you detect a burning odor while your dryer is running, it could be a serious sign of lint accumulating in the vent. Lint is highly flammable, and this smell may be a precursor to a potential fire hazard. Having your dryer vent cleaned is the best way to protect your home from a dryer fire.
• Excessive Lint Around the Dryer: Visible lint accumulation around the dryer and in the lint trap is normal, but if you notice an unusual amount of lint in the room or behind the dryer, it’s a sign that lint is not properly venting outside.

How Often Should Dryer Vents Be Cleaned?

For the majority of homes, dryer vent cleaning is only needed on an annual basis. However, larger families or those that run loads of laundry a bit more frequently can benefit from a dryer vent cleaning every six months.

Dryer vent cleaning frequency should ultimately be determined on a case-by-case basis. For example, if you only do a couple of loads of laundry per week, but find yourself experiencing longer drying times or noticing signs of lint buildup sooner, it’s advisable to err on the side of caution and opt for more frequent cleanings. 

On the other hand, if you have a smaller household and your dryer doesn’t get heavy use, you may be able to extend the cleaning interval to every 12 months.

Benefits of Regular Dryer Vent Cleaning

If you’ve never had your dryer vents professionally cleaned, it can be easy to skip on the service and attempt to clean the dryer vent yourself. However, choosing a professional dryer vent cleaning service can provide your home with the following benefits:

• Prevention of Dryer Fires: Regular cleaning reduces the risk of lint buildup, which is a significant fire hazard. This can potentially save lives and property.
• Greater Energy Efficiency: Clean vents allow your dryer to operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
• Extended Appliance Lifespan: A well-maintained dryer experiences less strain and wear, leading to a longer appliance lifespan.
• Improved Drying Performance: Clothes dry faster and more evenly when vents are clean, saving you time and effort.

How Advantage Cleans Dryer Vents

The dryer vent cleaning process can vary, depending on your specific needs and how long it’s been since your last cleaning. As a general rule, however, the service typically involves the following steps:

Disconnect the Dryer

The first step is to turn off the dryer and unplug it. If it’s a gas dryer, we will turn off the gas supply.

Remove the Vent Hose

Next, we’ll disconnect the vent hose that connects the dryer to the wall and set it aside.

Access the Vent

Depending on the setup, we may need to move the dryer away from the wall to access the vent opening.

Clean the Vent Pipe

We will use a specialized dryer vent cleaning brush or vacuum attachment to remove lint and debris from the vent pipe.

Clean the Vent Hood

We’ll go outside the home to remove the vent hood cover and clean any lint or debris that may have accumulated there.

Reassemble

Once the service is complete, we will reconnect the vent hose, ensuring it’s securely attached. Our team will plug the dryer back in and, if applicable, turn on the gas supply.

Test

Finally, we will run a test cycle to ensure the dryer is functioning correctly and that air is flowing freely through the vent.

Schedule Dryer Vent Cleaning in Columbus, IN With Advantage Heating and Air

When the time comes to schedule dryer vent cleaning services in your Columbus, IN area home, turn to Advantage Heating and Air. Our team has extensive experience in the industry and will apply our expertise to provide you with a terrific experience. Get in contact with us today to get started.