Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about dryer vent maintenance and service? To learn more about Dryer Vent Wizard, check out our most frequently asked questions below, and don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about dryer vent cleaning and installation.
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Some benefits of regular vent cleaning include reduced energy consumption, fewer potentially hazardous (and costly) breakdowns, and lessening the amount of lint and debris released into the environment.
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Gas dryers have their own set of warning signs to look out for. Should you smell potent, unusual gas emitted from the dryer or near the unit, this could indicate a gas leak. Shut off the gas valve immediately and call a professional to help repair the issue. Additionally, if you notice any discoloration on or around the dryer, this could be a sign of incomplete combustion.
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Yes, it can. When dryer vents become clogged from lint, debris, and dust, they trap hot, moist air inside the dryer and prevent it from venting outside. Trapped air can cause mold and mildew growth, which can result in respiratory problems for those with allergies or asthma. For gas dryers, there is the potential to create carbon monoxide gas.
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Based on years of experience, we know our customers want an accurate price for their dryer vent issue. Since many phone quotes are subject to change once our professional arrives on site, it’s best to diagnose the issue in person. This ensures you’ll receive the most accurate quote before any work begins.
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The clothes dryer is one of the most expensive appliances to use in your home, consuming about 6% of an average home’s total electricity usage. A clogged dryer vent restricts air flow, requiring more energy to do the same job. Removing that lint will ultimately help prolong the life of your dryer by allowing it to breathe. The added efficiency can equate to almost $300 a year in energy savings!
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Properly cleaning a dryer vent requires experience and expertise. The actual cleaning process will vary depending on factors like the vent system's length, location, and condition. We use a variety of tools and professional techniques to ensure your vent is properly cleaned and maintained, and our professionals ensure proper clean-up after every job.
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Measuring a system’s airflow and static pressure are just two ways a Dryer Vent Wizard service professional will assess your vent’s performance. Before and after readings allow our professionals to identify issues with your dryer system and ensure that it operates properly at the end of our visit.
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For a typical load of laundry, the dryer needs to remove as much as a gallon of water. That moisture is moved, along with the warm air and lint, through the dryer vent system. Along with eliminating potential fire risks, cleaning your vent of debris and lint accumulation ensures all that moisture is released outside. This can help reduce your home's humidity level and maintain a comfortable environment for you and your family.
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The Consumer Product Safety Commission and dryer manufacturers recommend servicing your dryer and vent at least once a year. This can vary depending on your dryer usage. If you run your dryer more than twice a week, have your vent inspected every 6 to 8 months to ensure proper maintenance.
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Gas dryers generate carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion. If your dryer vent becomes clogged, gas can be released back into your home instead of vented outside. Keep in mind that routine cleaning can ensure your system's safety and performance as well as prevent possible carbon monoxide exposure.
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Unfortunately, dryers are a common cause of home fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, on average, a dryer related fire occurs every 37 minutes in the U.S. Many of these could have been avoided by regular maintenance and cleaning of the vent line.
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Here are some of the benefits that professional dryer vent cleaning provides:
- Fire Prevention - On average, a fire involving the dryer occurs every 37 minutes in the U.S., most caused by a failure to clean the vent line.
- Health and Safety - Clean vent lines reduce the risk of mold or mildew - dryers expel about a ½ gallon of moisture per load - and toxic carbon monoxide gas created by gas dryers.
- Energy Efficiency - Dryers are one of the top energy-consuming appliances in your home. Clean vents reduce drying time and extra cycles, saving you money!
- Extended Dryer Life - A clean vent line puts less wear and tear on your dryer, ensuring it operates efficiently and lasts longer.
- Save Time - Your time is valuable; don’t waste it waiting for extended or extra drying cycles.
- Increase Clothing Life - Clogged dryer vents increase heat and cycle times, which can damage clothing fibers, causing your favorite clothes to wear out before they should.
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Ignoring warning signs can increase fire risk, decrease dryer efficiency, raise energy bills, and compromise indoor air quality, necessitating costly repairs and posing safety hazards. Ensure safety and optimal performance by having a professional inspect and clean your dryer vent system at least once a year.
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While there are multiple warning signs that indicate your vent requires cleaning, these are the most common signs:
- Clothes aren’t dry after one cycle or drying times increase.
- Your dryer stops due to overheating or feels hot to the touch.
- Clothes smell musty or are overly hot after a cycle.
- Excess lint on your clothes or behind the dryer.
- No lint on the dryer lint screen.
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If you notice a burning smell coming from your dryer, you should immediately stop using it and unplug it from the power source. A variety of issues, such as overheating, lint buildup, or a malfunctioning component, could cause the burning smell. Inspect the lint trap and clean the trap and the vent hose for any visible blockage then call a professional to diagnose and repair the issue.
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When your dryer system is working properly, clothes should be dry and warm after a single cycle (about 45 minutes). If your clothes are still damp or have a moldy smell at the end of a cycle, your dryer vent may be clogged keeping the moist air from exhausting to the outside. A dryer vent cleaning professional can perform tests to measure if a vent is fully or partially clogged and practical solutions to fix your issue(s).
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While some heat is normal, excessive heat from the dryer or laundry room can indicate restricted airflow due to a clogged vent. Additionally, ensure the dryer is properly vented to the outside to prevent overheating.
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When a dryer vent is clogged or a lint screen doesn’t fit properly, the lint still has to go somewhere. That somewhere is usually inside your dryer, on the back of the dryer, or the wall behind your dryer. If you find excessive lint in any of these places, you may have an issue. While you can vacuum up the lint, contact a professional to diagnose the root cause.
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Some potential warning signs that your dryer vent needs cleaning solutions include persistent odors during operation (often indicating trapped debris and lint), excessive drying times, and unusual heat emitting from the system or any other area (usually signaling hazardous blockages).