Last week we had a call from a homeowner who had just had their dryer vent serviced by a handyman. They said that since the service, their mudroom/laundry room feels stuffy and damp but the dryer is still venting out. We sent out a technician who deduced that the vent was reinstalled improperly and the dryer was simply venting half of the exhaust back into the room. Easy fix? Sure, but since the connection was unprofessional, our technician checked the rest of the service and found a lackluster job overall. Was it cleaner than before the service, probably – but it wasn’t complete.
As a homeowner, keeping your dryer vent clean is essential to ensure your appliance runs efficiently and safely. It seems simple, but, not all dryer vent cleaning jobs are. Choosing the wrong service or handling the cleaning yourself without proper know-how can lead to serious issues, including fire hazards, increased energy bills, and a shorter lifespan for your dryer. Want to learn how to avoid bad dryer vent cleaning jobs and ensure your vent stays in tip-top shape? Read on!
Why Dryer Vent Cleaning is So Important
Over time, lint builds up inside the dryer vent, obstructing airflow. This lowers the efficiency of your dryer, meaning it takes longer to dry clothes and uses more energy. But perhaps the biggest concern is safety: clogged vents are one of the leading causes of house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), dryers are responsible for over 15,000 fires in the U.S. each year, with 34% of these caused by a failure to clean the dryer vent. So this is totally preventable!
Red Flags of a Bad Dryer Vent Cleaning Job
1. Incomplete Cleaning
A proper dryer vent cleaning involves more than just vacuuming out the lint trap. If the technician only clears out the visible lint at the entry and exit points, without inspecting the entire vent system, they leave behind significant build-up in the ducts, where it’s harder to reach. This can quickly lead to clogged ducts again, putting your home at risk.
Signs of an incomplete job:
- Clothes take longer to dry.
- The dryer gets unusually hot to the touch.
- You notice a burning smell or heat near the vent.
2. Cheap, Low-Quality Equipment
Professional dryer vent cleaning services should use high-quality, specialized tools, like rotary brushes and powerful vacuums, to dislodge lint from deep within the vent system. If the technician shows up with generic equipment, such as a regular household vacuum or a broomstick, it’s a huge red flag. Cheap equipment won’t be able to clean out all the debris, leaving your dryer at risk.
3. Ignoring the Exterior Vent
The exterior vent cover plays a crucial role in allowing airflow. If it’s blocked or damaged, the venting system won’t work properly, and moisture could build up in the ducts, contributing to mold and mildew growth. Some technicians may clean the vent but skip inspecting the exterior opening. This can cause long-term issues if not addressed.
Signs of poor exterior maintenance:
- A build-up of lint around the vent outside your house.
- The vent cover doesn’t open or close properly.
- A damaged vent that was overlooked.
4. Lack of Proper Inspection and Testing
A reliable cleaning service will thoroughly inspect the entire venting system, including ducts, connections, and the vent cover. They’ll also run the dryer after cleaning to ensure that it’s working properly and efficiently. If a technician doesn’t check airflow after cleaning or doesn’t inspect the system from end to end, you’re not getting the full service you paid for. (This is what happened to our caller.)
5. Unqualified Technicians
If you’re hiring a professional, make sure they’re properly trained and ideally certified. A licensed technician will have the right knowledge and experience to clean your vents safely and effectively. Unfortunately, some unqualified or inexperienced workers might try to take shortcuts or miss crucial steps, leading to ineffective or incomplete cleaning.
6. No Follow-up on Repairs
If the technician discovers problems with your vent, such as a collapsed duct or broken connections, they should let you know and suggest repairs. If a technician doesn’t address these issues or fails to notify you of potential hazards, it could be an indicator of a bad job. Without proper repairs, cleaning is essentially a temporary fix, and your system could still be dangerous.
How to Avoid a Bad Dryer Vent Cleaning Job
Now that you know what to look out for, here are a few tips to help you avoid a bad dryer vent cleaning job:
1. Do Your Research
Before hiring a cleaning service, check online reviews, ask for references, and verify their credentials. Look for companies that have a good track record and proper certifications. CSIA has a certification program specifically for dryer vents.
2. Ask Questions
When contacting a service, ask about their cleaning process and the tools they use. A reputable company should be able to explain their process clearly and answer any concerns you have.
3. Inspect the Job Yourself
After the service is complete, run your dryer for a short cycle and check if your clothes dry faster and more efficiently. If you notice any unusual smells or if your dryer seems excessively hot, it may indicate that the job wasn’t done properly.
4. Consider Regular Maintenance
Rather than waiting for your vent to get clogged, it’s a good idea to have it cleaned annually. Regular maintenance can prevent long-term issues and ensure your dryer runs efficiently year-round.
Conclusion: Don’t Skip on Quality
While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest or fastest dryer vent cleaning option, it’s important to remember that this is a safety-critical service. Taking the time to hire the right professional will not only help your dryer last longer but also keep your home safe from fire hazards.
By recognizing the signs of a bad cleaning job and knowing how to find a reliable technician, you can eliminate the hassle that our caller had of doing it twice!
Happy Cleaning!
