Whether you are a homeowner or property manager, some home and/or apartment complex maintenance tasks should not be overlooked. One of these is dryer duct cleaning. A working dryer prevents clothing damage, improves energy efficiency, and mitigates expensive repairs – but importantly, it reduces the risk of home fires. Did you know that clogged dryer ducts are one of the leading causes of home fires? Because of the safety risk, in many states it is legally required that rentals and apartments clean dryer ducts annually.

Learn about how your dryer system works, signs that the duct may be clogged, and the benefits of regular, scheduled cleaning by a professional every 1-3 years. PureClean is the leading residential and commercial dryer duct cleaning service in Lexington, Kentucky, and we even offer it for free with full service air duct cleaning.

Dryer ducts allow hot, moist air to escape the dryer as your laundry dries. The duct typically connects to a vent leading outside the building so that the hot, wet air doesn’t build up indoors. Oftentimes, the water vapor and moisture that are leaving the dryer also contain lint and other particles that blow through the duct with them. Overtime, this debris builds up in the duct system and vent, potentially clogging the airflow and leading to heat buildup. Different variables like duct length, pet hair, and laundry volume can affect the amount and rate of lint and debris buildup in the duct.

As debris builds up in the dryer duct, it can begin to restrict the flow of moist, hot air out of the dryer. This can cause the following effects:

Reduced Drying Efficiency: A clogged duct restricts the airflow, making it harder for the moist air to escape from the dryer. Reduced airflow leads to longer drying times, as the moist air takes longer to be expelled.

Increased Energy Consumption: Longer drying times result in increased energy consumption, leading to higher utility bills.

Overheating and Fire Hazard: Restricted airflow can cause the dryer to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. Lint, a highly flammable material, tends to accumulate in clogged ducts and can easily ignite under the high temperatures generated by the dryer. Overheating can also lead to long-term damage to your dryer.

Moisture Accumulation: Instead of being vented outside, moisture-laden air may be forced back into the laundry area, leading to increased indoor humidity. High humidity can create an environment conducive to mold growth, potentially causing health issues and damage to the surrounding structure.

Appliance Damage: Overheating due to restricted airflow can damage the heating element and other components of the dryer, resulting in costly repairs or the need for premature replacement.

The recommended frequency for dryer duct cleaning is every 1-2 years, but depending on use, sometimes every 3-4 years can be acceptable as well. If you are doing commercial loads of laundry or drying large, bulky loads of towels, sheets, or items with pet hair on them very frequently, then it is probably better to be safe than sorry and schedule duct cleaning on the more frequent side.

PureClean offers special rates for commercial dryer duct cleaning jobs including apartments, hotels, gyms, and more.

Signs that you may need professional dryer duct cleaning include:

1. Your laundry is taking too long to dry and often requires multiple cycles to dry properly.
2. There is a burning smell when your dryer is running.
3. The dryer and surrounding area gets very hot.
4. Your dryer is not working at all (this could also be a larger issue).
5. You notice a buildup of lint in your lint screen and on the external dryer vent.

Of course, many people would rather just clean their own dryer ducts rather than hiring and paying for a professional service. DIY dryer duct cleaning is possible, but it requires an extremely strong vacuum or an air compressor with a hose attachment – and it comes with risks. You’ll want to make sure that you don’t end up improperly disconnecting the duct and/or blowing lint throughout your home or around the exterior vent.

We recommend hiring a professional to prevent costly mistakes – it will be more affordable in the long term!

Call or email us today schedule a dryer duct cleaning service today!