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According to fairly recent data compiled by the U.S. Fire Administration, there are roughly 2,900 reports of fires started by dryers each year. These fires result in an average $35 million in property damage, 100 injuries and five fatalities annually. The National Resource Defense Council estimates there are nearly 89 million residential clothe dryers in the country (which sounds high) – so the rate of dryer fires to operating dryers is fairly low.

Does the low likelihood of dryer fires mean you should ignore the risk? Absolutely not. It’s safe to assume that number would be much higher if most people didn’t religiously clean out lint filters or properly install their dryers and vents. The danger is real, especially when basic maintenance and proper operating procedures are ignored.

The degree of dryer vent cleaning difficulty is generally situational and based on the necessities of installation. Some people are able to install clothes dryers right against exterior walls, meaning the vent line must only travel inches or a handful of feet to exhaust outdoors. Other households need to put dryers in basements or interior spaces, which means the exhaust tubing has to snake a long distance in order to effectively vent outdoors.

Pests and animals can pose another set of challenges for homeowners in Rockville, Montgomery County and the greater D.C. area. Dryer vents are warm and sheltered, making them a particularly attractive nesting opportunity. Those nests can greatly increase the risk of fire – and they’re not always easy to reach.

While not every homeowner will need professional dryer vent cleaning, some undoubtedly do. Investing in this affordable maintenance and cleaning job can prevent serious fires down the road and protect your home and household.

Fire Risk Isn’t the Only Reason to Invest in Dryer Vent Cleaning

Energy efficiency: A clogged dryer vent can lead to longer drying times by preventing the hot, moist air from exiting the dryer efficiently. Dryers that can’t effectively vent are forced to work harder and use more energy to dry clothes. Cleaning the vent can improve the dryer's performance and reduce energy consumption, saving you money on utility bills.

Prolonging the life of your dryer: Clogged dryer vents can cause your dryer to work harder and run longer than should be necessary to adequately dry clothing. This consistently longer run time over months or in some cases years will inevitably accelerate wear on the appliance. Keeping dryer vents clean can help maintain your dryer's performance and extend its lifespan.

Preventing mold and mildew: A clogged dryer vent can trap moisture inside, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. This can lead to unpleasant odors and potential health risks. Cleaning the vent regularly helps prevent mold and mildew buildup.

Reducing allergens: Lint, dust and other allergens can accumulate in your dryer vent, potentially worsening indoor air quality and triggering allergies or asthma. Cleaning the vent helps minimize allergen buildup and helps maintain a healthier home environment.

What Is the Dryer Vent Cleaning Process?

1. Disconnect the dryer
   
   
2. Move the dryer away from the wall
   
   
3. Disconnect the vent duct
   
   
4. Clean the duct using a dryer vent brush or vacuum attachment, insert it into the duct and gently push it through to remove lint and debris
   
   For long ducts, you might need to use a flexible brush or a brush with an extendable handle to reach the entire length of the duct.
   
   
5. Clean the exterior vent
   
   
6. Reconnect the vent duct
   
   
7. Move the dryer back into place
   
   
8. Reconnect the dryer
   
   
9. Test the dryer



For some homeowners this can be a safe DIY job, but there are scenarios where it makes sense to call professional dryer vent cleaners.

• You have a gas dryer and it needs to be disconnected and moved for proper cleaning.
• The dryer vent exhaust tube is particularly long or inaccessible, and you don’t have the tools to effectively clean the entire length.
• The dryer is in a hard-to-reach space and unhooking the dryer and moving it would be difficult to do on your own.
• You’re not sure you have the expertise to do the job right and prevent future fires.

Dryer vent cleaning is a chore that you don’t have to tackle on your own. Home Air Services is always available to perform safe, thorough and reliable dryer vent cleaning services. Call us at (301) 585-8100 to schedule service.