While it may be tempting, DIY dryer vent cleaning is not a good idea…
Clothes dryers are robust, efficient appliances, but after a while, the air duct and vent fill up with a lot of lint and debris. Many homeowners attempt to conduct a DIY dryer vent cleaning, which is always a bad idea. We’re going to explain why you should always hire a professional instead of trying to do this task yourself.
You’re Not a Professional
The first thing that you should keep in mind with any type of HVAC maintenance is that you’re not a professional. We have little doubt that you could do a pretty good job of cleaning a dryer vent yourself, but this isn’t something you’d need to do very often, so you probably won’t be very efficient at it. A professional technician will have hundreds of dryer vent cleanings under their belt, so you can rest assured that it’ll be done right the first time.
Mistakes May Cause Damage
When a homeowner decides to clean the dryer duct and vent themselves, they’ll often use a DIY dryer vent cleaning kit. The problem that people can run into is that these kits sometimes include brushes that are too rough or sharp, so there’s the possibility that you’ll puncture the duct. If this happens, the duct and vent system won’t work as efficiently, and you’ll end up wasting energy and exposing it to further damage.
Lack the Proper Equipment
Cleaning a dryer vent doesn’t simply involve grabbing a brush or a cloth and reaching in to remove all of the lint and debris. While it’s true that DIY dryer vent cleaning kits include brushes and other things you’ll need, these items simply won’t suffice in most situations.
There’s a very good chance that your dryer air duct could be up to 20 or 30 feet long, and a kit won’t let you reach that far inside. A professional, on the other hand, will come fully equipped no matter what’s involved.
May Increase Risk of Fires
Dryer fires are caused in homes across the country many times a year because ducts and vents haven’t been properly cleaned. This is caused by a buildup of lint and an electrical spark due to a short or another mishap. This is the biggest reason you should avoid a DIY dryer vent cleaning solution. A professional will be able to thoroughly clean every bit of the duct and vent, ensuring that there won’t be a fire hazard.
Pros Can Identify Problems
Like other types of HVAC equipment, your dryer duct and vent are well-built and designed to last for many years. However, they can sustain damage or simply wear out over time, which may cause a fire hazard or other issues and require replacement.
If you try to clean everything yourself, then you may miss warning signs that there could be a problem in the future. A professional technician, on the other hand, can give you a heads-up, which can prevent a small issue from becoming a bigger danger.
Dryer Vents Will Need Regular DIY Cleanings
To keep your dryer duct and vent working properly, it’s recommended that you get them professionally cleaned at least twice per year. This will keep your system running smoothly and avoid any problems that might create a fire hazard or decrease the system’s energy efficiency. If you choose to clean the vent yourself, the job won’t be nearly as thorough, so you’ll find yourself being forced to conduct regular cleanings much more often.
Contact Carr AC for Dryer Vent Cleaning
Carr Air Conditioning & Heating offers professional dryer vent cleaning in Palm Harbor and the surrounding areas. if you have any questions about our services or would like a free, no-obligation quote, give us a call at (727) 447-7212 today.
We also serve:
Oldsmar