Did you know dryer vents usually need cleaning at least once a year? Some commercial property owners may choose to schedule a cleaning service; others, however, may consider DIYing the project.
Community Concierge Services provides top-quality dryer vent cleaning in Atlanta, GA, and nearby cities and states. From our expert perspective, dryer vent cleaning DIY works only in specific cases. For all others, you likely need a professional for a thorough cleaning.
Why You Should Clean Your Dryer Vent
Although the filter inside the dryer catches a lot of lint, dirt, and other particles that flow through the system, it doesn’t catch it all. Progressive lint buildup can be a serious fire risk where, when exposed to too much heat, all the mess becomes kindling. Thousands of fires each year start due to poor dryer vent cleaning habits.
Moreover, a clogged dryer vent means less heat. You may have to use the dryer several times to get the same quality you would usually get from one round in the appliance. This process wastes electricity unnecessarily and increases your energy bill.
Therefore, you should clean or check your dryer vent at least once a year.
What Do You Need To Think About When Deciding Between Professional Service and DIY Work?
There are a lot of considerations to take into account when deciding between dryer vent cleaning DIY and professional services. The primary concerns include the following.
The Price
Many people decide to try and DIY their dryer vent cleaning due to concerns about the price. That said, commercial property owners may not save as much money as they think. Depending on the situation, a property owner may need to purchase additional equipment to clean their dryer vents. In addition, should something go wrong, they may need to schedule repair services.
If you’re a commercial property owner, think carefully about the tools you have available and your own capabilities, and weigh that against the price of requesting professional services.
Whether You Have Access To the Right Gear
Cleaning out a dryer vent requires the use of professional equipment. This includes:
- Safety gear: Because of the dust and debris you will encounter, high-quality respiratory masks are a must. You should also have protective gloves and goggles to prevent pollutants from affecting these sensitive parts of your body.
- Rotary brushes: A rotary brush allows you to scrub the inside and remove stuck-on debris. They come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate many vent configurations so you can ensure your system gets a deep clean.
- High-power vacuum cleaners: As the rotary brush disturbs compactions inside the vent, you need a good place for all the newly airborne pollutants to go. An industrial-strength vacuum has specific additions for removing lint, dust, and other debris from a ventilation system. Moisture and heat can cause some debris to toughen, so the vacuum needs enough suction to pull it off without damaging the vent.
- Mobile rods and extensions: The twists and curves in a dryer vent can be hard to reach with rotary brushes and vacuums alone. To increase dryer vent safety, flexible rods and extensions allow the brush and other tools to travel through the entire vent, even the small pockets. With them, you should be able to reach the exterior exhaust vent from the dryer.
- Inspection cameras: This professional equipment allows cleaners to locate and identify any vent obstructions, whether lint or otherwise. You can also find small pockets and areas that can be hard to clean.
If you don’t have this equipment available, you’ll likely need to call a professional.
The Size of the Vent You’re Cleaning
The cases where we think DIY could work specifically occur with shorter dryer vents, perhaps around four feet in length, with fewer curves. Otherwise, we highly recommend professional cleaning instead.
The general property owner can’t find or use the professional cleaning tools necessary for a thorough cleaning service. Even DIY tool kits often fail to accommodate various dryer vents, which require specialized tools and care to clean. Longer ductwork length also presents a challenge since, without visual aids and other equipment, there’s no telling if you’re cleaning or accidentally creating a clog.
Potential Animals Living in Your Vents
Since the exterior exhaust vent can be near the roof of your property, small critters could make your dryer vent their home. Then, when you start cleaning, you may disturb a living creature, from squirrels to bees, the latter of which could be particularly catastrophic. Professionals can identify any living creatures in your vent system early and take action to prevent an accidental infestation.
Expert Dryer Vent Cleaning at Reasonable Costs
Community Concierge Services specializes in multi-home communities and commercial properties that need dryer vent cleaning services in Georgia and nearby states. You can find out the average cost of dryer vent cleaning here or speak with our customer service team for more specific, custom figures.
Communities and commercial buildings can’t rely only on dryer vent cleaning DIY projects! Rid your Atlanta property or properties of these safety hazards by calling (800) 742-9176 today.