Dryer exhaust duct cleaning is among the many items that make up the equipment maintenance checklist.
This is because a dirty dryer exhaust duct contains dirt and lint that can ignite dryer fires at any time.
If not, dirt and lint collection can hamper the free airflow, affecting the normal operation of the equipment and leading to its reduced lifespan, as evident from periodic repairs.
While home cleaning is still an option, scheduling some professional cleaning, say every four months is imperative.
Even with professional dryer exhaust duct cleaning, homeowners must understand what is included in the service and how the process works.
Does your dryer vent pipe look like this?
The only way to solicit this kind of detail from the serviceman is by asking the appropriate questions. In this understanding, this article gives 10 main things to enquire from the technician before the process begins.
Will the Cleansing Impact My Power Bills Positively?
Yes! Removing dirt and litter in the form of fiber dust from the duct will restore free airflow, thereby enhancing the equipment’s operation. With enhanced dryer performance comes reduced power bills since the equipment is operating at its best.
Is the Service Part of the Maintenance Package?
Usually, dryer duct cleaning does not include cleaning the entire system; it is strictly limited to the duct. If you need the whole system cleaned or checked for malfunctions or just normal annual maintenance, you might consider contracting the broad maintenance package, which includes vent cleaning.
How Often Will You be Cleaning the Vent?
Dryer duct cleaning frequency depends heavily on various determinants, including the material of the duct, dryer usage frequency, and model of the equipment, among others. If your equipment does a lot of washing, as is the case with larger families, your vent is crafted from plastic, and you rely on a piece of less powerful equipment, you may have to spruce up the vent more regularly.
What Does the Cleaning Quote Include?
As initially hinted, the vent sprucing quote may not include much. It will mostly be limited to duct cleaning alone. However, the professional may conduct health checks on the entire system, but the package may not include troubleshooting the mishaps noted. To do that, you may need to adjust to a higher quote that includes troubleshooting those issues.
Can I Spruce The Vent By Myself?
While it may still be possible to home clean the dryer duct, you may never replicate the effectiveness of professionals. Besides, you need a technician to handle it often so that during the process, they can inspect the health of the entire system and recommend the appropriate action to protect its integrity.
When do I Need Professional Cleaning?
The presence of humidity hovering over the laundry room, absurd energy costs, unusual noise emanating from the equipment, some weird burning smell, and the clothes taking too long to dry completely are all among the many indicators of a dirty and clogged dryer duct. All these indications signal the dire need for technical intervention to avert the situation.
What is Your Experience in Dryer Maintenance?
This is a critical question since a technician’s experience is vital to the health of the equipment. An inadequately experienced professional may end up destroying rather than cleaning the system.
How Much is the Service Approximate Cost?
The professional may not provide you with the exact figure during the initial consultation until they inspect the system. Based on the extent of accumulation, vent size, and intricacy of the route, the technician should now be able to approximate the total cost.
Why Do I Need a Technician to Spruce My Vent?
Though vent self-cleaning is still feasible, professional cleansing is needed at some point so that the equipment’s health can be evaluated and appropriate action recommended before problems get out of hand.
What is the Expected Lead Time?
The size and intricacy of the duct, the extent of fiber dust accumulation, and other unforeseen issues are among the many things that will determine the lead times for a technical dryer vent cleansing package. So, the professional may not have the answer until they show up at the house.
By asking these and raising any other apprehensions you might have, you can fully understand the process. By understanding the process, you can make the most of it while extending the lifespan of the equipment.