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    Ultimate Guide to Dryer Vent Repair and Installation

    Your dryer vents and filters require special care to keep your new home safe. Although you likely clean your lint trap at least every other load, many new homeowners are unaware of the danger their dryer vents present when not maintained properly. Here we share everything new homeowners need to know about dryer vent repair and installation to optimize performance and keep your home safe.

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    Importance of Dryer Vent Maintenance

    Dryer vent maintenance is an essential part of overall home maintenance. It is crucial for several reasons:

    Home Safety: Dryers use heat to dry clothes. When lint builds up due to poor maintenance, it creates the perfect fire tinder. In fact, According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System, 31% of dryer-related fires were caused by a failure to properly clean vents. But that's not all. When gas dryer vents are clogged or not installed properly, it causes carbon monoxide to back up in your home, presenting serious health risks for your family.


    Low Energy Efficiency: Clogged vents interfere with the energy efficiency of your dryer. Your dryer can't provide enough hot air to dry clothes, so you run it for several cycles. Unfortunately, every cycle adds more clicks to your electricity meter, wasting energy and costing you more money.


    Shortened Life: All those additional cycles mean your dryer works two, three, or even four times harder than it should. As a result, it decreases the life of your dryer, so you'll either face ongoing repairs or a costly replacement.


    Mold: Dryer vents are designed to release moisture and hot air outside when your dryer is running. If you have lint build-up in the vent tube, the tube collects moisture, increasing the risk for mold growth. Mold harms your health, triggering allergy symptoms that affect your eyes, nose, skin, and lungs. As a result, you might start sneezing and blowing your nose, rubbing your watery eyes, coughing, and feeling tired.


    Protect Your Clothes: Clean vents mean your dryer will run better, putting less wear and tear on your clothes. Continuous runs in the dryer pull at fabric, causing your clothes to look old and not last as long.


    If you are a new homeowner, you might find it especially useful to understand why these aspects of maintenance are so crucial. Dive deeper into this topic by exploring the topic here.

    Common signs your dryer vents aren't functioning correctly include:


    • Excessive Lint: If you are finding lint on your clothes, up the walls behind and around your dryer, in the dryer door seal, and of course, in the lint trap, this is a sign your vents are clogged and can't handle any more build-up.
    • Overheating or Shutting Off: Most dryers have an automatic shut-off triggered when the appliance overheats. Constant shut-offs mean your ducts are not managing air flow properly. Also, if the dryer doesn't shut off but seems to give off more heat than usual, this is a sign that the dryer vents aren't working.
    • Extended Drying Times: If you constantly have to rerun drying cycles, it is because the hot air flow is restricted. Obstructed dryer vents usually cause this.
    • Error Codes: Many modern dryers display error codes to indicate problems. Codes related to overheating, airflow issues, or sensor malfunctions often point to vent-related blockages or malfunctions. 

    For more information, please visit Warning Signs of a Malfunctioning Dryer Vent web page.


    man cleaning dryer vent

    DIY vs. Professional Repair and Installation

    Dryer vent repair and installation for new homeowners is best left to the pros. A typical dryer's air ventilation system produces heat when not installed correctly. For example, if your laundry room is a tight, awkward space, you might push the dryer back too far and crush the vent hose causing a blockage. The hose might also not be connected to the vent leading outside, which means you can release lint into your home, and in the worst-case scenario, dangerous gases like carbon monoxide.


    Improper installation can also increase the risk of fires due to heat build-up. As mentioned, poor installation and repairs will also impact the efficiency and function of your dryer. If you intend to repair your dryer vents, the same scenarios are as likely. Therefore, it makes more sense to have professional repairs and installation to keep your home safe.


    Benefits of Regular Dryer Vent Maintenance

    washing machine with clothes inside

    The benefits of regular dryer vent maintenance include the following:


    • Your clothes will dry faster, look better, and last longer.
    • Your dryer will last longer as it will run for shorter cycles.
    • You'll lower your energy bill because your dryer runs less.
    • You'll reduce your risk of dryer fires by removing vent clogs.


    dirty and clogged dryer vent duct

    Common Dryer Vent Issues and Solutions

    There are several common vent issues you might encounter as a new homeowner, including:


    • Clogged vents and tubing
    • Compressed, crushed tubing
    • Congested vent exhaust or jammed exhaust flaps
    • Clogged vent screening
    • Poor installation
    • Damaged ducts
    • Too many turns or connections in the tubing
    • Improper length of tubing

    All these issues are corrected by calling a dryer vent professional. They will assess the situation, identify the damage, and make the necessary repairs or corrections. Professionals can recommend the ideal location for your dryer and exhaust and ensure your vent tubing is updated to the right length and type. Finally, they will clean everything to keep your vents performing correctly to ensure safety and efficiency.

    Choosing a Reliable Service Provider

    professional dryer duct cleaner

    When choosing a reliable provider, look for the following qualities:


    • Positive online reviews and star ratings above four
    • Proof of insurance
    • Certification and licensing
    • Following Air Duct Cleaning Association best practices
    • Hiring and training process that ensures employees are vetted and experienced
    • A professional, transparent website
    • No hidden costs with transparent fees
    • Comprehensive HVAC experience
    • Certification in mold remediation by the Professional Mold Inspection Institute (PMII)

    Be sure to call your local service provider and have a chat before hiring them. They should be professional yet friendly, answer questions thoroughly, and be completely transparent about their certifications, pricing, insurance, and experience.

    Dryer Vent FAQs

    How often do I need to clean my dryer vents?

    It would be best to have your dryer vents cleaned once a year, along with your annual dryer vent maintenance call.

    How do I know when my dryer vents need to be cleaned?

    Warning signs include overheating, automatic shut-offs, and damp clothes after the cycle. To avoid issues, it's best to stick with an annual maintenance schedule to reduce risks and improve efficiency.

    What is the difference between a dryer duct and a dryer vent?

    There is no difference! Depending on the dryer manufacturer and the preferred name used in your region, your dryer's exhaust system goes by both names. We are partial to the term dryer vents, but we'll answer your call no matter what you call it!

    Want to Learn More? 

    If you have questions about dryer vent repair and installation, we are here to help. Click here to learn more about our vent installation and repair services.

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