Q: Why is dryer vent cleaning important?
A: Over time, lint and debris build up inside the dryer vent line, restricting airflow. This leads to longer drying times, reduced efficiency, overheating, and a serious fire risk. Cleaning the vent keeps your dryer running safely and efficiently.
Q: How often should dryer vents be cleaned?
A: Most manufacturers and fire safety experts recommend cleaning your dryer vent at least once a year. High-use households, multi-unit buildings, or properties with long or complex vent lines may need more frequent cleanings.
Q: Are there technical methods to verify if a dryer vent is functioning properly, aside from a basic hand airflow check?
A: Yes. While I’ve been in the trade for over 25 years and my hand is pretty well calibrated, a manometer still works better.
We prefer using backpressure measurements (when accessible) because they provide a clear, accurate picture of how well your dryer is exhausting air. This tells us if airflow is restricted — even if the vent looks clean from the outside.
When combined with a camera inspection, we can evaluate not just the cleanliness, but whether the vent design itself meets the dryer’s airflow requirements.
Q: What are the signs that my dryer vent needs cleaning?
A: The most common reason customers call us is because their dryer is taking too long to dry clothes or not drying at all. In many cases, a repair technician is called first — and then recommends having the vent cleaned after noticing poor airflow.
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A: Newer machines may also display warning codes to alert you to low airflow or overheating caused by a clogged vent.
Common examples include:
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LG: D80, D90, D95
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Samsung: CLg, C80–C95
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Whirlpool/Maytag: AF (Airflow Failure) or “Check Vent”
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A: Other warning signs may include:​​
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The dryer feeling hot to the touch
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A burning smell during use
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Lint collecting around the vent outlet or flap not opening properly
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The dryer shutting off before the cycle ends
Q: Can a clogged dryer vent damage my dryer?
A: Yes. Restricted airflow can cause the dryer to overheat, shorten the life of heating elements, increase wear on the motor, and potentially damage sensitive internal parts. It also increases energy usage.
Q: Is it possible for water to get inside the dryer vent?
A: Yes, it’s possible — and not uncommon. Water inside the dryer vent is often caused by:
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Condensation: Warm, moist air from the dryer can cool inside the vent, causing moisture to condense and pool.
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Improper slope: If the vent line sags or lacks proper downward pitch, condensation has nowhere to drain and can collect in low spots.
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Clogged vents: Lint buildup can trap moisture and restrict airflow, making the problem worse.
If you notice musty smells, visible water, or dripping from the vent, it should be inspected. Moisture inside the vent can reduce dryer performance, damage the appliance, and lead to mold or corrosion if left unaddressed.
Q: What does your cleaning service include?
A: We use professional-grade tools like rotary brushes, compressed air, and vacuum systems to clean the full length of the vent line. We also inspect the vent cover, transition duct, and airflow to ensure proper operation and safety.
Q: Is this the same as cleaning the lint trap?
A: No. The lint trap inside your dryer should be cleaned after every load, but it only catches a portion of the lint. Much of it escapes into the vent line, which must be cleaned separately by accessing the full duct system.
Q: Do you offer camera inspections?
A: Yes, we offer video inspections that let us assess the condition of the vent from the inside. This helps identify blockages, improper installations, or damage.
Q: Is dryer vent cleaning messy or disruptive?
A: Not at all. Our team works cleanly and efficiently, taking care to protect your space. In most cases, the cleaning takes less than an hour and causes minimal disruption to your day.​
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Q: Can a camera inspection prevent future damage or fire risks?
A: Absolutely. Inspections can reveal hidden blockages, crushed or disconnected sections, and even nests or debris that standard cleanings might miss. Catching these issues early prevents safety hazards, reduces fire risk, and helps avoid costly repairs or emergency calls.
STACKS
Q: Why is a camera inspection recommended before cleaning a dryer vent stack?
A: In multi-unit buildings, vent stacks often serve several floors and can develop blockages, breaks, or improper connections over time. A camera inspection allows us to visually assess the internal condition of the entire line, helping identify problem areas before cleaning. This ensures the cleaning is effective and targets the real issues.
Q: How often should a building have a dryer stack inspected?
A: We recommend a professional inspection at least once a year for buildings with shared dryer stacks. Annual inspections are a proactive safety measure that allow property managers to document conditions, plan for maintenance, and stay compliant with insurance or fire safety guidelines.
Q: What’s the benefit of inspecting before scheduling a routine cleaning?
A: Cleaning without an inspection can waste time and money if there are underlying issues like collapsed lines, disconnected ducts, or heavy blockages beyond reach. An inspection ensures the cleaning crew is prepared with the right equipment and approach, reducing the risk of incomplete work or repeat service calls.
Q: What tools do you use for cleaning from the roof?
A: We use rotary brushes to scrub the inside of the stack and dislodge lint buildup from top to bottom. For tougher or taller stacks, we also use compressed air tools such as air snakes and air whips (weepers) to help break up and push debris downward.
A camera system may also be used during the cleaning to guide the process and verify results in real time. This combination of tools allows us to clean shared stacks safely and effectively — even in buildings without access to every unit.
Q: What happens if there’s no access at the bottom of the stack?
A: Access at the bottom is essential to remove the lint that falls during the cleaning process. Without a clean-out or available unit to collect the debris, the cleaning may be incomplete or require additional steps — such as scheduling a second visit or opening a section of the duct.
In these cases, we may recommend installing a fire-rated access panel near the base of the stack. This allows for safe debris removal during the current service and makes future cleanings more effective, code-compliant, and efficient.
CAMERA INSPECTION:
Q: Is this service disruptive to residents?
A: Not at all. Our camera inspections are done from the roof or exterior access points whenever possible. They’re fast, non-invasive, and provide high-resolution video documentation that can be shared with building management.