When was the last time you cleaned the dryer duct? Can’t remember? It’s easy to forget about the venting and ducting behind your household or business’s dryer, but that doesn’t mean keeping the duct clean isn’t important! Dryer duct cleaning is an important maintenance routine for any household or business and works to prevent fires and keep energy bills down.
The Importance of Dryer Duct Cleaning
What makes dryer duct cleaning so important? With every use, your dryer takes in lint, dirt, and other debris from the material going through the machine. While most loads won’t introduce much debris at once, lint builds up over time. This forces your dryer to work harder, wearing it down and resulting in an increased power bill. In addition to putting strain on your machine, buildup is a serious fire hazard in your home, so much so that dryers account for approximately 15,970 residential fires annually. Making dryer duct cleaning a regular part of your maintenance routine will keep your dryer working efficiently and will protect your house from fire hazards.
Step 1: Search for Local Dryer Duct Cleaning Services
When it comes to dryer duct cleaning, it is always a good idea to bring in professionals. Proper maintenance requires a skilled hand with experience inspecting and cleaning a dryer system. Trained dryer duct cleaners will know what to look for and will be able to identify any safety risks, including fire hazards. The first step to hiring a dryer duct cleaning service is looking up companies in your area who provide the service.
Step 2: Look for Certification
You don’t want just anyone to be in charge of inspecting and cleaning your dryer. Dryer duct cleaning professionals should bring the proper training and certification to the job. The best companies will have a Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (CDET) on their lineup and will follow all the recommendations set out by the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These certifications provide you with the reassurance that the professionals working in your home are trained, experienced, and committed to keeping your family safe by properly inspecting and cleaning your dryer ducts.
Step 3: Check for Reviews
When you bring in a professional for cleaning, you want to be reassured that they are going to do the job well. Previous clients are always a great source of information on a company. You are going to want to look for reviews that signal the company was transparent, easy to work with, and did the job well. A company that is bogged down by negative experiences likely isn’t going to be the best dryer duct cleaning service to work with. Online reviews make it simple to check out feedback from previous customers, and the best professional cleaners will have positive testimonials to show for their hard work.
Step 4: Compare Quotes
Before hiring a service, it is always a good idea to compare costs. Most professional dryer duct cleaning services will provide a free quote if you request it, so don’t be shy! Shopping around for the best deal is never a bad idea, and you may be surprised at how quotes can range from one company to the next. Keep in mind that, while lessening your bill is always nice, you want to be sure that whichever crew you bring in is skilled and ready to get the job done right the first time.
Step 5: Bring in the Best Crew
Once you have a dryer duct cleaning company chosen, it’s time to schedule an appointment. When you call to request a service, don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is important you understand the work that is being done and any potential issues that may arise. After that, you’re good to go!
Maintaining a Healthy Dryer
A clean dryer is an efficient and safe dryer. By hiring a professional for dryer duct cleaning, you ensure your dryer is operating efficiently and not running up your energy bill. A well-maintained dryer reduces the risk of fire and keeps your family safe from any risk associated with a dryer unit. For any household or business with a dryer unit, regular dryer duct cleaning is an important maintenance practice that should be part of the deep cleaning routine.