Dryer vent cleaning should be added to the list of necessary home maintenance chores. Almost every home has a hidden fire hazard; a clothes dryer! Actually, the clothes dryer isn't the real danger; the dryer exhaust ducts and dryer vent are. Over time, lint build up in the dryer exhaust ducts, blocking air flow, causing overheating, and resulting in a devastating fire.
Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended to remove the lint build-up and to be sure the dryer exhaust system meets current safety standards. Many homeowners like to do as much as they can, on their own, rather than paying for professional services.
Some dryer vents are very short and easily accessible; therefore, the can be maintained by the homeowner. Other systems require the use of special tools and equipment that a dryer vent specialist uses to do the job.
For the do-it-yourself type there are tools available in most hardware of home improvement stores. There is an attachment that can be attached to a drill. The rotating action of the auger brush and flexible rods will help access and clean the areas of your dryer ducts where lint builds up. The tool comes with several flexible rods that screw together to reach into longer vents. Once you have scrubbed the ducts, you can blow them out with a shop vac. A variety of hand tools are also available to purchase.
If you have an exceptionally long dryer duct system, or if you are unsure as to whether or not your system is properly installed or if it meets current safety standards, it is a good idea to have a professional dryer vent specialist inspect the system, to be safe.
Fire departments strongly recommend dryer vent cleaning at least once a year to remove lint accumulation before it becomes dangerous. Lint build-up can also prevent proper ventilation of carbon monoxide if you have a gas dryer.
If you are the type who likes to do it yourself to save money then at least have your system inspected and professionally cleaned one time to be sure it is safe. Then do the maintenance on your own. Since a thorough cleaning is recommended each year, maybe you can pay for professional cleaning every two to three years, as long as you're doing your part too.
D. Benson of Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in dryer vent cleaning and all dryer exhaust issues. Unlike many service technicians, they also take the time to explain to their customers what they are doing and why it is important. With God's help and many successful business partnerships, Dryer Vent Wizard will make 1 million dryers safer and greener by the year 2010.
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