Questions and Answers​

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Common Questions About Vent Cleaning

What questions do you have about the vents in your Cape Cod home?
We try to answer the most common ones here, but if you have more, just get in touch!

Why Should I Have My Dryer Duct Cleaned?

Here are 6 common reasons why you might need duct cleaning.

You bought a new home or moved into a new home more than a year ago. The earlier owners may have never had it cleaned.
Your clothes come out hotter than usual when the cycle has ended.
The outside vent flapper does not open when your dryer is running.
The laundry area is dusty, or lint is accumulating behind the dryer.
Your clothes need more time to dry than before, especially sweatshirts, jeans, and towels.
You haven’t had your dryer duct cleaned in 2 or more years. We recommend cleaning it every year, but we know life sometimes gets in the way and it gets forgotten.

Frequently asked questions about dryer vents

How do I know it’s time to clean my dryer duct?

If you haven’t had it cleaned or serviced within 2 years or your clothes are taking longer to dry.

How long does it take to clean my vents?

It really depends on the length of the duct run but typically a cleaning takes about an hour.

Can clogged dryer vents cause a fire?

The answer is yes, absolutely.  According to the U.S Fire Administration there are approximately 15,000 fires every year caused by clogged or faulty dryer ducting or lint that has accumulated within the dryer itself. I recommend having your vent cleaned or serviced yearly.

Can I clean my dryer vents myself?

Yes, you can.  But it isn’t always easy to do, what with maybe having to move the dryer and crawl around to get at everything. We bring all the proper equipment and know-how, and our experience means your vents are cleaned properly by a trained professional.

How do I know if my dryer vents are working properly?

By having it inspected yearly to make sure there are no gaps or tears in your dryer venting run.  Poor venting can cause the dryer to run longer, which increases your energy costs.

Can a dryer give off carbon monoxide?

Yes, it can in gas dryers. When it’s working right, carbon monoxide is vented out through your dryer vent. However, clogs and tears create leaks into your home, so they can prevent the gas from escaping your home correctly. A buildup of carbon monoxide is very dangerous and can result in illness and death.

My dryer has a very long duct run, is that okay?

Most dryers can vent up to 100 feet, however if you have a long run make sure you have the proper vent. For many years flexible accordion type vent was used but over time it sags, and the wires inside grab onto lint causing clogs and making your drying time longer. We replace that old slinky style vent with rigid straight duct that will work much more efficiently.