In other words, not taking care of the lint as it accumulates.  The proper maintenance of a dryer includes cleaning the line from the trap, vents and surrounding areas.  If this isn’t done consistently it can, and often does, result in a fire.

It is up to the homeowner to remove the lint from the dryer trap after each load of laundry.  However, cleaning out the dryer vent and surrounding areas can normally be done only by a professional.

When lint has to pass through an exhaust that is under a floor or through walls that is more than 6 feet long, it is almost impossible to propel all the lint of out of the vent.  As a result, lint can accumulate in pockets along the vent where they are hard to reach and clean.  It is critical for homeowners to inspect and clean out the dryer line on a regular basis.

Clean A Duct can put you on a maintenance plan where we automatically contact you to clean the line yearly.  Call for a free quote at 503-863-7717

*Published in the USFA Topical Fire Research Series, Vol. 7, Issue 1, January 2007

It is important to get them cleaned on a regular basis and espcially if any of the following is present: 

1 – Animals in the home
2 – Recent construction / remodeling / floor refinishing
3 – Occupants are allergic to dust 
4 – It’s been 2 or more years since you last had them cleaned

You can avoid potential problems by taking care of this household maintenance on a regular basis.

If your dryer vent is taking more than one cycle to dry your clothes it could be a clogged dryer vent restricting air flow. 

Before calling an appliance repair person, make sure to check for airflow at the outside location where the dryer exhaust exits your home.  In most cases, it’s a clogged dryer vent, especially if your vent hasn’t been cleaned in over 3 years.

            1) Rotary Brush with Vacuum

            2) Negative Air Vacuum

Our technicians do a thorough inspection of your home prior to starting the job and will determine at that time which technique is best for your system.

Dislodging Debris

Properly cleaning HVAC systems requires removing the sources of contamination from the walls of the air ducts.  Just as there are different types and sizes of air ducts, they are different air duct cleaning tools used to loosen debris from the walls of the air ducts.

• Mechanical Agitation: Mechanical air duct cleaning tools are typically brushes powered through an electric motor, and are generally used for sheet metal air ducts.  Mechanical air duct cleaning tools are a more aggressive cleaning technique.
• Pneumatic Agitation: Pneumatic air duct cleaning tools use compressed air to agitate debris from the walls of the air ducts.  There are many different pneumatic air duct cleaning tools that can be used such as air whips, compressed air nozzles, or skipper balls.  Pneumatic air duct cleaning tools are excellent in cleaning sensitive materials such as internally lined fiberglass air ducts, fiberglass duct board, and flex line air ducts.
• Hand-brush & Contact Vacuuming: When accessible, hand brushing and contact vacuuming with a HEPA filtered portable vacuum is an effective method of cleaning.

Collection and Removal of Debris

The most important consideration for air duct cleaning project is the prevention of cross contamination. During ventilation cleaning, the entire HVAC system may be placed under negative pressure to collect loosened debris and prevent the spread of contaminants.  There are two main types of collection devices:

• Truck Mounted Vacuums: Truck Mounted Vacuums are gas powered vacuums that are powered through the PTO of an operating vehicle.  The amount of vacuum typically ranges from 10,000 – 15,000 cfm.  Because of the high volume of air the Truck Mounted Vacuum draws, they have a high propensity for drawing vehicle exhaust and contaminants within the workspace.
• Portable HEPA filtered Vacuums: In most instances, portable HEPA filtered vacuums are the most effective vacuum collection device.  HEPA filtered vacuums have a high velocity of vacuum draw allowing for greater lift of the debris and can often be brought to the contaminant source.  HEPA filters prevent contaminants from being dispersed from the vacuum exhaust and prevent the potential of cross contamination.