Dryer Vent Cleaning in Farmington, NM
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Step 1 of 3: Equipment
Cold winters make the lint stick harder
Your dryer pushes out warm, damp air every time it runs. In a vent that runs through a cold attic or along an outside wall, that air cools fast on nights that average 20°F. When it cools, the moisture in it settles on the vent walls, and lint sticks to that dampness instead of blowing on through to the outside.
Over a winter that lasts from October through May, that buildup narrows the vent a little at a time. A narrower vent means the dryer has to push harder to move air, and the lint that is trapped inside is what a dryer vent cleaning removes.
- 20°F
- the average winter night, and cold vents catch damp lint
- 8 months
- October through May, the vent stays cold
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NOAA nClimDiv, 1991–2020 normals
- How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?
- Once a year is the standard rule for most households. If your dryer runs more loads than average, or the vent run is long or has several bends, check it more often. Lint builds up inside the duct where you can't see it, and it collects faster in a vent that isn't straight.
- Can I clean my dryer vent myself?
- You can clean the lint trap and the first few feet of duct yourself, but that's not the whole vent. Most vents run several feet through walls or ceilings to an outside hood, and lint collects along the whole length. A contractor uses a brush and vacuum system built to reach the full run and clear the vent hood outside too.
- What are the signs of a clogged dryer vent?
- Clothes that take longer than usual to dry, or come out hotter than normal, are the first sign. Check the outside vent hood while the dryer runs. If you feel weak airflow, or the flap barely moves, lint is likely blocking the line. A burning smell, more lint than usual around the trap, or a dryer that shuts off mid-cycle are signs the clog has gotten worse.