Look, we get it. What even is a dryer vent? The last thing you need right now is another item on your fall to-do list. But hear us out…. Neglected dryer vents are one of the leading causes of home fires in the United States. We’ll all be running our dryers quite a bit this winter as we deal with the wet weather, so now is the perfect time to look into the condition of your own dryer vents. At NW Energy Conservation, we know that a simple cleaning will undoubtedly improve your home’s safety, efficiency, and comfort.
We aren’t trying to scare you into doing this, we just want to ensure that you’re informed. So, let us explain why dryer vent cleaning matters, how it protects your home, and whether or not you should schedule a cleaning before winter.
Dryers produce lint every time you use them. While the lint trap catches some, much of it passes into the vent system. Over time, the lint builds up along the duct walls, especially in homes where the vent line is long or has multiple bends.
When lint builds up, airflow is restricted. That restriction creates three problems:
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, almost 3,000 home dryer fires are reported every year, with neglected dryer vents being the leading cause. These fires peak during the fall and winter months, particularly in January.
You already know how damp our winters are around the Puget Sound. All of that moisture actually affects more than just our comfort. It can also cause lint to build up and stick together more than in arid climates.
As well as that, many homes in the Tacoma area were built with long dryer vent runs that exit through the roof or crawl space. The longer the vent, the more opportunity for lint to accumulate. Add in cold, wet conditions that cause vent flaps to stick shut, and you have the perfect storm for restricted airflow.
We’ve worked on vents where the lint was so packed that air could barely escape. In those cases, the dryer was at serious risk of overheating.
Clogged dryer vents are both unsafe and inefficient. When airflow is blocked, dryers run hotter and longer. That means higher energy bills for homeowners.
We’ve had Tacoma customers tell us that they noticed immediate results after a cleaning:
Maintaining low dryer run times is one of the easiest ways to save money on your energy bill each month.
You don’t always need special tools to know when a vent is clogged. Some warning signs include:
If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to schedule a cleaning.
We recommend dryer vent cleaning any time of year, but fall is especially smart for a few reasons:
Schedule a vent cleaning before winter to ensure that your system is running safely and efficiently during the busiest laundry season of the year.
At NW Energy Conservation, we use specialized equipment to clean every part of your dryer vent system. Our process includes:
Our approach is thorough because partial cleanings don’t solve the problem. A shop vacuum or home kit can remove some lint, but it rarely reaches deep into the vent line. We make sure every foot of ductwork is cleared.
Dryer vents don’t just carry lint, they also carry moisture. Whenever the airflow is blocked, that moisture can get into your walls, ceilings, or crawl spaces. Over time, this actually creates the perfect environment for dangerous mold growth.
In the Pacific Northwest’s super damp climate, mold is always a possible threat. By keeping your dryer vent clean, you’re actually protecting both your home’s structure and your family’s household air quality.
For most homes, we recommend a professional dryer vent cleaning every Fall. Some houses might benefit from an even more frequent service, especially if you’re a family:
Our team can do a quick inspection that will help us determine the perfect vent maintenance needs for your home.
How much does dryer vent cleaning cost near Tacoma?
Prices vary depending on the vent length and condition, but most homeowners can expect to pay a couple hundred dollars. Regular cleaning will save you money on energy bills and can prevent costly repairs and other dangers.
Can I clean my dryer vent myself?
You can and should clean the lint trap and possibly part of the vent, but a full vent cleaning requires professional tools to really get the job done.
What happens if I don’t clean my dryer vent?
Your dryer will run longer than it needs to, which uses more energy and increases cost over time. There’s also an increased risk of mold growth and even fires.
Does NW Energy Conservation also service businesses?
Yes. We clean dryer vents in laundromats, apartment complexes, and any other commercial properties you can think of throughout Tacoma and the surrounding areas.
We know you have plenty of options for dryer vent cleaning in Tacoma. What sets us apart is our approach to total home efficiency. When we service your dryer vent, we also look at how your entire home’s HVAC, insulation, and ventilation systems are performing. That way, you get more than a single service; you get peace of mind knowing that your home is running safely and efficiently.
We’re a small local team that’s family-owned and serves all of our neighbors around Tacoma, Puyallup, Olympia, Gig Harbor, and Renton. We take pride in being thorough, respectful, and clear in our communication with you. Reach out to us today to schedule your professional dryer vent cleaning for your home’s safety and efficiency.
.png)
