How Often Should You Perform Dryer Duct Cleaning?

Dryer ducts are an important part of your home because they contain the hot air and prevent it from entering your home. However, lint will clog these ducts and become a safety hazard to you and your family. Considering your family size and how often you use your dryer, you may ask yourself, “How often should you perform dryer duct cleaning?”

You should perform dryer duct cleaning at least once a year. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, you should clean your dryer vent about every three months. It depends on several factors, such as:

• Size of the duct, including length of the tube and width of the opening

• How often you use your dryer

• Size of your family

What Is a Dryer Duct?

You can find your dryer duct in two ways. First, it’s attached to the dryer vent tubing that comes out from the dryer. The tubing is flexible, and it connects the dryer to the floor or wall. The opening in the floor or wall leads to your dryer duct.

The other way to find your dryer duct is to look on the outside of your home. You’ll see a small opening covered by a screen or small flaps. The flaps open and close based on if warm air is coming from them. When your dryer is operating, you’ll see the flaps move up and down, or you’ll feel air coming from the screen.

Factors of Dryer Duct Cleaning

The size of the dryer duct and the tubing determines how often you should get your dryer ducts cleaned. If your dryer duct is just 1 or 2 feet long, you may need dryer duct cleaning every six months. The good news is that shorter ducts are easier to clean than longer ones. Narrow dryer ducts need to be cleaned more often because there is a greater chance of lint build-up.

How often do you use your dryer? Daily laundering will allow for lint to build up on a daily basis. Weekly usage decreases the amount of lint build-up. If you use your appliance more than once per week, consider dryer duct cleaning once per quarter.

Our experts at Amber’s Air Duct Cleaning provide trusted services for residential and commercial customers throughout mid-Michigan locations. We will clean your air ducts, improve air quality, and help make cold and flu season easier. Contact us by filling out a contact form above or call us at (517) 885-3000.