DIY Dryer Vent Cleaning in Northglenn: What's True and What Isn't

Northglenn has plenty of established homes, and many have dryer vents that haven't been looked at in years. Before you grab a brush kit, it helps to know what DIY cleaning can and can't do.

Let's clear up a few common assumptions first, then look at what you can do and what's better left to a technician.

Myth: "I clean the lint screen, so the vent is fine"

The screen catches most lint, not all of it. The fibers that slip through ride the hot, damp air into the duct and settle at bends, low spots and joints. Cleaning the screen every load is still the most important habit (the U.S. Fire Administration recommends it), but it doesn't clean the duct.

Myth: "A brush kit does the same job as a pro"

Rod-and-brush kits can be useful on a short, straight vent. On a longer line with elbows, they tend to loosen lint without removing it, which can pack it tighter downstream. Rods can also hang up at a bend, and there's no camera or airflow check to confirm the line is clear afterwards.

Myth: "If the dryer still runs, nothing's wrong"

A restricted vent usually shows up as longer drying times long before anything else. The dryer works harder, runs hotter and costs more to operate.

In older Northglenn homes, vents may still use outdated foil or vinyl ducting, or have been extended when the laundry moved. Dry Colorado air creates fine, static-prone lint, and winter ice around the exterior hood can keep the flap from opening.

What's worth doing yourself

• Every load: Clean the lint screen. Wash it occasionally if you use dryer sheets.
• A few times a year: Pull the dryer out, disconnect the transition hose and clear it. Replace thin foil or plastic hoses with the type your manual calls for.
• Seasonally: Check the outside hood for lint, leaves or nests and make sure the flap opens when the dryer runs.

When it's time for a technician

• Drying takes more than one cycle
• The laundry area gets hot
• You notice a burning smell (stop using the dryer until it's checked)
• Airflow outside is weak
• The vent runs long, has several bends or exits through the roof

Our article on dryer vent fire warning signs goes into more detail.

Professional cleaning from American Air Duct Cleaning of Northglenn

We clean the whole run, from the dryer connection to the exterior hood, and check the duct and flap along the way. Each service includes an inspection.

Dryer vent cleaning is $99 for up to 10 feet of vent, plus $15 for each additional foot. See the dryer vent cleaning service page or the full pricing page.

If your air ducts are due too, basic air duct cleaning is $199 for up to 10 vents (plus $29 per additional vent), and deep duct cleaning is $59.99 per vent. Running a business with heavy laundry loads, like a salon, gym, rental building or restaurant? Take a look at commercial dryer vent cleaning.

Serving Northglenn and Nearby

Need a hand in Northglenn or nearby in Thornton, Federal Heights, Broomfield and Westminster? Call (720) 702-9638 or get a free estimate.