We Offer Dryer Vent Cleaning Services & Dryer Venting Solutions

One of the biggest things we stress here at English Sweep is the importance of annual chimney inspections and sweeps. After all, as we’re sure you have already learned, these services not only help address potential hazards that could lead to chimney fires and other safety risks, they also keep your fireplace running efficiently.

But did you know there are other appliances in your home that require similar attention and care? Your dryer, for instance, depends on regular dryer vent maintenance in order to prevent lint buildup and blockages. Dryer vent clogs lead to reduced dryer efficiency and, in extreme cases, pose a serious fire hazard. Just like with your chimney, taking proactive steps to help maintain your dryer vent ensures a safe, efficient, and worry-free home environment.

Unfortunately, for most homeowners, dryer vent cleanings aren’t at the top of their to-do list. It’s one of those things that seems to be out of sight, out of mind. Yet, neglecting these simple maintenance tasks can have dire consequences.

So, let English Sweep be your reminder and your solution. Don’t wait until a problem arises –  schedule your dryer vent cleaning today by calling 636-225-3340 or by requesting an appointment on our website. Our courteous & knowledgeable team is here for you.

Why Dryer Vent Cleanings Are Important

Most people regularly clean the lint tray of their dryer – in fact, it’s recommended this be done in between every load. However, what many homeowners may not realize is that, even if you are diligent with cleaning the lint tray, a significant amount of lint can still make its way into the dryer vent system.

As time goes on, lint buildup can cause a few different problems, which is why regular dryer vent cleanings are important.

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They Ensure Greater Dryer Efficiency & Performance

Have you ever done a load of laundry at night thinking you would wake up to clean, fresh clothes for work only to discover a dryer full of damp garments? Now you have to decide whether you want to be late or show up with cold, wrinkled clothes on. It’s a frustrating experience, and oftentimes, the culprit for dryer inefficiency is a clogged vent.

Dryers shouldn’t have to be run multiple times to dry just one load of laundry. Unfortunately, this a common occurrence in many households, with most homeowners chalking it up to an old or inefficient dryer. Eventually, they go out and invest in a new dryer, only to discover the same issues still occur.

So, before you invest in a new dryer, call English Sweep. Dryer vent cleanings are far more affordable than a new dryer, and they can make a significant difference in the performance and longevity of your current appliance. Don’t let a clogged dryer vent force you into an unnecessary expense. We’re here to help ensure your dryer is well-maintained and working efficiently with every load of laundry.

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They Lower Your Risk of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

A clogged vent can hinder proper ventilation, causing carbon monoxide – a colorless, odorless gas – to back up into your home. This gas is silent, but can be deadly and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Regular dryer vent cleaning services aren’t just about convenience and safety – they’re an important part of protecting your home against the risks associated with carbon monoxide exposure.

You may already be investing in regular chimney inspections, along with carbon monoxide detectors for your home, but if you want to ensure your household truly stays safer, your dryer vents should be examined regularly (we recommend yearly), as well. Avoid the risk and get on the schedule books today.

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They Reduce Potential Fire Hazards

The leading cause of dryer-related fires is clogged dryer vents. How do these fires happen? Well, dryer lint is one of the more flammable materials out there. That’s why people recommend them as a good fire starter when you go camping. As lint builds up, your appliance may overheat and eventually ignite the lint – or a stray spark from an electrical component could land on the lint. Either way, this spells disaster. These events lead to home damage, injury, and even death.

But the good news? Both instances can easily be avoided with professional maintenance. Regular dryer vent cleanings effectively remove the excess lint and debris to reduce your risk of them igniting. Don’t take chances with fire hazards when a simple solution can protect your home and loved ones.

Call or book online with us today.

How Do I Know if My Dryer Vent Is Clogged?

There are several common signs to watch out for when it comes to detecting lint buildup or even a clogged dryer vent. This includes:

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Extended Drying Times:

Sometimes, when you’re looking for a good excuse to not have to fold a load of laundry, opening the dryer to damp clothing can feel like a small blessing. But having to do this over and over again becomes quite an inconvenience – and it puts wear on your clothing. And when you take a look at your energy bills and notice a spike, you realize this “blessing” is turning into an expensive headache.

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Excessive Heat or Humidity:

Have you ever walked into the laundry room and noticed a significant temperature difference between that and the rest of the house? If so, that’s a clear indicator that something might be amiss with your dryer vent. A much hotter and more humid laundry room suggests poor ventilation and a potential block in your dryer vent system.

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Extra Hot Clothing:

You might enjoy pulling a nice, hot towel out of the dryer to use when you get out of the shower. But consistently pulling out clothes that are almost too hot to touch is another sign of lint buildup that you shouldn’t ignore.

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Lint Buildup:

There are some loads of laundry, such as towels and bulky bedding, that will naturally produce more lint, regardless of how many times they’ve been through the washer and dryer. So, if you ever pull out a load of towels and notice a full lint tray and some excess lint in the laundry, it isn’t necessarily a sign of a problem. However, paying close attention to how often this occurs is important. If it becomes more frequent, it may be time to schedule your dryer vent cleaning as soon as possible.

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Burning Smell:

A burning smell from anything is always a cause for concern. If you detect a burning odor during or after a drying cycle, it could be the dryer overheating or even the lint within the dryer vent on the verge of catching fire. In this instance, it’s important to turn off the dryer, unplug it, and refrain from using it until a certified technician can come out and take a look.

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Visible Debris or Lint Outside:

If you’re outside and happen to catch a glimpse of the exterior vent cover, do you notice any lint around the opening or even on the ground below it? Lint escaping from the vent cover is a clear indication of restricted airflow within the vent system.

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Unusual Noises:

If you suddenly hear rattling, clanking, whistling, squeaking, thumping, banging, flapping, or fluttering… no, your laundry room isn’t haunted. It’s just your dryer struggling to breathe! Dryers are already fairly loud when running, let us help restore some of the peace and quiet you deserve.

What Are Common Misconceptions About Dryer Vent Maintenance?

When it comes to dryer vent maintenance, there are some common misconceptions we would like to debunk. The more informed you are about the importance of regular maintenance, the less likely you are to overlook this important service.

1. Cleaning only the lint tray is sufficient.

Many people believe that as long as they are good about remembering to clean the lint trap after every load, then a professional dryer vent cleaning isn’t necessary. What most don’t realize is that lint clings to the surfaces deep within the vent. It’s the hidden lint accumulation that typically causes the most problems.

2. You don’t need a professional when there are DIY dryer vent cleaning kits available.

Not only are there dryer vent cleaning kits available for purchase at just about any hardware store, but there are also multiple DIY methods people have come up with and shared on the internet. While these solutions can be helpful as a temporary solution, they often lack the specialized tools that are necessary for a thorough cleaning.

Professionals bring the right tools, and they have other necessary equipment, expertise, and experience to ensure that your vent is completely clear of lint and debris – and not damaged in the cleaning process.

3. New dryers don’t need vent maintenance.

One of the common mistakes people make is assuming their new dryer doesn’t need vent maintenance. The truth? All dryers produce lint, whether they are brand new or have been in use for some time. Not only that, but we hope you remembered to have your dryer vent cleaned before installing the new dryer. If not, you know who to call – English Sweep!

4. Short dryer vents don’t clog.

While it’s true that longer vents tend to accumulate more lint and are at a higher risk of clogging, that doesn’t mean short vents are exempt from having the same issues. Even short, straight vents will collect lint over time – and cause you a whole lot of problems if left uncleaned. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential for all dryer vents. In fact, we recommend you schedule with us at least once a year.

We Also Offer Other Dryer-Related Services

Clogged dryer vents are indeed a huge cause of many dryer-related issues, but there are various issues that can arise from different parts of your dryer system too. If your dryer is having trouble venting, it might be time to consider a booster vent, for example. Booster vents can enhance the airflow, especially if your vent system is long or has multiple bends.

In addition to booster vents, your dryer’s terminations can also impact its performance. Outdated or damaged terminations may hinder proper venting, and we are happy to help by inspecting and updating them.

At English Sweep, our goal is to provide comprehensive solutions to address various aspects of your dryer system. We want to be the company you turn to time and time again whenever another issue arises. Regardless of the issues you may be experiencing with your dryer vents, we are dedicated to diagnosing the problem and offering effective solutions that fit your unique needs. We will go the extra mile to ensure your dryer functions flawlessly for years to come.

Dryer Vent & Chimney Cleaning – We Cover Everything You Need to Live Safer

We understand how stressful it can be for homeowners to try to stay on top of every home maintenance task, as it often feels like, once one issue is resolved, another one pops up. It’s like the saying goes – when it rains, it pours.

Here at English Sweep, we offer an extensive list of chimney and venting services, all designed to provide you with peace of mind. By offering comprehensive solutions, from chimney maintenance to dryer vent cleaning, we aim to reduce your maintenance worries and help you enjoy a safer and more efficient home.

With a team of certified professionals like the ones we’ve got, you can be confident that your home is in the hands of experts who care about your safety and comfort. Our decades of experience in this industry have earned us a strong reputation in and around the St. Louis area. Our greatest pride lies in consistently delivering excellence and peace of mind to our valued customers.

Book your next appointment with us by calling 636-225-3340 or send a request on our website. From chimneys to dryer vents, we’ll take care of it all.

 

Don’t worry…we have makeup air solutions to help your chimney draft like it should. Our chimney services are extensive and we have the experience to know what to do.