Professional vs. DIY Dryer Vent Cleaning: What’s Best?

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A dirty laundry aluminum dryer vent duct ductwork filled with lint, dust and dirt

As a homeowner, you probably have many tasks to check off your to-do list. Whether it’s organizing the pantry, cleaning out the garage, or, in this case, cleaning your dryer vents, it’s hard to keep track of every household chore. However, not all these responsibilities need to fall on you, especially cleaning out your dryer vents. 

While you can take the DIY approach to cleaning dryer vents, it should be paired with regularly scheduled professional cleanings. Dryer vents usually require professional cleaning to ensure optimal performance, safety, and cleanliness. At ACS, we offer top-quality dryer vent cleaning services to preserve your airflow and eliminate health hazards from your dryer vent line. With our help, you can enjoy faster dryer times, less damage to clothing, and all the other benefits of professional dryer cleaning.

 In this article, we’ll explore how professional dryer vent cleaning compares to doing it yourself by touching on the following topics:

    • When to DIY Dryer Vent Cleaning
    • When to Schedule Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning
    • Advantages of Hiring Professionals

When to DIY Dryer Vent Cleaning

DIY dryer vent cleaning is the most cost-effective and convenient option for some homeowners. However, taking the DIY approach is only valid under certain circumstances. Otherwise, it’s best to have the professionals do the job. 

You might choose to clean your dryer vents yourself if you resonate with the following:

You don’t have the budget.

You might go the DIY route if you’re on a tight budget. But before you choose to do so, you should at least get an estimate of how much professional cleaning would cost you. The cost of professional dryer vent cleaning can depend on how your system is set up. For example, if your dryer vent is on your roof, you might pay more than if your dryer vent were in your basement or on the first floor of your home. 

You have short ductwork.

Homeowners with short ductwork might also take the DIY approach. If your ductwork is around 4 feet or less, and the vent is easily accessible, you might be able to clean the vent with a standard brush or store-bought, specialized vent cleaning kit. 

When to Schedule Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning

If you have long ductwork or inaccessible dryer vents, you have no choice but to call the professionals. Not only will a seasoned HVAC specialist have the expertise needed to service your complex ductwork, but they will also be the only ones with suitable enough equipment to clean your ducts correctly. 

Opting for professional dryer vent cleaning is the best way to ensure peak performance, cleanliness, and safety for your dryer system. While you can always DIY for a make-shift fix, you’ll need professional services for long-term resolutions. Below, we’ve listed some more advantages of opting for professional dryer vent cleaning. 

Industry expertise

Thorough dryer vent cleaning requires industry expertise and experience. Because vent systems can be very complex, it’s essential to have someone who can correctly identify problem areas and deliver the correct solutions. If not, you risk more significant issues down the line and potential safety risks to your household. 

Specialized equipment and techniques

It’s challenging to clean dryer vents when you lack the necessary equipment. And while store-bought cleaning kits can help, nothing compares to professional-grade tools. At ACS, our technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and cleaning techniques to eliminate lint, debris, and obstructions from your vent system. 

Better safety

Neglecting your vent cleaning can lead to a severe fire hazard or toxic mold growth. Calling the professionals is your best shot at eliminating these risks and keeping your household safe. Experienced HVAC techs like the ACS team will triple-check that your electrical connections and vent configurations meet safety standards. With our help, you can sleep soundly, knowing your family is not in danger. 

Comprehensive cleaning

While DIY cleaning will help, it won’t clean every nook and crevice like professional services will. The air specialists at ACS promise comprehensive cleaning that goes above surface-level messes. Our team will cover every inch of your ductwork and ensure every little ounce of lint, debris, or damage is taken care of. 

HVAC Heating and Cooling with ACS

If you need professional dryer vent cleaning, you can count on ACS to get the job done. With decades of industry experience, our certified HVAC technicians will deliver nothing but the best! Connect with our team today for top-quality HVAC maintenance, repair, or installation in Covington, Milledgeville, and surrounding areas.