Dryer Vent Cleaning

The Symptom

There is a serious secret danger in almost every home and strata unit today. This hazard is the vent connected to the clothes dryer.

Over time, the vent will fill itself with lint (the moving particles missed by dryer filters) Overtime, the lint will compile, causing your dryer to overheat; potentially causing a fire. High limit thermostats can prematurely fail when subjected to high ambient temperatures and combustibles in the immediate vicinity will then help to fuel a fire.

The Solution

The best possible way to prevent the possibility of a dryer fire is with a thorough dryer inspection by the professionals at NAT.

The trick to a effective dryer performance is optimal airflow. Having it properly installed and maintained will help ensure this airflow. Skilled technicians from NAT will check to ensure there is proper airflow for the dryer and that the right equipment is in use.

In addition to the physical benefits derived from an annual dryer vent cleaning. Removing the lint on a regular basis will allow the dryer to operate more efficiently, reducing energy costs and the drying time will also decrease. The charge for this service is surprisingly reasonable, and it pays for itself in lower service and utility costs.

House / Townhome / Lowrise - 4" Ducting

Most units contain dryers that are only meant to push a maximum length of 20'. Due to space restrictions we routinely see runs of over 30' to 50'. This ducting must be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain peak performance. If not cleaned, blocking of the duct can occur. This can cause dryer fires, moisture buildup which can cause water damage and mold.

Our cleaning specifications start with the inside cleaning. Using high pressure air, we blow through the lint trap. This pushes lint through the dryer and flex hose into the 4" ducting. By blowing through the lint trap we are also able to ensure that the fan blades are clear allowing for maximum air flow.

From the outside our high pressure air tools pull all lint and moisture from the 4" ducting to the outside. Lint is then cleaned up and disposed of.

High-rise/Condo-corrugated

Most units contain stacker washer/dryer sets. The dryers according to the dryer manufacturers are only able to push a maximum of 20'. Due to space restrictions we normally find these runs going 30' to 50'.

These units have 4" ducting coming off of the dryer going into "corrugated" ducting which is 1 1/2" X 12" and layed in the concrete ceiling.

This ducting must be maintained. If a block forms in the corrugated ducting it is very difficult to remove as you can not cut into the concrete because it is structural. Outside vent has screening, the ONLY way to clean it is to remove and clean from the outside, which is our cleaning methodology.

The inside cleaning (see Townhome)

We have developed cleaning tools specifically for corrugated ducting. You must have access to the exterior grill. On most highrises this must be done by bosom chair. We have certified chair operators for this. Once we have access to the exterior grill our custom cleaning tools do the rest. We insert our tools into the ducting and feed them in until they reach where the corrugated ducting and 4" ducting meet. This removes the lint to the outside as well as exterior grill is cleaned.

Booster Fan Installation

Any dryer vent run that is longer than 20' should have a booster fan installed. Dryer manufacturers recommend that the dryer vents not run more than 20' as the units are not able to blow that far safely.

A booster fan aids the dryer in pushing the lint and moisture to the outside.

Grill Replacement

Most highrises have very restrictive grills on the exterior. Once those grills plug up it causes back pressure on the system. This will cause lint and moisture to build up inside the vent.

Our replacement grills allow for lint to escape. If they do plug up you are able to see them, take them down and clean them.

We also change grills for 4" ducting Soffit grills with flappers, side grills. We can also change screening on grills to minimum 3/4" from the 1/4" that is typically installed and too restrictive - lint builds up quickly, causing blockage.