Dryer Vent Cleaning in Columbia, MO
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Tell us about the job
It takes about a minute.
Cold makes lint stick
Every load sends warm, damp air out through the vent. Once that air hits the cold part of the run, it cools fast, and the moisture in it settles on the walls of the duct. Lint sticks to a damp surface a lot easier than a dry one, and that layer builds with every load.
Columbia winters give that vent a lot of cold to work against, with nights averaging 24°F from December through February. A vent that is narrowing with lint runs slower and stays warm inside for less of its length, so the cooling point moves further back and more lint collects. Left alone, the blockage cuts airflow enough that the dryer takes longer to dry and the motor and heating element run harder than they should.
- 24°F
- the average winter night, and cold vents catch damp lint
- 7 months
- October through April, the vent stays cold
NOAA nClimDiv, 1991–2020 normals
- How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?
- Once a year is the standard rule for most households. Some vents need it sooner, so it's worth watching how the dryer behaves between cleanings rather than just marking a date on the calendar. A vent that's about to clog usually gives a warning first, like clothes taking longer to dry.
- Can I clean my dryer vent myself?
- You can clean the first few feet at the back of the dryer yourself, but most homes can't reach the full run this way. The duct runs through the wall and out to a hood outside, often with bends where lint collects, and a vacuum or brush from either end won't reach the middle. A contractor uses rods and a vacuum built to clear the whole length, including the parts you can't get to.
- What are the signs of a clogged dryer vent?
- Clothes that take two cycles to dry, a dryer that runs hot to the touch, and a burning smell are the main signs. You might also notice little to no airflow at the outside vent hood when the dryer is running, or lint showing up around the door seal. Any of these means the vent needs to be checked, since a blocked vent is also a fire risk.