Does your dryer overheat, stop prematurely or take excessively long to dry your clothes? Very often, these are telltale signs of a blocked duct. At Ateliers G. Paquette, your experts in dryer repair in Greater Montreal, we know from experience that a buildup of lint in your ductwork is a problem that needs to be dealt with right away. Not only does this make drying your clothes a hassle, it also increases your energy bill and poses a fire risk. In this article, we share our expert tips for keeping your dryer duct clear of dust and lint.
DOING AN INITIAL INSPECTION
If the flap to your duct is easy to access, inspect the opening for a buildup of lint. Even if there’s only a small amount, this indicates that there’s more lodged deeper in the duct. If your duct is straight and no longer than a metre, you may be able to clean it out by gently vacuuming it. Don’t insert any other tool, as you risk piercing the material, and would need to replace the duct if this were to occur.
GETTING YOUR DUCTS PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED
If your duct is long, twisty or inaccessible, or if it’s simply time for a thorough cleaning of your ductwork, you’ll want to call in a professional. An expert technician has special equipment that allows him or her to effectively clean ducts of all kinds without damaging them. The cleaning may be carried out inside your building or from the exterior (if you’re a business owner and the appointment is during your hours of operation, then an exterior cleaning will be the more convenient option).
HOW OFTEN PROFESSIONAL CLEANING IS NEEDED
You should get your dryer duct professionally cleaned every two to five years, depending on how often you use your dryer. Regular cleaning is especially important if your duct doesn’t run in a straight line, as curvy ducts are more susceptible to lint buildup and pose a greater risk of fire. Moreover, periodic dust and lint removal improves the performance of your machine and increases its lifespan, as dryer problems are often the result of poorly maintained ducts. Don’t wait until your duct is blocked to call in a professional! Has it been a while since you cleaned your dryer duct? Count on our team of experts at Ateliers G. Paquette to handle this important maintenance task and any other appliance repairs in Montreal and Quebec City. To get you dryer repaired or for new parts, contact us today!