Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have my dryer vent cleaned?

The manufactures of most dryers recommend that the interior of the dryer and the exhaust vent be inspected and cleaned at least once a year.

At SLO Dryer Vent Cleaning we recommend once a year for long vents over 18 ft long or that have multiple elbows/turns in the piping, or once every 2 years if your usage is low or your vent is under 6 ft in length.

How do you clean the dryer vent?

First, we move your dryer out and test the performance of the vent system (vent lengths under 6 ft are not tested). Then we disassemble the dryer, clean the space under the drum and the lint screen chute. Next, we attached a high powered (HEPA filter) vacuum to the vent and run a spinning brush the entire length of the vent. We clean the flex connector, wall vent termination and flap, then vacuum the floor and walls around the dryer. Finally, we reconnect the dryer to the vent and do a final performance test to verify the cleared vent and the proper operation. Before leaving we wipe down the surfaces of the dryer and washer with sanitizing cleaner and test the dryer heat operation.

Note: Accessible roof top vents are cleaned from above.

Why do you disassemble the dryer?

The dyer vent is only one part of the vent system. Cleaning only the vent still leaves your home vulnerable to a dryer fire. All dryers leak lint into the space below the drum where the burner, (gas dryer) or heating element, (electric dryer) are located. To help prevent fires we clean every machine inside and out. Note: We do not clean the interior of your dryer if it is less than a year old.

How much does it cost to clean the vent system?

Due to the many configurations of vent systems, we cannot list all the prices here. For current pricing please call our office at 805-817-0863. We will be glad to give you a price over the phone once we understand your system.

How long does it take to clean the system?

Most systems take 1 to 2 hours.

What if I have a booster fan in my system?

 Booster fans are installed in-line on exceptionally long vent systems to assist the dryer exhausting the heat, moisture, and lint to the exterior of the building. These fans are installed in systems that exceed the maximum equivalent length called out in the California Mechanical Code. That is 24ft or 14 ft + 2 90-degree elbows. Each 90-degree elbow is equivalent to 5 lineal feet of vent pipe. 

The booster fan operates when the dryer starts and continues to ventilate for approximately 5 minutes following the dryer finishing its cycle. Booster fans require cleaning just like the dryer and vent. We remove the fan from the vent pipe for cleaning and then we re-install the fan and test for proper operation.

How will you protect my floor when you pull the dryer out?

We employ several specialized pieces of equipment to lift your dryer up and out with no damage to the floor. Note: We have never damaged a single floor in 10 Years.

Do I need to be home for this service?

We prefer you be home to handle any questions that may arise during the service. If you cannot be home you can feel safe knowing we are fully bonded, insured and our Service Expert’s backgrounds have been checked.

 What other services do you offer?

Here's a list:

• Clean bathroom exhaust fans
• Install new bathroom exhaust fans
• Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide alarms
• Smoke & CO alarm battery replacement
• Smoke & CO alarm replacement
• Washing machine hose replacement
• Washing machine wall valves-replacement
• Washing machine pump screen cleaning
• Flush and clean tankless water heater
• Test water heater pressure relief valve
• Test garage door auto-reverse feature
• Inspect, clean, and/or replace HVAC filters
• Vacuum refrigerator coils
• Clean range hoods and filters
• Inspect fire extinguishers
• Inspect exterior of home along with roofing for damage, leaks, etc.…
• Solar Panel Cleaning
• Odor removal from rooms or entire home with Ozone.