Resources
Because we Airflow Verify each dryer vent we clean we require interior access to each unit. The best way to encourage good participation of the units is though good communication and plenty of notice. Below are a few sample notices and reminders condominium and apartments have used when scheduling the cleaning.
| dryer_vent_cleaning_notice.docx |
| dryer_vent_cleaning_notice_2.docx |
| reminder_posted_notice.docx |
FAQ's
Why do you need interior access?
We need interior access for several reasons, however, the primary reason is so that we can verify proper airflow from the dryer is reaching the vent termination or exterior of the building.
Why can't this be completed from the exterior? I know other companies clean from the exterior.
It's not that can't clean from the exterior, it's that we cannot verify that you have a properly functioning system. Without interior access we cannot generate airflow from the dryer itself and verify that it is flowing properly to the termination. Exterior only cleaning tools can generate their own airflow, but they cannot let you know if the dryer flow is going where it's supposed to. Even a clean vent can be a significant hazard if the dryer is not connected properly or the pipe is poorly constructed.
How do you verify airflow?
We often clean the vent by disconnecting it from the back of your dryer. When this is not possible, we generate airflow from the dryer itself. In either case, we are comparing the air generated from the inside to the air exiting the building. Once we have airflow we physically verify that it is reaching the exit.
How do you know it is broken?
Because our process includes verification of airflow we know its broken when we don't see the correct amount of airflow even after the vent pipe has been thoroughly snaked. Dryer vents are meant to be closed systems, so even a small separation can create a major difference in airflow by the time it reaches the outside. If there is any doubt, we also have pipe camera that can visually confirm our suspicions.
What happens when airflow is not reaching the exit?
When airflow is not reaching the exit, we begin to investigate why. This may include accessing the crawlspace/attic or using a pipe camera or to determine the issue. Frequently no airflow is caused from a break in the vent route that needs to be repaired.
Why does it matter if its repaired or not?
It matters because dryers generate warm moist air. When this warm moist air doesn't reach the exterior of the building it goes somewhere inside the building which can cause mold or dry rot damage that is much costlier to fix than the broken vent.
How am I supposed to get all the units available the same day?
Great question! In our experience there are a couple ways to get everyone on board and supportive of the idea. The best way is to explain why interior access is needed and send multiple notices up to a month in advance. We also find it helpful to share the difference in cost between the bulk rate and the individual make up cleaning rate. In the links above we have a one-page document that you can send to the board or owners to help explain the process and why interior access is needed.
Why should flex pipe be replaced with hard pipe?
There are couple reasons why flex pipe should be replaced with hard pipe. Flex is corrugated with ridges and valleys that make the pipe flexible. These ridges and valleys decrease the efficiency of airflow and provides places for debris to get hung up and clog the system. Secondly, it deteriorates over time and can develop holes or breaks along the vent. This allows warm moist air to enter walls, floors, attics, crawls spaces etc. where it should not be. Lastly, it does not meet building code.
We need interior access for several reasons, however, the primary reason is so that we can verify proper airflow from the dryer is reaching the vent termination or exterior of the building.
Why can't this be completed from the exterior? I know other companies clean from the exterior.
It's not that can't clean from the exterior, it's that we cannot verify that you have a properly functioning system. Without interior access we cannot generate airflow from the dryer itself and verify that it is flowing properly to the termination. Exterior only cleaning tools can generate their own airflow, but they cannot let you know if the dryer flow is going where it's supposed to. Even a clean vent can be a significant hazard if the dryer is not connected properly or the pipe is poorly constructed.
How do you verify airflow?
We often clean the vent by disconnecting it from the back of your dryer. When this is not possible, we generate airflow from the dryer itself. In either case, we are comparing the air generated from the inside to the air exiting the building. Once we have airflow we physically verify that it is reaching the exit.
How do you know it is broken?
Because our process includes verification of airflow we know its broken when we don't see the correct amount of airflow even after the vent pipe has been thoroughly snaked. Dryer vents are meant to be closed systems, so even a small separation can create a major difference in airflow by the time it reaches the outside. If there is any doubt, we also have pipe camera that can visually confirm our suspicions.
What happens when airflow is not reaching the exit?
When airflow is not reaching the exit, we begin to investigate why. This may include accessing the crawlspace/attic or using a pipe camera or to determine the issue. Frequently no airflow is caused from a break in the vent route that needs to be repaired.
Why does it matter if its repaired or not?
It matters because dryers generate warm moist air. When this warm moist air doesn't reach the exterior of the building it goes somewhere inside the building which can cause mold or dry rot damage that is much costlier to fix than the broken vent.
How am I supposed to get all the units available the same day?
Great question! In our experience there are a couple ways to get everyone on board and supportive of the idea. The best way is to explain why interior access is needed and send multiple notices up to a month in advance. We also find it helpful to share the difference in cost between the bulk rate and the individual make up cleaning rate. In the links above we have a one-page document that you can send to the board or owners to help explain the process and why interior access is needed.
Why should flex pipe be replaced with hard pipe?
There are couple reasons why flex pipe should be replaced with hard pipe. Flex is corrugated with ridges and valleys that make the pipe flexible. These ridges and valleys decrease the efficiency of airflow and provides places for debris to get hung up and clog the system. Secondly, it deteriorates over time and can develop holes or breaks along the vent. This allows warm moist air to enter walls, floors, attics, crawls spaces etc. where it should not be. Lastly, it does not meet building code.