Dryer Vent Safety Checklist
Simple tasks you can do • Professional cleanings annually
Complete Dryer Vent Maintenance Checklist
Keep things safe and efficient between professional cleanings. Check off easy homeowner tasks, save progress, and know exactly when to call us for the annual deep clean.
Homeowner Maintenance Checklist
Every Load
Clean the lint screen before each load. A clogged screen kills airflow.
Right-size loads. Overloading sheds more lint and overheats the dryer.
Quick glance behind the dryer for crushed or kinked hose.
If the laundry room feels hotter than normal, note it in the log (below).
Monthly
Wash the lint screen with mild soap & warm water to remove fabric-softener film.
Vacuum lint around the screen housing and floor behind/under the dryer.
Confirm the transition hose forms a smooth, short arc (no sharp 90° bends).
Check that the power/gas connection is secure and unobstructed.
Quarterly
Outside, clear the exterior vent hood/roof jack of lint, leaves, or nests.
Run the dryer on air-fluff and confirm the damper/flap opens freely.
Airflow paper test: during a cycle, the exterior air should easily hold a sheet of
paper to the hood for ~3–5 seconds. Weak? Add a note and call us.
Keep a 3-foot clear zone around the dryer and vent termination.
Seasonal (Spring & Fall)
Inspect the transition duct for crushing, tears, or foil-tape failure.
Move the dryer carefully and vacuum dust bunnies & lint buildup behind.
If your vent goes up/over attic or roof, peek for sagging duct or loose straps
(visual only).
Schedule your professional cleaning (every 12 months; 6 for heavy use).
After Certain Events
After renovations/roofing/pest issues, check the exterior hood for obstructions.
After lots of towels, pet bedding, or new blankets (high lint), do the paper airflow
test.
Do / Don’t
Do use a UL-2158A transition duct (e.g., DryerFlex®) with
steel clamps.
Do seal joints with foil tape (never cloth “duct” tape).
Do schedule a professional cleaning annually (or every 6 months for
heavy use, long runs, rooftop exits, large families, or multiple pets).
Don’t use plastic/foil accordion hose. It’s not code-compliant and
traps lint.
Don’t use screws that penetrate the duct interior — they catch lint.
Don’t create sharp 90° bends or crush the hose when pushing the dryer back.
When to Call a Pro
Homeowner tasks keep you safe between visits — but a full-system rotary brush + negative air cleaning with camera verification should be done every 12 months (or 6 months for heavy use/long runs).
Dry times increasing or multiple cycles needed.
Dryer/laundry room feels unusually hot; burning smell.
Weak exterior airflow or damper barely opens.
Rooftop or long (>25–35 ft) runs, multiple elbows, periscope in wall.
Bird/rodent nests, crushed/damaged duct, or water intrusion.
Appliance airflow/flow-sense alerts keep appearing.
or request service
online — includes camera verification & 90-day clog-free guarantee.
Maintenance Log
Track your quick checks and your annual professional cleaning.
| Date | Performed By | Type (Monthly / Quarterly / Pro) | Notes | Signature |
|---|
Stay safe, save energy, extend dryer life.
We’re local, licensed, and insured. Ask about flat-rate packages and our 90-day clog-free guarantee.
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