The Importance of Using Certified Dryer Vent Technicians
When the time comes to have work done around the house, there are many different places that homeowners can find contractors. It can be tempting to simply go to an online classified page and find someone who is willing to do the job at a very low price. However, when it comes to having work done on the dryer vents, taking the time to find a certified technician is well worth the effort. It can go a long way to prevent future problems.
Many homeowners do not understand why it is important to have their dryer vents cleaned in the first place. One of the most important reasons is that a dirty dryer vent can be a serious fire hazard. When the dryer is in use, the material clogging up the vents becomes extremely hot. If the material in question happens to be flammable, this could be the beginning of a very dangerous blaze.
Lint can become flammable if not cleaned from the vents.
In addition to creating a fire hazard, dirty dryer vents are the cause of a significant waste in energy. When the vents are dirty or clogged, the dryer has to work even harder to complete its job. This means that it has to run longer and use even more energy to complete a cycle that should only take a fraction of the time. This is not only an inconvenience for the person using the dryer, but it will quickly take its toll on the monthly energy bill, adding up to a big waste of resources.
When someone goes on a site such as Craig’s List to find a dryer technician, they really have no idea with whom they are dealing. Anyone can post on this type of site and it can be difficult to verify any claims that they make about training or past experience. When all is said and done, these people could be very inexperienced and just looking to make a quick buck. In the best case, the person who hires them will have to find a professional to get the job done properly. In the worst cases, the untrained person will actually create even more damage to the dryer.
Even if an uncertified technician has some idea as to what they are doing, they do not have the same accountability as a certified technician. A person who is certified in dryer vent cleaning and maintenance most likely makes a career out of this type of work and is not just hoping to make a few extra dollars. They will take greater pride in their work and will be more concerned with developing a good reputation. Someone who has taken the time to receive the proper training is much more likely to get the job done right the first time.
Some people may wonder why they need to hire someone else to clean their dryer vents at all when they can do it themselves. Although it seems like an easy job, proper care of dryer vents requires specific training and tools. If an untrained homeowner tries to save money by doing it on their own, they may end up damaging the machine further or, even worse, hurting themselves.
A local, uncertified handyman may be the right choice for any number of household tasks but dryer vent maintenance should always be left to a certified professional. These people will take pride in their work and hold themselves accountable for its quality. They will also have the know-how and proper tools to get the job done as it should be without causing any further harm.