8 replies to this topic

[Ritz]

I know this a very divided topic here on the forum. I'd like to know the opinion of the professionals who do dryer vent cleaning as a way to add a profit center to their business. Who uses the basic lint eater sold at repairclinic and who uses more high end equipment - compressors, vacuums etc? I'm trying to get a feel if this can be a legitimate profit center. Thanks in advance!

[Tuco]

I have done a few vents with a Lint Eater and extra lines added. It works fine for its intended use.

 

 The Lint Eater has its limits on long vents with 90* turns or multable vent elbow turns ( Dr. Seuss style dryer vents).In that case  you would have to dissasemble the vent to clean it.

 

I use lint eater as a suppliment , after I see the vent run. I would not want to be a one stop vent cleaner with just a Lint Eater.

[RegUS_PatOff]

I'm not an expert, but I would think there are some Vent systems that I would not touch..

enclosed, hidden, attic, etc .. can't be sure of what material

(fire liability, ect).. house burns down because of Dryer Vent fire .. "But it was just cleaned by ...

May be better left to the "professional" vent cleaners.

But if it's just a simple 6 foot up & out, maybe don't charge $$

usually, you're right there anyhow ..

[Ritz]

Thanks for the input. Any rod system dosent seen to effieient and time consuming. I'm sure they do a good good when you take your time and under the right circumstances. Ive seen this gizmo in action. Takes very little time and probably not too destructive to various types of vent runs.
http://www.nikro.com...ols/860135.aspx

[hesterappliance]

 Lint eater is the best system.I have went behind others that have used blowers.Lint eater cleans all sides of the vent.

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

I personally don't do dryer vent cleaning but know other Appliantologists who do as a part of their service bidness.  The LintEater system is pretty universally recognized as being a good one for the money.  

 

[Scottthewolf]

If I cannot physically see the vent material and the vent hood on the outside of the house, I won't touch it. I refer all my customers to http://www.dryerventwizard.com/.  I let him get up on the ladders, get in between walls and get into the places where I cannot see the vent  ducting myself.

[Ritz]

Thanks for all the replies and advice. I agree the lint eater would be a good supplement.

[LI-NY Tech]

I do vent cleaning on any accessible and visible vent. For hidden vents I refer the customer to a local duct cleaning service. I use a combination of a small shop vac, which is kept on the van, and a flexible 8 foot brush designed for dryer vents. For complex vents i takebthem apart. I keep a notation in the customers file and send them a yearly reminder to clean the vent and dyer. About 75% of the reminders I send out get me a call to do the cleaning at a nice profit, especially on the harder to reach vents (crawl spaces, attics, drop ceilings). Simple job in most cases (respirator and hearing protection for the vacuum in a confined space) and the customer is pleased and often once I'm at the house for that I get another job they were putting off. Also serves as a reminder for the customer of who to call and why in area with a lot of service companies.