Many homeowners don’t realize that their dryer vent could be a serious fire hazard. According to the US Fire Administration, nearly 3,000 dryer vent fires occur each year, resulting in 5 deaths and about $35 million of property loss. Clogged dryer vents are generally the main cause of these fire accidents.Â
So, it goes without saying that you should be very diligent and careful while hiring a dryer vent cleaning. To ensure you hire the right people, you need to keep a few factors in mind. If your chosen vent cleaners display any of the following red flags, steer clear of them.
Signs To Stay Away From A Dryer Vent Cleaning Service
If you own a dryer, you know that cleaning its vents is essential for preventing potential hazards such as fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. However, not all dryer vent cleaning services are created equal. Some may claim to offer professional services but end up delivering unsatisfactory results or even causing further damage to your dryer. That’s why it’s important to know the signs to stay away from a dryer vent cleaning service. In this article, we’ll explore some of the red flags that you should be aware of before hiring a dryer vent cleaning service.
They Lack Experience Or Reputation
How long have they been in business? You can tell a few things by the length of time a dryer vent cleaner has been in business, including how reliable and experienced they are.
Make sure the professionals you hire for vent cleaning have been around long enough to acquire the experience necessary to get the job done right, the first time. They must also be in compliance with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), as well as other state and federal regulations.Â
They Have Negative Customer ReviewsÂ
If the company has negative reviews online, or you simply can’t find any of its previous customers’ testimonials, it is a bad sign. You should always ask for references when hiring someone to work inside your home.
Any dryer vent cleaner worth its salt will be happy to provide references, but if they refuse to do so, ignore them and find someone else. You need to know what people have said about their experiences with the company. Look for signs that the vent cleaning technicians are skilled, dedicated, and trustworthy.
They Don’t Have Liability Insurance
We cannot stress enough the importance of liability insurance! As a homeowner, you do NOT want to end up stuck with a huge bill if a technician is injured on your property or your home is damaged during the job.
Every reputable dryer vent cleaner will have liability insurance, and they will be happy to show you the relevant documents to prove it. Unless they provide you with written proof of insurance, do not risk your home and savings by hiring them.
They Have Shady Pricing Practices
In some cases, when homeowners hire a handyman, they end up paying more than the quoted price. This happens when the service company resorts to scammy practices and forces its customers to pay more to receive a complete air duct service.
Some vent cleaning companies can entice you with an “all-inclusive price of $49” and then perform an incomplete or mediocre job. Then they will tell you that you must pay extra to get the whole, promised job done. So, if an offer seems too good to be true, beware of it.
They Are Not Taking Measures To Keep You SafeÂ
Vent cleaning can be a messy business, and the ongoing pandemic hasn’t helped. You need to look for a dryer vent cleaning that uses personal protective equipment while performing its jobs and applies plastic guards to protect your home. Their technicians should also wear shoe covers to keep from tracking dirt and debris throughout your home.
Also, don’t forget to ask the company what kind of vetting process they have in place for hiring their technicians. Feel free to ask for technicians who have years of experience on a variety of dryer vents, and make sure the company conducts thorough background checks before hiring.
Don’t Take A Risk: Hire #1 Trustworthy Dryer Vent CleanerÂ
If you notice any of the above signs, it’s time to move on and find a company that’s known for its quality work and stellar reputation. At United Home Services, we have been helping homeowners with vent cleaning, professional vent repair, and home-based services for over 20 years. Our customers’ reviews can paint a better picture than our words ever will.
If you have any questions or concerns, or you want to schedule a dryer vent inspection, call us at 844-415-1543 or fill out the online contact form.
