Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year to prevent structural fires and gas leaks caused by excessive buildup. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 fires are sparked every year by clothes dryers. Lint and other debris can build up in your dryer vent, reducing air flow to the dryer, backing up dryer exhaust gases, creating a fire hazard. 

Note: If you use your dryer more than twice a week on a regular basis, it may be necessary to clean your dryer vent more often. 

Signs Your Dryer Vent is Clogged:

• Clothes are not completely dry at the end of the drying cycle
• Clothes feel unusually hot at the end of a drying cycle 
• Clothes have a musty smell when drying cycle is complete
• The outside flaps on the dryer vent don't open when the dryer is running 
• Debris can be seen in the dryer vent outside
• A load of clothes takes longer than 40 minutes to dry
• The laundry room seems excessively hot while the dryer is running
• Unusually large amounts of lint buildup in the lint trap 
• Lint and debris can be seen around the lint filter on the dryer 

If you are an avid 'Do-it-Yourselfer', here are the steps you can take to clean out your dryer vents:

Step 1:

Unplug the dryer from both gas and electric (if you have a gas dryer, do not forget to turn off the gas)

Step 2: Pull the dryer out 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" feet from the wall (pull it out as far as you can with the vent still attached to the dryer)

Step 3:

Loosen the 4" vent clamp on the back of the dryer using a screw driver

Step 4: Remove the vent from the dryer and wall

Step 5:

Remove the lint from the back of the dryer. This can be accomplished with a shop vac, regular vacuum, or even you hands. There are also kits you can buy like the Lint Eater Dryer Vent Cleaning System. 

Step 6:

Again, using a vacuum or a rod from your kit, clean the vent you removed from the wall (both ends will have the most lint buildup)

Step 7:

Go outside to the exterior dryer vent and remove the cover (check for caulk and screws before you try taking it off). 

Step 8: Reach in and clean out the lint, a shop vac or rod from a dryer cleaning kit, are the best options for this step. 

Step 10: Go back inside to the laundry room and slide the clamp back over the vent. Reattach the vent on both ends, tighten the clamp, and slide the dryer back into place

Step 11: Turn the gas back on (if needed) and plug the dryer back in

Step 12: Run the dryer on Air Fluff for 10 minutes to remove any loosened/left over debris 

Step 13: Re-check the outside vent then reinstall when finished

Once a month or every two months, perform the following maintenance tips to help prevent lint buildup

• Clean out the inside of the dryer around the lint trap and remove debris and excessive lint with a vacuum
• Remove the back of the dryer to vacuum out lint that's trapped behind the machine 

If your dryer vent system is not able to exhaust properly, it will overheat, threatening your family's safety, health, and even your home. If it's been over a year since your dryer vent has been cleaned, call Top Dog, our HVAC professionals specialize in cleaning duct work and dryer vents. We will clean the interior parts of your dryer efficiently, effectively, and safely. Our technicians have the tools and training to remove all of the lint in the dryer ducts and vents completely. Save money on your electric bill and keep your family safe, call Top Dog @ 541-221-5493. 

Need-to-Know Repairs to Prepare Your Deck for Summer!

_{What's better than sitting on your deck after a long day, relaxing and enjoying the scenery? Not only are decks ideal for outdoor recreation and relaxation, but a great-looking deck will add value to your home. If your deck is in need of some sprucing up, now is the time to get it done before the temperatures become unbearable and all you want to do is realx on you deck, not work on it. By properly caring for your deck, you can prolong its lifespan and savor it for years to come. Here are tips on how to maintain and improve your deck.} 

_{Cleaning Your Deck}

_{Oftentimes, by the end of the winter season, decks look old and weathered. With a dirty deck it can be hard to tell a smudge from a stain, this is why cleaning your deck before repairing and sealing it is so important. A good cleaning will reveal any areas that are in need of repair and can save you from spending money on unnecessary staining. An overcast day is the optimal time to wash your deck so the water will not evaporate as quickly. The method of cleaning you use is up to you, and there are experts on both sides of the fence regarding the use of power washers. Our recommended method is below.}

• First clear your deck of any furniture, toys, tools, and plants
• Then tie back or trim any branches that are touching your deck
• Wet down any nearby siding or foliage
• Spray all of the dirt and leaves off of the deck with either a garden hose or a pressure washer with a 40-degree fan nozzle
• Using latex gloves, a stiff-bristled cleaning brush, and a good deck cleaning solution, rub the wood in one directions, with the grain, working in small sections from top to bottom. Leave the floorboards for last.
• Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes, then spray it off at a 45-degree angle with your hose or power washer, if you choose to do the project yourself, remember you must keep the tip of the nozzle about 4-8 inches away from the wood and keep it moving so you don't accidentally gouge the wood

Check for Wood Rot

Inspect your deck. Wood decks are particularly susceptible to wood rot since they are regularly hit with rain and sprinklers. Deck collapses are more common than one might think and while some decks fail because they weren't built properly, the most common problem is lack of maintenance. Many homeowners refinish the surface of their deck but leave out the joists, posts, and ledger board. It's vital to inspect your deck annually, if not more often.

Checking for wood rot is simple, if you're able to push a screw driver a 1/4" into the woo, it's time to replace that piece of wood. You should start with the under-structure working your way up to the deck planks. If you do find wood rot, check surrounding areas to see if the rot has spread. Any area in direct contact with the ground underneath is more likely to experience rot because of ground moisture. If you do not have an elevated deck, it's definitely worth looking into to avoid future damage and costly repairs. When replacing any rotted planks, use galvanized or stainless screws, instead of nails to prevent the plank from pulling up.

Panel Replacement

Check to see if your deck surface is even. When walking around if you have any uneven steps or find yourself tripping over cracks, your deck is not even. Wapred wood is a common problem with many decks. An easy fix is to replace the deck boards that are causing the problems. Since each piece screws in individually, it's easy to replace certain boards without affecting the ones around them. On the other hand, don't bother replacing a deck plank that has split, unless it flexes under foot. (since treated lumber is generally quite wet, splitting occurs naturally as the lumber dries.

Sanding and Sealing or Staining

It's important to wait 3-4 consecutive rain-free days for the deck to dry completely before staining it. After waiting the specified time, sweep off any debris and dust off the deck. Then use a wide brush with synthetic filaments to apply the stain, making sure to apply with the grain. Start at the highest point of your deck and work your way down to the lowest. Wipe up all drips, runs and pools immediately so the color isn't uneven. Make sure to stir your stain frequently during application so the color stays even. Allow your deck to dry for at least two days before walking on it. If you prefer the look of natural wood, sealing is another option. Sealing, unlike painting, absorbs into the wood to seal in color as opposed to covering it up. This process will also help to protect your deck from the elements. A quality water repelant deck sealant that coats your deck's surface and fills the cracks will give your deck ultimate protection in the winter as well. 

Enjoy the summer weather and let Top Dog do the rest. We specialize in a variety of exterior maintenance and repair projects. 

Preparing Your Home for Summer

You've Probably Been Ready for Summer Since January, but What About Your House? Here are Some Tips to Get Your Home Prepped and Ready for the Warm Weather.

Changing your ceiling fan's direction is a simple way to cool off your house. During the summer months, your ceiling fan's blades should be moving in a counter-clockwise fashion to better circulate cool air. Locate the switch around your light fixture to change the blade's movement.




Heavy curtains and/or blinds can be used to deter heat-carrying sunlight from entering your home. Keep blinds and curtains shut during the hottest part of the day, especially in the rooms of your house that the sun shines directly into.






Heat has a tendency to rise so it's no surprise that your attic is one of the hottest parts of your home, Installing an attic fan or vent will help to counteract the heat. Adding a solar powered attic fan adds to the energy savings.






Regularly check your dryer vent for blockage so that hot air is not blowing back into your home.

Switch out incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL), which will help save energy and put off lest heat.












Use the bathroom exhaust fan when you shower so that the steam and humidity don't flow throughout the house.







Have your air conditioning unit checked by a professional. An AC's filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently. You should also regularly replace the filter or filters (every 60-90 days)





Check and replace all weather stripping on your home as needed- Weather stripping helps seal gaps around doors and windows, saving you 10-15% on your electric bill. Check your doors to make sure the weather stripping is intact and providing a good seal around the door. Check windows to make sure there is no cracking, splitting, or peeling of the seals.

Hire a professional to conduct an energy audit on your home to help you understand your home's energy use. This will help you determine how much energy your home uses, where your home is losing energy, and which problem areas and fixes you should prioritize to make your home more efficient and comfortable.







Have roof flashing, caulking, and shingles inspected and repaired, as needed, in preparation for the storms to come.

Clean your gutters and downspouts





Taking these, mostly simple, steps will help you save money on your electric bill while staying comfortable in your home throughout the summer, the best part is, they don't require much investment.