Most Elmira homeowners need professional dryer vent cleaning once a year. However, if you do large amounts of laundry, have pets, or notice your clothes taking longer to dry, you might need service every six months. The age of your home matters too. Many Elmira properties were built in the 1980s with longer vent runs or multiple bends that trap lint more easily. These systems typically need more frequent attention than newer, straight-run installations. Watch for warning signs between cleanings: clothes taking multiple cycles to dry, the outside of your dryer getting very hot, lint visible around the exterior vent, or any burning smells during operation. These indicate your vent needs immediate professional attention.