You probably know you have to clean your dryer vent, but how often do you clean it? It’s most likely…not too often. Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year. While it may be hard to believe, clogged dryer vents are the leading cause of house fires in the United States. Even though preventing a fire hazard is enough reason to get your dryer vent cleaned, here are other reasons why you should make dryer vent cleaning a priority.
Prevent dryer fires
Safety is the first and obvious reason to clean the dryer vent. One of the key roles of the dryer vent is to transfer the hot, moist air from the dryer to a safe location outside the home. However, if the dryer vent becomes clogged by lint, the hot, moist lint can collect, preventing airflow and leading to a hazardous situation.
Lint is highly flammable. If there is a buildup of lint and dirt in the vent, lint trap, or the duct, the airflow is reduced and can lead to dryer fires.
In addition, decreased airflow can lead to indoor air pollution. A clogged dryer vent can push back carbon monoxide that is supposed to be released outside inside the home. This can produce dangerous situations to residents and cause serious illness. Seek a dryer lint trap cleaning company for improved indoor air quality and to prevent dryer fires.
Save energy
A clogged dryer can double or triple your clothes drying time. This occurs when the trapped, hot, moist air prevents the clothes from fully drying. Clothes that are taking longer times to dry can lead to multiple drying cycles, causing an increase in energy bills. A clean dryer vent translates to lower energy consumption and less money spent on energy bills.
Extends the lifespan
As previously mentioned, a dirty, clogged dryer vent can result in lower dryer efficiency. If it takes a longer time for clothes to dry, the dryer will have to be used multiple times, causing the machine to be overworked. Overworking the dryer can put a lot of wear and tear on the appliance and can lead to malfunctions and shortened lifespan.
Less maintenance and repairs
When you keep your dryer vent clean and free of any lint buildup, the dryer will work more effectively and efficiently. A clogged dryer vent, however, can lead to internal damage that requires a repair. If you find yourself having to deal with dryer repairs more often, you may need to step up your dryer vent cleaning game. A reputable dryer vent cleaning services is always available to give you the best experience and service.
It’s time to call in a dryer vent cleaning service when:
- It is taking a long time for your clothes to dry- multiple drying cycles are being used for one load of laundry.
- Your dryer is too hot to touch- there is little airflow or hindered air movement in the appliance.
- You notice a strange burning smell on the clothes or around your dryer- this occurs due to dryer’s inability to ventilate the hot, moist air through the dryer vent.
- You can see debris or lint around the dryer hose- this requires a vacuum or cleaning.
- The vent hood flap doesn’t open as it designed to- the vent hood exterior has been clogged with lint.
- The laundry room feels excessively hot when the dryer is running- a clogged vent is preventing hot air from escaping.
- Your dryer vent has not been cleaned or inspected for a year- dryer exhausts should be checked and cleaned at least once a year.