WHY CLEAN YOUR DRYER VENT?
Over time, dryer vents can become blocked by lint and other debris, causing a whole host of issues, from safety hazards to additional costs. It’s an often-neglected part of home maintenance, so let’s go over why it’s so important to clean your dryer vent.
REDUCE THE RISK OF DRYER FIRE
As lint collects in the dryer vent system, the dryer can overheat, create a spark, and cause a fire. In order to decrease your risk of dryer fire, it is recommended that a professional dryer vent and air duct cleaner inspect your dryer vent once a year. During 2010-2014, U.S. municipal fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. These fires resulted in annual losses estimated at 13 civilian deaths, 440 civilian injuries, and $238 million in direct property damage. Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of the fires, with washing machines causing 4% and washer/dryer combinations causing 5%. Failure to clean dryer vents was a factor in 33% of dryer fires, making it the leading factor in home dryer fires.
REDUCE THE RISK OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Gas dryers can be a carbon monoxide poisoning risk if not properly maintained. Dryer vents clogged with lint or obstructed by a bird’s nest can prevent exhaust fumes from properly exiting the vent line. Instead the gases can build up inside the home, creating a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you have a gas dryer, it is especially important to have your dryer vent cleaned. Our professionally trained technicians will remove clogs and debris such as lint, clothing, dryer sheets and nests to restore proper ventilation.
ENERGY SAVINGS
Drying your clothes may be costing you more than your realize. If your dryer vent system isn’t functioning properly, or it is clogged with lint or debris, you could be spending extra on utilities with every cycle. Lint accumulation or even animals’ nests in the dryer vent lines can cause restricted airflow. This causes the dryer to run less efficiently and can even cause the dryer to stop working. Dryer vent cleaning can help protect the environment, your home, and your energy bills by allowing your dryer to use less energy per cycle.
EXTEND DRYER LIFE
When airflow is stopped or restricted in the dryer vent, the dryer is forced to work harder to expel the moisture and heat, which may result in poor performance or even shutoff. An overworked dryer also raises the risk of a dryer fire. When a dryer starts performing poorly, taking longer to dry clothing or overheating, a dryer vent cleaning might be needed.
INCREASE CLOTHING LIFE
A clogged dryer vent can cause a buildup of heat in the dryer, which can damage or ruin items of clothing. Running longer drying cycles to compensate for poor dryer performance caused by clogs in the dryer vent line can damage or ruin clothing items. By removing any lint, debris and obstructions from the dryer vent line, regular airflow will be restored and the dryer will function more efficiently.
Before & After:
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME
If you notice your dryer is running hot or not functioning at full capacity, you should have your dryer vent inspected and cleared. But what can you do to prevent lint buildup and fire risks in the future?
- Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
- Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
- Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
- Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
- Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
- Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.
- Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.
- Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
