Every appliance you own has to be cleaned regularly to keep them working correctly and prevent dangerous situations. This is especially true for clothes dryers, as poorly maintained ones can lead to a loss of life and more.
Why Clean Your Dryer Vents?
Here are five reasons to make cleaning dryer vents a regular practice.
1. Potential Fires
The lint trap on a clothes dryer is there to catch lint, fibers, and other items. Unfortunately, it does not trap it all. Instead, up to half the lint travels through to the exhaust duct. Over time, it can build up and ignite due to the hot air produced by the dryer.
Dryer vent fires are a pretty common occurrence. According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 92 percent of home fires are due to dryers. About a quarter of those fires are caused directly by fibers, lint, and dust.
2. Deadly Gases
Gas dryers with clogged vents pose another threat. Without a way to escape, they can push carbon monoxide into your home. As it is both tasteless and odorless, it is nearly impossible to detect until it is too late.
3. Pest Infestation
When clogged, your dryer vent flap will not seal properly, leaving an open door for pests. To make it worse, as most pests are attracted to warm and moist environments, a clogged dryer vent can easily lead to unwelcome guests in your home.
4. Mold Growth
If a dryer vent is clogged, that means the moisture has nowhere to go. A build-up of moisture encourages mold and mildew growth, which escapes into the air in your home. This can lead to serious health problems and aggravate current medical conditions, such as asthma.
5. Loss of Money
While this is certainly not as serious as fires, pests, or mold and mildew, money is still an important part of life. Unfortunately, a clogged dryer vent can impact your wallet in several ways.
With clogged dryer vents, you typically have to dry the same load of clothes two or more times for them to dry completely. You might see an increase in utility usage of up to 50 percent or more if you do not address the issue quickly. Many people find themselves needing new clothes because they fade quickly and smell bad. Additionally, working the dryer harder means reaching the end of its lifespan much more quickly. This can lead to purchasing a new appliance more often than necessary.
How Often Should Dryer Vents Be Cleaned?
Aim to clean your dryer vents a minimum of once a year. If you run your dryer consistently, you will likely need more frequent cleanings. Watch for the following signs that it needs to be cleaned soon:
- Laundry consistently comes out damp
- Excess humidity and heat in the room with the dryer
- Musty or burning smells from the dryer or clothes
- Clothing and dryer are hotter than usual
Getting and keeping your dryer vents cleaned can help you save money on appliances, clothing, and your monthly bills. Even more important, it can save your home and your family from potential disaster. Don’t hesitate any further. Call to schedule your dryer vent duct cleaning to stop trouble in its tracks.
