Laundry. Like it or not, it’s one of those things that’s part of our daily lives. If there was a laundry 101 class, the most basic thing taught would be to clean the lint trap every single time you use the dryer. But simply cleaning the lint trap isn’t enough to prevent fires and keep your dryer working efficiently. You need to clean your dryer vent too.
The dryer vent (which includes the tube that runs from your dryer to the outside of your home) helps remove hot air and moisture. Even though the dryer itself has a lint trap, dust and debris still make it into the vent over time and can get trapped there—especially if your vent has a screen or cap meant to keep small animals, insects, and/or birds out of the vent.
Debris and highly flammable lint can build up in your dryer vent, reducing airflow and backing up exhaust gases. Couple that with the hot temperature of the dryer itself, and clogged dryer vents can be a fire hazard.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), fire departments respond to an average of 15,970 home structural fires EACH YEAR that involve clothes dryers or washing machines, with 92% of those fires being attributed to dryers. 27% of those dryer fires were caused by dust and lint in the lint trap or dryer vent. Those are disturbing statistics for an easily preventable problem!
Worse yet, fires aren’t the only risk. There is also a chance that gases and carbon monoxide that should be released outside of the home through the dryer vent could get backed up into your home through a clogged vent, causing a dangerous air quality risk for you and your family.
Signs that your dryer vent probably needs to be cleaned:
- Clothes take longer to dry than usual
- The dryer is hot to the touch after a cycle
- Your laundry room is hot after a cycle
- The dryer emits a burning smell
- There’s inconsistent airflow from the exhaust vent
- Excess lint appears in the lint trap after each cycle
- You find debris in your yard outside of the dryer vent or can see it trapped in the vent itself
Benefits of Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning
While safety is priority number one, there are other benefits to having your dryer vents professionally cleaned:
- Shorter Drying Times: Do you feel like your clothes take forever to dry? This may be an indication that it's time to get your dryer vent cleaned. An abundance of lint in the vent creates a barrier that warm air has to fight through, so it can do its job. By clearing the vents of debris, you are clearing the way for the heat to come through quickly and efficiently.
- Lower Energy Bills: Getting your dryer vent cleaned is one simple way to save money. By keeping the system clean, drying times are shortened, which in turn uses less energy. Less energy means lower energy bills and more money in your pocket!
- Fewer Repairs: We all want our appliances to work as efficiently as possible. When any appliance is being overworked, there’s considerable added wear and tear on the appliance. By keeping dryer vents clean, you can avoid costly repairs or the need to buy a brand new dryer.