Posted On Sep 14, 2022,

Yes, dryer vent cleaning is important. The main reason is FIRE.

Dirty vents reduce air flow creates a dangerous environment of moist air and flammable lint. Lint buildup and blockages can become buried deep within the dryer vent where you can’t see or reach them. Without proper vent cleaning, dirty vents create critical safety hazards for you and your family.

Saving money, lowering energy usage, and faster drying times are other great reasons dryer vent cleaning is important. Of course, you want your dryer to be safe and functioning as it should. So, what is the best way to make this happen?

Do-it-yourself vent cleaning can push lint deeper into your dryer vent, causing blockages to become worse and even create new ones. To ensure you’re your dryer exhaust is cleaned carefully and completely, dryer vent cleaning should be done by a professional. But how do dryer vents get so dirty?

Why Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

Dirty vents begin with the accumulation of lint. As your clothes dry, small fibers and debris on your clothing get trapped in the dryer’s filter. However, some of this lint escapes the filter and travels through the dryer vent system. Escaped lint will accumulate, reduce air flow, and create a combustible environment.

Additionally, birds, squirrels, and other small outdoor animals can create nests inside your dryer exhaust vents, causing blockages and trapped air. Faulty systems are another reason air flow can be compromised, thus creating a dangerous combination of trapped lint and hot air. A host of problems can occur if dirty vents are ignored.

A host of problems can occur if dirty vents are ignored.

Dirty Vents are a Fire Hazard:

Per The U.S. Fire Administration, 2,900 residential clothes dryer fires are reported annually. The leading reason for these fires? A failure to clean the dryer.

Dirty Vents Cost You Money

Reduced air flow within your vents causes your dryer to work harder and run longer. The result? Higher monthly utility bills.

Dirty Vents Reduce the Life of Your Dryer

Working harder and running longer puts undo strain on your dryer. Parts will breakdown quicker and your dryer will need to be replaced sooner. From overheating to an increase in your utility bills, the best way to avoid troubles is to call a professional vent cleaning company to thoroughly clean and remove all dust and dirt.

Dryer Vent Problems that You Should be Aware of

Just one more load and I’ll clean my dryer vent. That’s like the tomorrow that never comes. But it should. And urgently.

If you notice of any of these indicators, it’s time to call a professional:

It takes longer to dry your clothes. If it usually takes 30 minutes to dry a load of clothes and drying time increases incrementally and for no reason, it’s a sign something is amiss.

Your laundry room becomes heated. Additional humidity and a laundry room that becomes noticeably warmer while your dryer is in use, are reasons to call a professional.

The smell of fire. If you see smoke or get a whiff of anything that resembles fire, turn off your dryer immediately. It’s time to call for repair or professional dryer vent cleaning.

Airflow from the exhaust vent is erratic. Airflow should be consistent. Any variations with airflow can indicate a problem with the dryer vent and/or blockage.

An increase of lint found in the lint trap. Sometimes a new blanket or an item that has been washed and dried for the first time will cause additional lint. However, excess lint found in the lint trap after a normal cycle, should be evaluated.

Debris is found outside the dryer vent. Dirty vents will thrust debris outside the exhaust. Keep an eye out and schedule a dryer vent cleaning as applicable.

How to Prevent a Clogged Dryer Vent

Between each dryer vent cleaning, it’s important to take steps to maintain the integrity of your dryer exhausts. Prevent clogs by taking the following preventative measures:

Empty the lint trap before each cycle
Give your dryer a chance to cool down between loads
Regularly check the vent pipe for debris

Original Article : Is Dryer Vent Cleaning Important?