Dryer Vent Cleaning
The leading cause of house fires, at 34%, is the failure to properly and regularly clean dryer vents. Nearly 17,000 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year. Cleaning your dryer vent regularly ensures minimum buildup of lint in the lint filter and helps to allow seamless passage of air in the exhaust fans.
8 Signs that it is time to clean your dryer vent:
1.) Clothes take longer than normal to dry
2.) Clothes are unusually hot to the touch
3.) The room is warmer than normal when dryer is running
4.) You've noticed burning smells
5.) The lint flap isn't opening
6.) The dryer stops working mid cycle
7.) The dryer tells you there's a problem
8.) It's been more than a year since cleaning your vent
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a complete dryer vent cleaning include?
Dryer vent cleaning does not just involve removing dirt from the filter. Many other things need to be checked and cleaned. Below is a step by step process on what a complete dryer vent cleaning involves.
Step 1. Inspect the dryer vent opening by going outside and thoroughly inspecting the dryer vent.
Step 2. Clear all dirt, debris, leaves, etc. that have accumulated on the outside and may be obstructing the flow of lint.
Step 3. Remove lint and other material that has accumulated on and in the dryer vent.
Step 4. Clean behind dryer.
Step 5. Thoroughly clean the dryer lint trap and drum.
How often should you clean a lint trap vent and the dryer vent?
Experts advise cleaning the lint trap after every load and cleaning your dryer vent at least once per year. However, if you have a large family or do laundry more frequently than the average household then you may need yours cleaned more frequently. You may also need more frequent cleanings if you have pets that shed or if you often wash bulky items like blankets and towels.
What do you gain from regular dryer vent cleaning?
Having your dryer vent cleaned and maintained regularly will help to improve its efficiency and can save you up to 30% on energy bills. It also helps to lower the wear and tear on your dryer and can help to reduce maintenance costs by reducing the likelihood of your dryer overheating, getting clogged and causing excessive strain on crucial parts of the dryer. However, one of the main reasons to have your dryer vent serviced regularly to reduce the risk of household fires. Lint is highly flammable and removing buildup is a key factor in preventing the possibility of a fire.