Ever found yourself knee-deep in your never-ending family laundry, only to be surprised by the mountain of lint in the dryer’s lint trap? Where does it all come from?
Clean out your dryer’s lint trap after every load of laundry.
If it’s clogged, your dryer can’t properly exhaust hot air, leading to overheating. And trust me, we don’t want that. It’s the top reason for home laundry dryer fires. Even though having a dirty dryer vent might not seem like a big deal, that’s an assumption you shouldn’t make.
Skipping out on cleaning and maintaining that vent can risk your dryer, home, and safety. What happens if you neglect to clean your dryer vent regularly? The consequences can be severe, and it’s crucial to understand them. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is a Dryer Vent?
First, let’s define dryer vents. These are the ducts or pipes that lead from your dryer to the outside of your home. They serve as a passage for hot, humid air to escape from the dryer during each use.
Where Does All That Junk in the Vent Come From?
Have you ever taken the time to clear out your dryer vents? It’s normal to think about the source of all the debris causing blockages.
Homeowners tend to get creative with where they place their rooms, resulting in ventilation paths that wind through walls, twist around corners, and make keeping the vents free from debris quite challenging.
Additionally, it’s common for animals and birds to seek shelter in vent screens during winter by building cozy nests. Considering a dryer vent cleaning doesn’t seem like a bad idea now.
Risks Of Not Cleaning Your Dryer Vent
Increased Risk of Fire
Refrain from cleaning your dryer vent to avoid fire hazards. Lint and debris accumulated in the vent can obstruct airflow, raising the temperature inside the dryer and potentially sparking a fire.
Can a Clogged Dryer Vent Cause a Fire? – Click here to learn more.
Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association reveal that not maintaining dryers results in 15,500 fires annually, leading to an average of 10 fatalities, 310 injuries, and $84 million in property destruction.
Reduced Efficiency and Higher Energy Bills
Neglecting to clean your dryer vent poses no fire hazard, but it can also decrease efficiency and increase energy costs.
When the vent is blocked, your dryer must put in effort and run for durations to dry your laundry, consuming more energy.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, clearing out a blocked vent can reduce energy expenses by an average of $145. This substantial savings highlights the importance of upkeep in reducing costs.
Carbon Monoxide Exposure
If you own a gas dryer, cleaning out the vent is important. When accumulated in quantities, gas dryers emit carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas.
When lint clogs up the vent, it can prevent carbon monoxide from escaping. As the carbon monoxide builds up inside the vent due to blockage, it eventually collects in the room where your dryer is located. To minimize the risk of exposure to levels of CO produced by your dryer, consider having a professional clean your dryer vent once per year.
Read More About Signs That Indicate the Need for Commercial Air Duct Cleaning
How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?
You are generally advised to clean your dryer vent annually. Yet if you have a household or use the dryer often, it’s better to do this every six months. It’s crucial to be mindful of any signs indicating that your vent requires cleaning. If you observe extended drying durations, detect a burning odor from the dryer, or find lint on your clothes drying cycle, it’s time for a vent cleanup.
Schedule Dryer Vent Cleaning with Flatrate Air Duct Cleaning
Remember, regular dryer vent cleaning is not just a household chore. It’s a crucial step in maintaining the safety and efficiency of your home. Don’t overlook its importance. Make sure to include dryer vent cleaning in your annual home maintenance checklist. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable doing it yourself, it’s always a good idea to call professionals like Flatrate Air Duct Cleaning. They can ensure the job is done thoroughly and safely.