Most homeowners believe dryer maintenance is as easy as cleaning out the lint trap after use. Unfortunately, this only solves part of the problem; dryer vent cleaning by a certified professional is often the best way to ensure your dryer can run safely and efficiently for years to come. At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we specialize in dryer vent cleaning – and it is more than simply blowing out the vents.
The Danger of Clogged Dryer Vents
Clogged dryer vents affect our dryers in two significant ways: they decrease efficiency and increase the risk of dryer fires.
As you use your dryer, the same lint that accumulates in the lint trap can escape into the dryer vents. In small amounts the lint is relatively harmless; however, buildup over time can constrict airflow to the dryer. As a result, the dryer is forced to work harder, producing hotter and hotter air. This super heated air can ignite when combined with the highly flammable lint buildup in the vents, leading to a dryer fire.
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are more than 15,000 house fires caused by clogged dryer vents each year. These fires result in millions of dollars in property damages and losses – as well as unnecessarily put families at risk.
Clogged dryer vents also decrease the efficiency of the dryer. Many homeowners are shocked at how well their dryers work after simply having the vents cleaned. Getting the dryer vents professionally cleaned is often a good first step when a dryer begins losing efficiency.
Why Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Matters
While some find it odd that a chimney sweep company also cleans dryer vents, the two are surprisingly related. Just like a chimney sweeping dryer vent cleaning requires specialized tools, trained professionals, and a thorough knowledge of building dynamics in order to be done correctly.
Professional dryer vent cleaning is about more than blowing out the contents of the dryer vents onto your lawn. Many modern vent systems include bends, twists, turns, and tight spaces that older homes did not have; because of this, rotary and vacuum systems should be used to ensure a thorough clean and prevent debris from getting left behind.
Is it Time to Clean My Dryer Vents?
Many homeowners struggle with when it is time to have their dryer vents cleaned. However, your dryer may already be telling you the vents need to be cleaned. The following are six signs its time to schedule a dryer vent cleaning.
- Clothes take longer than one full cycle to dry
- The drying time for a regular load is longer than 45 minutes
- The laundry room is excessively hot when the dryer is in use
- Progressively larger amounts of lint are found in the lint trap
- The inside of the dryer or clothes fresh out of the dryer have a musty odor
- Lint or debris can be seen on the exterior dryer vent
Dryer vent cleaning is about more than blowing out the lines; trust your family’s safety – and the longevity of your dryer – to a trained professional. To schedule your next dryer vent cleaning contact Jack Pixley Sweeps today.