Washing windows, scrubbing floor boards, airing out closets, or reorganizing garages are just a few of the most common spring cleaning tasks. However, there may be one area of your home you’ve been neglecting – the dryer vent!
Why do dryer vents need to be cleaned?
While small amounts of lint in the dryer vent may not create any problems, progressively greater amounts of buildup over time can constrict airflow to the dryer. Lessened airflow forces the dryer to work harder, producing hotter and hotter air to get clothes dry. This super-heated air can cause the flammable lint in the vent to ignite and lead to a dryer fire.
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, clogged dryer vents cause more than 15,000 house fires each year. These accidental fires – which are almost entirely preventable – cause more than $200 million in damages to personal property, as well as hundreds of injuries and even several tragic deaths.
How often should my dryer vents be cleaned?
Even if they know they need to have their dryer vents cleaned to prevent dryer fires, many homeowners do not know how often or when it should be done. Dryer performance is often the best indicator of whether or not the dryer vent needs to be cleaned. If you are experiencing one or more of these dryer performance problems, it may be time to have your vents cleaned.
– Clothes take longer than one cycle to fully dry
– The laundry room becomes noticeably warmer when the dryer is in use
– The dryer or the clothes directly from the dryer are excessively hot to the touch
– The lint trap collects excessive amounts of lint relative to the clothes in the dryer
– Lint or debris seen around exterior vents or ducts
– The interior of the dryer has a strong, musty odor that may transfer to clothes
Does my dryer vent need professional cleaning?
Just like your chimney, professional maintenance is always best when it comes to caring for your dryer vent. During a professional cleaning and inspection, a trained technician will use special tools and vacuums in order to remove and contain lint and debris from the venting system. This is different than the “blow out” cleanings done by other companies, which can leave piles of lint, dust, and debris covering your yard. An inspection of the dryer vent also ensures it is made of aluminum versus any other flammable materials.
At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we are proud to provide our customers with outstanding chimney and dryer vent services. For more information about preventing dryer fires or to schedule your next dryer vent cleaning, contact us today.