We rely on the appliances in our home to work day in and day out. However, one appliance in your home may have a hidden fire hazard – your dryer.
Despite the fact that most of us use our dryers several times a week, very few homeowners clean their dryers beyond emptying the lint trap. Not having your dryer vents professionally cleaned, however, increases your risk of home fire. Regular dryer maintenance and cleaning is an important part of making your dryer – and your home – safer.
The danger of clogged dryer vents
Lint doesn’t just accumulate in your lint trap; it can also build up in your dryer vents. As most of us know this lint is extremely flammable; it is the buildup of this lint that can lead to dryer fires.
As lint and other debris builds up in the dryer vents it constricts air flow to the dryer. With less air, the dryer is forced to work harder to heat the air, producing hotter and hotter air as the dryer vents get progressively more clogged. If the dryer vents are not cleaned, the super heated air can ignite the lint in the vents and lead to a home fire.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that clogged dryer vents are the cause of more than 15,000 home fires each year. These dryer fires cause more than $200 million in damages to homes and properties – but can be largely prevented with regular dryer vent cleanings.
Why have your dryer vents professional cleaned
Having your dryer vents professionally cleaned can make your home safer by reducing the risk of dryer fire. During a cleaning, our dryer vent experts use a rotary system to ensure that all lint is removed from the venting system. Likewise, instead of blowing the lint onto your lawn – and making a bigger mess for you – our equipment collects and removes the lint. Lastly, our vent cleaning services includes an inspection of your dryer vents to make sure there are no holes, kinks, or other hazards in the venting system.
Signs your dryer vents may be clogged
While it is recommended to have your dryer vents cleaned about once per year, how often your dryer is used can impact how often they need to be maintained. However, your dryer may be offering you clues that it is time for a dryer vent cleaning! The following are six signs your dryer vents are beginning to get clogged and need to be cleaned.
- Regular loads of clothes are not dry after a full cycle
- Clothes or the dryer are too hot to touch after use
- The inside of the dryer has a damp, musty odor
- Loads begin taking progressively longer and longer to dry completely
- The laundry room or area around the dryer becomes significantly warmer after use
- More lint is found in the lint trap or can be seen around exterior vents
By having your dryer vents professionally cleaned, you can help protect your family by significantly reducing the risk of dryer fire in your home. To schedule your next dryer vent cleaning, contact Jack Pixley Sweeps today.