Your chimney isn’t the only part of your house that needs to be regularly cleaned in order to avoid accidental fire! Having your dryer vents cleaned should be added to your list of annual household maintenance in order to make your home as safe – and energy efficient – as it can be.
The importance of clean dryer vents
Clean dryer vents are an important part of running a safe and efficient home. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in United States alone there are more than 15,000 dryer fires; dryer fires also account for more than $200 million in damages as well as hundreds of injuries.
The same debris that accumulates in your lint trap can also accumulate over time in your dryer’s vents and hoses. This extremely flammable lint can begin to constrict the airflow to the dryer; when this happens, the dryer attempts to keep working well by increasing the air temperature. The combination of the super-heated air and constricted hoses can cause the lint to ignite into a fire, quickly spreading throughout your home.
Thankfully, dryer fires can be easily prevented by having dryer vents regularly cleaned. When having your dryer vents professionally cleaned, special brushes and equipment are used in order to completely clean and clear the entire system. Likewise, vents, lines, and hoses are checked or kinks or other blockages that can impact dryer safety or efficiency.
While clean vents are an important part of dryer safety, they have the added bonus of helping boost your dryer’s efficiency. Many homeowners who are frustrated with their dryer’s performance are amazed at what a difference simply cleaning the dryer vents can make! Compared to the cost of buying a brand new dryer, having the dryer vents professionally cleaned is a small investment that can help extend the life of your appliance.
When do I need to clean my dryer vents?
How often your dryer needs to have its vents cleaned may differ from house to house based on the age and type of your dryer as well as how often it is used. However, as a general rule most dryers need to have their vents cleaned at least once per year. The following are a few signs that it may be time for you to clean your dryer vents.
- A regular load of clothes take longer than one cycle to dry
- The dryer is hot to the touch or excessively heats the laundry room
- More and more lint is being produced each cycle
- The dryer – or clothes just out of the dryer – have a strong, musty odor
- Lint or debris can be seen around exterior dryer vents
While our name might be Jack Pixley Sweeps, we can do more than just clean your chimney; trust us to take care of your dryer vents, too! Contact us today to learn more about dryer vent cleaning and to schedule your next appointment.