Clogged Dryer Vents Are A Fire Hazard. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
Every year, firefighters across the country respond to around 14,630 home fires caused by clothes dryers, according to the National Fire Protection Association. One-third of these fires is caused by an accumulation of lint, which means that not cleaning out your dryer vent can set you up for a dangerous situation.
Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year!
Dryer vent cleaning
4 Signs It's Time For Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning
1. Your dryer takes longer than usual to dry your clothes:
Is your dryer taking longer than usual to dry your clothes? If so, it may be time for a professional vent cleaning. When your dryer vent or vent hose is clogged, lint accumulation prevents moisture from escaping your dryer. Under normal circumstances, hot air from your dryer coaxes moisture out of your clothes. Once moisture evaporates, warm air carries it through the exhaust hose and out the dryer vent. If something is blocking the vent or hose, however, that moisture must remain in the dryer drum.
2. Visible lint or debris accumulation outside:
If you can see chunks of lint building up where your vent exits your home, you are overdue for a vent cleaning. Substantial lint buildup around your outdoor vent not only prevents your clothes from drying, but it's also a fire hazard. If you see buildup outside, chances are your vent hose contains a hefty amount of lint, too. And while you can easily remove the link you can see, it's the accumulation within the hose that you most likely can't reach. A vent cleaning professional has the necessary tools to access buildup deep within the hose, ensuring your system is completely clean.
3. Burning odor during dryer operation:
Does your dryer smell funny during operation? Like maybe something is burning? First thing's first: turn it off—immediately. A burning smell is a solid indication that in its current state, your dryer presents a significant fire hazard. Lint is extremely flammable, and while your lint trap does catch most dryer lint, it can't trap it all. When lint particles pass through the trap, they can end up in the exhaust tube or drum casing. If the lint gets too hot, you could have a dryer fire on your hands.
4. Your dryer is too hot to touch:
If your dryer is so hot during operation that you can't comfortably touch it, you've got a fire hazard on your hands. Lint accumulation can trap hot, moist air in the exhaust hose; since that air has nowhere to escape, it remains in the dryer drum where it makes your clothes extra hot, too. It's best to stop using your dryer if this situation occurs.
Benefits of Dryer Vent Cleaning
- Reduces risk of fire
- Reduces drying time
- Saves money on utility bills
- Increases the life of your dryer machine
- Saves money on costly repairs
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