Keeping your dryer vents free from lint and other debris is essential to protecting your loved ones, valuables, and your home. Lint, which tends to accumulate quickly in the dryer, can be a hazardous problem if you fail to take the necessary precautions to clean it. No matter how routinely you empty your lint trap, you still need to clean the dryer vent to ensure the machine remains in tip-top shape.
How often you clean the dryer vents will depend on several factors. Most professionals recommend cleaning the dryer vents once a year, though your frequency of using the machine will largely determine how often the machine needs cleaning.
How can I tell if my dryer vent has clogged?
Regular dryer vent cleaning helps to prevent issues such as poor indoor air quality and the risk of fire. Here are some of the warning signs that you might have a clogged dryer on your hands.
1. It takes a bit longer than usual to dry your clothes
A clogged dryer means that the hot, moist air will be unable to escape your dryer as it should, which will prolong the drying time and perhaps even leave your clothes wet at the end of the cycle.
2. There’s a burning smell whenever you use the dryer
Fabric fuzz and lint are highly flammable, and it doesn’t take too much heat to ignite a small piece. For this reason, if you ever smell something burning while using the dryer, you should turn it off immediately and promptly contact a technician.
3. Your clothes feel hot to the touch at the end of the cycle
While you want your clothes to be dry, if you’re finding them too hot to touch without hurting your hand, your vent might be clogged such that it’s preventing hot air from escaping.
4. You see lint and other debris in the dryer hose or around the dryer from the outside
If you can spot a build-up of lint on either of these two places, you’re likely way past the time for cleaning your dryer ducts.
5. You have not cleaned the dryer vents for more than a year
For the average household, the dryer vents should be cleaned at least once every year. Homes that have more frequent usage should clean the vents much more often.
What are the dangers of not cleaning your dryer vent?
A clogged dryer vent can not only impact your indoor air quality negatively, but it can also block airflow from the dryer to the outdoor vent and result in higher levels of heat that could cause a fire. Here are some of the dangers of not cleaning your dryer vent:
Carbon monoxide buildup
For households using a gas dryer, failure to clean the dryer vents regularly could spell disaster. If the vent becomes clogged, the carbon monoxide generated in the running of the dryer will not escape through the vent effectively. It could build up to potentially dangerous levels in the room where the appliance is located.
Pest intrusion
A warm, cozy dryer vent can provide a safe place to live for mice, bugs, and other outdoor critters. If you’re not cleaning your vents regularly, you may never know when these are hanging out in there. Annual dryer vent cleaning can help keep pests away from your dryer vent.
House fire
If your dryer vent is full of lint and other debris that prevent heat from escaping outdoors properly, it could be a serious fire hazard. Dryer fires are quite common, with approximately 2,900 households being affected by one every year.
Dryer damage
If you don’t clean your dryer regularly and it ends up being clogged, it won’t function efficiently. Hot, moist air will not be vented properly, meaning it gets trapped inside the dryer drum. Plus, the unit will have to operate for longer than necessary, which can quickly diminish its lifespan.
How often do I need to clean the dryer vent?
The dryer exhaust vent should ideally be inspected and thoroughly cleaned at least once a year, depending on the dryer usage, the size of the home, and the pets in the household.
You also want to work with a professional dryer vent cleaning service, like Dry Patrol Of Central Ohio, because dryers are a major safety hazard. A licensed professional will be better placed to do a thorough job and make sure that your vents are clean and free of any lint and debris. This way, your dryer will function at peak safety and optimal efficiency.
What to look for in a dryer vent cleaning company?
Experienced service providers
You want to work with a company that specializes in dryer vents. While there are lots of companies offering vent cleaning services, there’s a great deal of value that comes with repairing and cleaning dryer vents every day.
Fully insured and guaranteed services
You also want to make sure that your potential dryer vent cleaning provider is fully insured. This will help ensure optimal safety and protection for the workers and your property. It’s also important to know if they guarantee their work, such that in case a problem arises, you will know that it will be fixed without any hassles.
Open communication
The service provider should be able to explain their process to you in simple yet professional language. If your dryer extends to the roof, they should be able to explain how they intend to access the roof. They should also openly explain the pricing, to avoid any surprise fees down the line.
Services included with dryer vent cleaning
You should also consider the other services that will be included with the dryer vent cleaning. Some companies will only clean the dryer vents, while others will offer a complimentary inspection service during the cleaning procedure.
Schedule Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Today
At Dry Patrol, we take pride in providing professional dryer vent cleaning services for all property owners in Central Ohio. Our experienced and certified technicians can handle any problem that you might have.
To learn more about how we can help, or request a free service quote, get in touch with us today.
