A dryer vent needs to be cleaned regularly to enhance the dryer’s efficiency. Regular dryer vent cleaning helps to remove lint and other dirt and debris that are obstructing the dryer performance.
Signs that it is time to clean your dryer vent:
- Your clothes are taking much longer than usual to dry;
- Both your clothing and the dryer exterior get very hot;
- Presence of debris around the dryer hose;
- The vent hood flap does not open properly;
- The dryer vent has not been inspected for more than a year;
- You notice a strange burning smell on the clothes;
- The laundry room feels excessively hot when the dryer is running.
Benefits Of Cleaning Your Dryer Vent
Prevent Home Fires By Cleaning Your Dryer Vent
Improperly working dryer vents are one of the leading causes of clothes fires in homes. Lint that’s not removed from your dryer venting system can clog your system. If this happens and your dryer overheats, your chances of experiencing a fire increases. Fortunately, you can prevent this problem altogether. By getting your dryer vent cleaned, you reduce your chances of experiencing a clothing fire due to lint.
Eliminate The Potential For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
You can compound your chances of experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning by failing to maintain your dryer vent. The colorless, odorless gas comes from fuel-burning appliances. Your dryer can be a source of carbon monoxide poisoning as well. When a lot of lint accumulates in your dryer venting system, and your system overheats, the fumes from your dryer can contain carbon monoxide. These fumes can emit carbon monoxide each time you dry your clothes without being detected. The best way to prevent this from happening is by cleaning your dryer vent. Additionally, if it’s been awhile since you cleaned your vent, you should also get your home checked for carbon monoxide.
Reduce The Cost Of Your Energy Bill
A clogged dryer venting system forces your dryer to work harder to dry your clothes. When your venting system is clogged, your dryer doesn’t have the airflow it needs to dry your clothes adequately. As a result, clogged dryers take longer to dry your clothes, which increases your utility bill. Additionally, the longer your clothes are in the dryer, the more wear and tear your clothes experience. The longer your clothes take to dry the less wear you’ll get from them overall. You’ll be forced to purchase new clothes earlier than you expected.
How to keep your dryer vent clean
- If you are using dryer sheets, then switch to a liquid fabric softener.
- Replace flexible vent pipe with a solid vent pipe.
- Place the dryer closer to the external wall.
- Allow the dryer to cool for at least 15 minutes between loads.