Why It Is Essential to Carry Out Dryer Vent Cleaning
Most homeowners do not think of carrying out dryer vent cleaning when cleaning the rest of the house. Although you don’t have to do it every day, cleaning dryer vents must be done at least once or twice a year. When not cleaned, lint and dirt clog the exhaust vent, which allows hot air out.
This causes the accumulation of hot air in the dryer, and since lint is highly flammable, it can be a significant source of house fires. Blocked lint also reduces the efficiency of the machine, which can shorten its lifespan. Read on for benefits you get from cleaning a dryer vent and why these services are key.
1. What Can A Clogged Dryer Vent Result In?
a. Break Out of Fires
When the dryer vent blocks, it means that there is a lot of lint that has built up at the exit. This prevents hot air from exiting the dryer. Lint is highly flammable, and since the dryer is heating up, this can lead to fire breakout. If your vent is cleaned, lint is removed, and there is good air circulation, hence no chance for fires.
b. Carbon (II) Oxide
One of the harmful products produced when drying your clothes is carbon monoxide. This is a very toxic gas, and it is even worse because it is colorless and odorless. When the vent is clogged, air cannot get out of the vent. This means that the carbon monoxide will not be expelled and will instead build up in your laundry room. Accumulation of this harmful gas in your home is dangerous and can lead to death.
c. Inefficiency
When the vent is clogged, the system will take longer to dry your clothes. You will also notice that the clothes come out with a burning smell because the dryer is working hard. An inefficient dryer might also not do its job well, and you might notice some parts of the clothes that do not dry completely.
d. High Electricity Bills
When your dryer is overworking, it uses a lot of energy to dry the clothes. Since it is taking longer to do the job, more electricity is used in the process. If you notice a rise in your energy bills, check if your dryer is working well.
e. Breakdown
Your machine has sensitive parts conditioned to work in a certain way and under specific amounts of heat. Overheating in the dryer can lead to damage of these parts, hence the breakdown of the system. Also, when the machine is overworked, some parts might break down, which will call for replacements or buy a new device.
2. Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs to Be Cleaned
You don’t have to open your dryer system up to know that it is time to do dryer vent cleaning. These signs will tell you that it needs to be checked.
a. Parts of Your Clothes Are Not Drying
When put in the dryer, your clothes should come out completely dry. A faulty dryer will leave patches of your clothes wet. This can be because the vent is clogged, and the machine is not getting enough air. To ensure your clothes dry completely, clean your dryer vent.
b. A Burning Smell
If you notice a burning smell on your clothes, your dryer is not in its proper condition. This happens because there is a lot of heat trapped in the system. After all, there is no enough air circulation. The laundry room could also have a burning smell. Check your vent and ensure all the lint is washed away.
c. A Very Hot Dryer
When the vent is clogged, hot air cannot get outside. Lack of air supply in the system accumulates heat in the dryer, and you will notice that it is too hot to touch. Lint is highly flammable, and accumulation of this heat can lead to fire breakout. Ensure you check your vent for dryer vent cleaning once or twice a year.
d. Lint Is Coming Out
Sometimes lint trapped could be too much, and it starts coming out by itself. This is a good sign that you need to do vent cleaning to remove the dirt and let the vent allow cold air in for cooling.
