Dryer vents are another component of the home that needs to be cleaned at least once a year. Inspections are quick and easy as is the subsequent cleaning process, so why wait until your dryer vent is too loaded full of dust?
It’s important to call a professional who can drop in and take care of the issue before it becomes dangerous.
Why Regular Dryer Vent Cleanings are so Important
A clean dryer vent is all about improving airflow. When air is restricted, exhaust gases will accumulate and there’s a heightened risk of creating a fire.
These hazardous outcomes can be avoided through a deep inspection and cleaning of the dryer vent each year, ensuring that dust and any hazardous material is removed. Preventing clogs helps remove the “ticking time bomb” effect that can end badly.
Indications Your Dryer Needs Cleaning
If the drying time for clothes takes exceedingly longer, it may be due to a clog. Even a simple clog can elongate the drying cycle by two or three times.
A dryer is meant to dispel hot air for clothing to dry efficiently. If the vent is blocked by lint it can cause air to remain trapped in the dryer. This keeps clothes too moist and can take twice as long to dry them. The overall result is more wear and tear on the machine which will decrease its life span further.
Visual Cues
Vent Hood Not Opening
There are occasional hints that your dryer is not in the kind of shape or condition it needs to be. The hood flap is a great indication, where you can see lint or debris posited around the dryer hose or outside the vent opening.
The duct hood flap may also struggle to open as it was designed to, or the outside vent isn’t opening when the dryer runs. Either way, this is likely causing a dramatic decrease in airflow which can become extremely dangerous.
Smoke
Of course the most telltale sign that there’s something wrong is evidence of smoke. The minute this becomes noticeable, it’s time to call in the heavies. Meaning you should call a specialist to come over right away!
Be Regular, Stay Safe
Addressing issues before they become real issues is always of paramount importance. Make sure that your dryer vent is being thoroughly inspected and cleaned at minimum once a year to prevent harmful deposits that can lead to fires and other dangers from happening.
