Signs To Have Your Dryer Vents Cleaned

If it seems like your dryer is not working as well as it once did, it may not be old age. Instead your dryer may be trying to tell you something – time to clean the vents! While it may seem like a redundant task (after all, don’t you clean out the lint trap before every cycle?) it is very important for the health and longevity of your dryer and your home. There are several major warning signs to watch out for that will show you it is time to have your dryer vents cleaned.

Why Dryer Vents Need To Be Cleaned

It may seem like an easy chore to skip, but cleaning your dryer vents is something you should have done annually, if not more. A clean dryer vent is crucial for the health and safety of your family and home. Here are some of the top reasons to have your dryer vents cleaned:

• Fire – One of the main hazards of a clogged dryer vent is a potential fire in your home. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, washing machines and dryers were responsible for nearly 17,000 house fires in the US in 2010. Lint is highly flammable, and when a clog restricts air flow, exhaust gasses get back up. This creates the perfect environment for a fire to form, or for poisonous gasses such as carbon monoxide to back up into your home.
• Energy Costs – A clogged vent means the dryer is having to work harder to do the same level of work. This uses additional energy, costing you more in the long run.
• Dryer Lifespan – When your dryer must work harder, it will decrease the lifespan of the machine. If you are having to run it more to get your clothes the same level of dryness, it will wear out your dryer quicker.
• Vermin and Pests – Excessive lint and build up may prevent your duct hood flap from not closing properly, providing an entrance to pests seeking warmth.

Signs It Is Time To Have Your Dryer Vents Cleaned

Lint builds up in the dryer over time, causing excessive heat and overworking your dryer. If you notice any of the below signs, it is time to have your dryer vent professionally cleaned.

• Taking Longer To Dry – If the dryer is taking longer to do the same amount of work, or clothes are coming out still damp at the end of a normal cycle, it’s probably time to have your vents cleaned. The dryer is designed to push out hot, moist air so it can pull in dry air to continue the drying process. If it can’t get rid of that moist air because lint is blocking the exit, that moist air will stay in the dryer drum.
• Excessive Heat – If you notice your dryer is hot to the touch, or the clothes are coming out incredibly hot, this means the vent is not exhausting the air properly.
• Burning Smell – This is a big red flag. If you smell burning, it is past time to have your vents cleaned! This smell is the dryer lint in the vents beginning to burn. Dryer lint is extremely flammable, so if you smell something burning, stop your dryer immediately and call for professional help.
• Lint Coming Out – If you see lint coming out the outside opening where air is vented from the dryer, chances are, there’s more where that came from.
• A Year Since Your Last Cleaning – You should have your dryer vents cleaned annually; if it has been more than a year or you don’t know the last time your dryer vents were inspected and cleaned, it’s probably time.

Schedule Your Oahu Dryer Vent Cleaning

Are you ready to have your dryer vents cleaned? This is a chore that can be done year round, so contact your vent and ductwork experts today to schedule your dryer vent cleaning. Contact the team at AirPro Indoor Air Solutions to talk with our professionals about getting your dryer vents cleaned.