Is It Time to Clean Your Dryer Vent?
It’s important to keep your dryer vents clean. Not only do clean dryer vents help improve your dryer’s performance and extend its life, but they drastically reduce the chances of a fire happening in your home. Dryer and washing machines contribute to 15,960 structure fires every year. The leading cause of these fires is a simple failure to clean.
By regularly having your dryer vents inspected and cleaned, you could save the lives of you and your loved ones. Even if you clean your lint trap between every load (and you should), lint and other particles inevitably start to build up in your vents. The only way to ensure they are doing their job is to have them inspected and cleaned.
The question is, how do you know if it’s time for your vents to be cleaned?
Regardless of general usage and potential warning signs, you should have your vents inspected and cleaned at least once a year. Even then, you may need your vents to be inspected and cleaned more frequently. Here are a few signs that it might be time to have your dryer vents inspected.
Clothes Aren’t Drying Properly
Are you clothes or linens still damp after running them through the appropriate cycle? The solution isn’t simply to run them through an additional cycle. This is hard on both the fabric and your machine. Typically, an underperforming dryer is trying to tell you something. While you may think the dryer is breaking down, it could be as simple as a dirty dryer vent.
When a dryer vent is clogged, air isn’t able to properly circulate and moisture gets trapped within the machine. This results in your clothes not properly drying. If your machine appears to be running fine, and your lint trap is clean, but your loads are coming out damp, it’s time to have your dryer vent inspected.
Burning Smell
It’s natural for a dryer to produce a scent of warm, clean fabric. If it smells like something is burning, however, you have a problem. You should immediately stop the machine and check for any signs of smoke. Even if the burning smell seems minor, and there’s no smoke, you shouldn’t run your dryer until you’ve had it inspected.
Excessive Heat
Dryers can reach temperatures of 125-135 degrees inside. When they’re in use, you can expect the outside to feel warm to the touch. Still, it should be completely safe to put your hand on it, even when it’s in use. If you touch your dryer and it feels hot, you likely have a problem.
When a dryer vent is clogged, heat can’t properly ventilate. This results in heat building up within the machine, causing it to reach unnaturally high temperatures. Not only can this be damaging to the materials inside, but it can ultimately result in a fire breaking out. If your dryer seems hotter than it should be, it’s time for an inspection.
Increased Lint Buildup
As we mentioned before, you should be cleaning your lint trap in between every single load of laundry. With how simple it is to do, there’s really no excuse not to. When properly cleaning your trap, the amount of lint present will usually be minimal. If you find yourself peeling off entire sheets of lint between every load, there’s likely a problem.
Inspecting and Cleaning Your Dryer Vents
When it comes to having your dryer vents cleaned and inspected, it’s best to utilize a professional. They’ll be able to quickly access your vents without causing damage. If cleaning is needed, they have the tools necessary to make sure the job is done right.
Hiring a professional vent cleaner is simple and affordable. Most importantly, it can extend the life of your dryer and protect the safety of your home. For dryer vent cleaning in Dayton, Ohio and the surrounding communities, contact us today!