Extending the Life of Your Dryer

It’s in your best interest to have your dryer live a long, healthy life. Not only are dryers expensive to replace, but they can be dangerous when not properly cared for. We’ve put together a few simple steps to follow to ensure your dryer keeps cycling for years to come. 

Empty Your Lint Trap 

The first rule of dryer upkeep is to empty the lint trap after every load of laundry. It doesn’t matter if it was a small load, or if the trap doesn’t look dirty. Cleaning it out takes a few seconds, and it can add a significant amount of life to your dryer. 

It also helps it run better, keeping your energy bill down while your clothes dry faster. 

Don’t Run Your Dryer for Longer Than Needed 

Some people put their dryer on the same time-length/cycle no matter what they’re drying. This is a mistake. You should only run your dryer for the minimum amount of time needed to dry your clothing.  Be mindful of how big the dryer load is and how wet it is, and set the dryer accordingly from there. 

Some newer dryers have moisture sensors that can automatically turn off when your clothes are dry. It’s definitely worth checking to see if yours does. 

Don’t Overload  

Stuffing as many clothes as possible into your dryer seems like it might save time, but it really doesn’t. An overfilled dryer will struggle to properly dry clothes, forcing you to run additional cycles anyway. Additionally, this places added stress to the dryer, which causes it to wear out faster. 

Clean on the Outside 

Washer/dryer areas can get dirty. Detergent and softener spills. Dust is abundant. If you want your dryer to maintain appearances over its life span, keep it clean inside and out 

Have Your Dryer Vents Cleaned 

Dirty dryer vents can cause serious problems. When vents are blocked, your dryer works harder. When it works harder, it’s less efficient, it wears out more quickly, and it increases the chances of danger. Failure to clean dryer vents is the leading cause of dryer and washing machine fires. 

By having your vents professionally cleaned, you can protect not just your clothes dryer, but your family as well. For dryer vent cleaning in the Springfield, Ohio area, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Co today! 

Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Testing Before Basement Renovation

Short-term tests typically run for 48 to 96 hours. That’s enough to get a clear baseline before renovation. If you're on a tight timeline, we offer same-day professional radon testing, using calibrated digital monitors with faster turnaround and higher accuracy.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Schedule your test at least a week before framing or insulation begins — that gives you time to take action if mitigation is needed.

Often, yes. Finishing a basement reduces natural ventilation, seals air pathways, and creates negative pressure zones — all of which can trap radon gas inside. We frequently see radon levels double or triple after renovation.

If you plan to install drywall, flooring, or closed-cell insulation, test first. It's much harder to retrofit a system once the space is finished.

Absolutely. In fact, newer energy-efficient homes are often more airtight, which can amplify radon accumulation.
Radon isn’t about age — it’s about soil conditions, slab construction, and airflow. We’ve mitigated brand-new builds in Columbus that tested over 10.0 pCi/L before occupancy.

The EPA recommends testing every 2 years, but after a basement remodel, you should test immediately after the work is complete — even if you tested beforehand.

🎯 And if you already have a radon mitigation system, make sure to re-test after any HVAC upgrades, insulation changes, or new construction that may affect airflow.

  • Below 2.0 pCi/L: No action needed — considered low risk.
  • 2.0 to 3.9 pCi/L: Consider mitigation, especially if children live in the home.
  • 4.0+ pCi/L: The EPA’s action threshold. Mitigation is strongly advised.

🔎 We’ve seen plenty of “borderline” homes spike to dangerous levels after finishing — so if you're anywhere near 4.0 pCi/L, don't wait.

Final Takeaway: Test First, Then Build

The only way to ensure a safe renovation is through early detection. Testing for radon before finishing your basement isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

Call (614) 799-8530 to schedule a professional radon consultation Licensed. Proven. Local. - Get answers before you build — and breathe cleaner air afterward.

Serving Columbus, Dayton, Springfield, Cincinnati, and all of Central Ohio

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