Why is Dryer Vent Cleaning Important?
If you’re wondering why dryer vent cleaning is important, you’re not alone. Dryer vents can get dislodged over time, allowing exhaust fumes to leak into the house. In addition to reducing the drying time of clothes, proper vent cleaning improves the quality of indoor air. Listed below are the main reasons to clean your dryer vent. Let’s take a closer look!
It prevents fires
Although you can’t completely eliminate the risk of dryer fires, cleaning your dryer vent and lint trap each year will minimize the occurrence of such incidents. Not only will a cleaner vent prevent fires, but it will also allow your dryer to run more efficiently, save your facility money on utilities, and help the laundry dry faster. Here are three steps to help you avoid dryer fires:
First, check your dryer lint filter. A dirty filter will trap some of the lint, but a full filter will catch all of it. If the filter isn’t installed properly, your dryer will begin to work slower than normal, and this will cause it to overheat. Excess heat will ignite the lint, causing a fire. Make an appointment with a professional and have your dryer vent cleaned to prevent a fire.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are nearly 17,000 home clothes dryer fires each year. The most common cause of these fires is the buildup of lint in the vent. Moreover, a faulty dryer vent setup can constrict the ductwork, resulting in a decrease in performance. Fires caused by dryers cost the American economy more than $233 million annually.
A combination of heat and improper venting is the leading cause of clothes dryer fires. The combination of these factors causes clothes dryers to overheat, which is why regular cleaning is necessary to prevent fires. Clean your dryer exhaust duct and lint filter before using it. Replace the plastic or foil accordion ducting with rigid metal ducting. Also clean the area behind the dryer as well.
It reduces drying time
While the ducts inside your dryer should be clean and free of lint, they are also susceptible to clogging and can actually cause problems with your heating system. This restricted airflow can trip a thermal fuse or cause a short in the heating coil. Luckily, a simple dryer vent cleaning can greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to dry clothes. This can mean the difference between 30 minutes and two hours for a load of laundry.
When your dryer vents are clogged with debris and dust, there is less space for exhaust to travel, which means your clothes will be dried slower than they should be. Luckily, cleaning the vents can help you save money on your energy bill. This is because a clean dryer won’t have to work as hard to get the clothes dry, which means less energy usage. You’ll also have fewer clothes to wait for when your clothes dry.
Cleaning the vent is essential if you want to enjoy faster drying times. It is easy to forget about the cleaning process, but it’s essential to keep the ducts free of debris. Using a scrub brush and warm soapy water to remove the lint will prevent your dryer from catching fire. If you neglect your dryer vent, you’ll be putting your home at risk and it won’t be as effective as you’d like it to be.
If you notice that your clothes are getting hot while drying, there’s a good chance that you’ve clogged your dryer vent. A clogged vent system wastes energy and will wear out your heating element and blower more quickly. It will also cause your clothes to smell like a burning smell. Cleaning your vent regularly can help reduce drying time and make it more efficient. But more importantly, it will reduce your energy bills by reducing your drying time.
It reduces utility bills
Did you know that cleaning your dryer vent can help you save money? The lint that accumulates in your dryer can increase your energy bill by as much as 30%! Moreover, a clogged dryer takes much longer to dry your clothes, which wastes energy and money. Regular vent cleaning can reduce your utility bills by as much as $288 annually. Read on to learn more about this important maintenance task.
Clogged vent lines are the number one cause of home fires, and regular maintenance can prevent them from happening. In addition to reducing your utility bill, regular cleaning of your dryer exhaust will also make your clothes dry faster. Lint accumulation can prevent your new dryer from working properly, which means more energy is wasted. Clean dryer vents also protect your home from fire, which can cause property damage. If you have not cleaned your vents in a while, do it today!
It improves indoor air quality
You may not realize it, but the air inside your dryer is a major source of harmful air pollutants. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are known carcinogens, which are substances released from solids and liquids. Common sources of VOCs include paint, hair spray, cookware, cleaning supplies, glue, markers, and more. Though most VOCs are harmless, some are not. The bad ones, however, can be deadly. Here are three ways to avoid these air pollutants.
Poor indoor air quality is dangerous to everyone, and it can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and even flu-like symptoms. Most vulnerable people are infants, toddlers, and seniors. People with underlying illnesses may be particularly at risk. If you have any of these symptoms, you should take steps to improve the quality of the air in your home. These steps are simple and inexpensive. You can get started on improving the quality of your home’s air today.
Besides reducing the level of allergens, a dirty dryer vent also contributes to the growth of mold and mildew in your home. As you may already know, a single load of laundry contains around half a gallon of water. The moisture and lint from these wet clothes can collect in the laundry room and lead to the growth of mold. These spores not only reduce the air quality inside your home, but they can also cause structural damage and health problems.
Apart from cleaning the AC duct, you should also consider using air filters in your home. Using natural products and cleaning agents can help in reducing the amount of harmful chemicals in your home. They are also safer because they contain less chemical ingredients compared to conventional brands. Moreover, dust, lint, and mold can be spread by dirty dryer vents. So, if you have decided to clean your dryer, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
It costs Less than a new dryer
If you have a dirty clothes dryer, the chances are good that you are paying for it. But do you have to? If so, you can save money by having your dryer vent cleaned. In fact, it’s easier to do than you think. And you’ll be glad you did once you know that the process is relatively inexpensive. The first step in this process is identifying the exact problem. If you don’t, you could be paying for something as costly as fire damage cleanup. And don’t forget about the energy bills!
Dirty dryers can cause higher energy bills and can cause pest infestations. Cleaning your dryer vent can cost from $90 to $450, depending on the location. It usually takes about an hour for a one-person job, but a more involved cleaning may require two to three hours. However, this is still cheaper than a new dryer. If you’d like to save money on your dryer maintenance, you can get a Lint Alert that alerts you to clogging.
In addition to the cost, the time needed to clean the vent depends on the length and type of ducts. Vents located far away from exterior walls tend to have longer pipes, making them more difficult to clean. Cleaning them can also be more time-consuming, since the pipes have to be bent or wound around walls. Also, the time spent cleaning a vent depends on the season, type of dryer, length and obstructions.
It can also damage your dryer. It can cause overheating, which can lead to electrical damage or even minor electrical work. If the vents are blocked, mold may grow. And, excess lint can clog the outside vent cover, making it easier for pests to get in. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, it’s recommended to clean your vent pipes every three months. Keeping them clean can help you get the most mileage out of your dryer and save money on energy bills.