A dryer vent is an essential part of your home. It filters out hot air from your dryer and keeps it out of the house. Without it, your home can be at serious risk of fire accidents and mold growth. Despite only coming into contact with clean clothes, it is necessary to clean dryer vents periodically. You’re not alone if you’re wondering why cleaning your dryer vent is important.
Besides keeping it running effectively, cleaning your dryer vent has many overall costs and safety benefits. Our aim today is to provide you with all the information you need about dryer vent cleaning.
What is dryer vent cleaning?
Dryer vent cleaning removes the dryer dust and debris that can pile up in your home’s filter and dryer vents. Gradually, these vents can be clogged up if not cleaned properly, leaving many complications. Prioritizing your dryer vent cleaning is important because if the vent is not functioning well, it will most likely spread heat, lint, and dust everywhere.
Why is dryer vent cleaning necessary?
There are many benefits for keeping your air duct and dryer vents clean. These are some of the main reasons for cleaning your dryer vent is necessary:
1. Low risk of fire
Lints are highly flammable. When they pile up inside your vent, they trap the heat and don’t allow it to escape. The combination of built-up heat and lints is dangerous, leading to a potential fire. Similarly, when lint piles up, it blocks the vent, making your dryer run hot. This might ignite a spark and cause a fire in your home.
The fire caused by dryer vents has become a common incident these days. However, routinely cleaning your ducts can help minimize their occurrence and avoid life-threatening situations.
2. Improved energy efficiency
By removing the dust and debris from your dryer vent, the vent can work to its full capacity and improve energy efficiency. When you have a clogged dryer, your clothes will take longer to dry. The accumulation of lint and dust won’t allow the proper amount of hot air to reach your dryer.
If the machine works harder than usual, it will require more electricity. This will cause your electricity bills to skyrocket and leave you frustrated. Keeping your dryer vents clean regularly can reduce your electricity bill.
3. Longer lifespan of dryers
With clogged-up vents, your dryer will run longer than normal and require more energy. This negatively affects the functioning of your machine and causes considerable damage to your dryer. Not only will your dryer malfunction and require frequent maintenance, but it can also break down completely.
How often should you clean your dryer vent?
According to experts, your dryer vent should be cleaned twice a year. Cleaning at such a frequency prevents excess lint buildup in your duct, increases efficiency, and prolongs the machine’s lifespan. It’s been over a year since you cleaned it, so now is the time to do so.
Signs that your dryer vent needs cleaning
The following are some signs that indicate your dryer vent needs a thorough cleaning:
1. Drying clothes takes more time
If your dryer takes longer than usual to dry your clothes, it might be time for the vents to need a thorough cleaning. With clogged vents, the humidity and air during the drying process won’t have anywhere to go. The improper exchange of heat and moisture will ensure your dryer works inefficiently. At the end of each cycle, the clothes may not dry properly. A musty, mildew smell may also emanate from damp clothing.
2. Burning smell
You should be suspicious of the vents if you notice a burning smell around your dryer. You should immediately turn off the power to prevent any potential hazards. If not cleaned properly, dryer vents can cause a fire. Since lints are highly flammable, their accumulation makes a fire accident more likely. If there’s a burning smell around your dryer, immediately call a professional for an inspection.
3. Excessive heat in the dryer
A poorly ventilated dryer is extremely hot to the touch. Besides the dryer, the clothes are also exceedingly hot after each cycle, indicating that you need to clean your dryer vents. It is important to pay attention to excessive and unusual heat in your dryer and clothes. Ensure that a professional thoroughly inspect your appliance to prevent any hazardous situations in the future.
4. Excessive lint
Having a lot of lint inside your dryer vent after each cycle is another sign that it needs a thorough cleaning. The main purpose of a dryer vent is to transfer all the heat from the dryer outside of your home. However, in vents with piled-up lint, the air cannot escape. The result can be unusually large amounts of lint spilling into your dryer. You should check your vents if all your clothes come out with white fuzz after each cycle.
5. Unable to open dryer duct hood flap
If you cannot easily open the duct hood flap, there might be some issues with your dryer vent. The flap usually gets stuck when lint or debris accumulates. Don’t let it persist for too long if this is the case. You must not delay any further to clean your dryer vents.
DIY Vs. Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning
It is possible to clean dryer vents yourself, even though it might seem daunting. If you have the right tools, you can do it independently. It is not that difficult; you have to be cautious.
However, it’s always a good idea to get professional help. You might need help to do it right when doing it alone, which can lead to other potential problems. Plus, professional cleaning will save you time and energy while giving you excellent results.
Conclusion
Properly cleaning your dryer vents can save you from dangerous and life-threatening situations. Make sure you have them cleaned at least once a year.
If you’re looking for professional help with your dryer vents, we can help. At OK Duct Cleaning Services, we aim to improve our community one house at a time. We are the leading provider of dryer vent cleaning in Oklahoma City. Call us today!