Laundry is one of the aspects of life that many people consider a necessary evil. Most people don’t like doing laundry. However, there are a few that find it therapeutic. These people enjoy the fresh smell of the detergent and the reset of freshly laundered clothes. Regardless of your opinion of doing laundry, there is one thing that needs to be prioritized when using your clothes dryer: The lint trap in your dryer needs to be cleaned with fidelity after every use. Aside from this, however, you need to prioritize professional dryer vent cleaning each year.
Professional dryer vent cleaning can help reduce the risk of fire and allow for the safe operation of your clothes dryer. Aside from reducing the risk of a fire hazard, there are a few other benefits to having your dryer vent professionally cleaned. Depending on where you live, you can search for “dryer vent cleaners near me” to find a professional technician in your area. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you need to have your dryer vent cleaned regularly.
Reduced Fire Risk
Unfortunately, clothes dryers can be the perfect place for a fire to start. According to experts, it is estimated that almost 16,000 home structure fires are the result of clothes dryers each year. A good percentage of these home fires can be attributed to dust and lint buildup in the dryer vent. When the dryer vent line is overwhelmed with too much lint and other debris, the exhaust can blow it into other parts of the machine, including the heating elements. If a fire starts inside the dryer, the clothes will become fuel, and the problem will grow out of control quickly. Fortunately, this is a preventable problem.
Even though dryers are equipped with a lint trap, some material will often pass into the vent hose and exhaust elements. If you walk outside of your home to the dryer vent, you will probably find some lint, strings, and dust around the area. While the exhaust vent and your dryer do a great job of dispersing the lint, it can build up in the vent over time. The cakey substance that collects inside is very flammable and serves as a fire hazard every time you operate the dryer. Professional dryer vent cleaning will remove lint buildup and significantly reduce fire risks.
Fewer Repairs
Aside from a fire hazard, dryer vents clogged with lint can put a lot of wear and tear on the appliance. Over time, this can strain the equipment and the need for costly repairs. Eventually, clogged dryer vents could cause equipment failure, requiring a new dryer that could cost over $1,000. To help save money and prevent expensive repairs or replacement, it is recommended that your clogged dryer vent get cleaned at least once a year.
Shorter Drying Times
A dryer with a clogged vent usually takes more time to dry clothes. The lint buildup makes it difficult for humid air to escape. As a result, the moisture stays in the machine for a longer period and requires the dryer to run longer. Longer drying times are not just inconvenient but can also be more expensive. When the machine takes longer to dry clothes, it uses more energy. Dryers come with significant energy costs under normal operation. In the long run, a clogged vent could cause your energy costs to increase. A dryer with clean ducts runs efficiently and effectively and can result in lower energy bills.
From preventing house fires to lowering energy bills, there are several reasons why you should consider professional dryer vent cleaning. Having your vent cleaned at least once a year will give you peace of mind that your dryer is safe and efficient.
