18 Dec When Is it Time to Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned?
When you’re doing laundry, you probably just throw your clothes into the dryer without thinking twice about the dryer itself. This is why dryer vents are one of the most neglected areas in a house. But without proper maintenance and cleaning, dryer vents can actually cause a lot of damage to your home. Not only will your dryer itself suffer, but clogged dryer vents can be dangerous too. In fact, 34% of residential clothing dryer fires are caused by lack of cleaning. So to help make sure you have your dryer vent properly cleaned, let’s look at a few warning signs that show your dryer vent is getting too dirty.
The dryer is hot: If you run the dryer and notice that either the dryer itself is very hot or your dried clothes are hotter than normal, this may be a sign that the vent is clogged. When the vent is unable to exhaust properly, the heat from the dryer has nowhere to go and can cause the dryer to overheat. This can not only cause the dryer to wear out quicker, but it also wastes energy. So if you notice your dryer being unusually hot, invest in professional dryer vent cleaning services to get it taken care of.
There’s a burning smell: Your dryer should essentially have no smell to it. So if you smell any sort of burning smell, that’s a surefire sign that something isn’t right. If you begin to notice a burning smell, stop the dryer immediately. Lint is flammable, which is why dryer fires are so common. If lint is built up, it can start to burn and even start a fire. You should stop using your dryer if you smell burning and have it looked at by a professional as soon as possible. Dryer duct cleaning services can remove any lint and decrease the risk of a fire.
Your clothes aren’t drying: The cycle time of your dryer should stay pretty consistent. So if you notice that your clothes aren’t drying properly or they take much longer than usual to dry, this could warrant dryer vent cleaning services. When a dryer vent is blocked, the hot air stays in the dryer and makes the clothes feel damp. An inefficient dryer is not good for drying clothes or saving energy. So if you notice the need for longer dryer cycles, call a professional to have it looked at.
Dryer vent cleaning services can help ensure the dryer is working properly and safely. So if you notice any of these warning signs, make sure to call a professional sooner rather than later.