Five Problems That Can Arise From Dirty Dryer Vents

Dirty dryer vents are not only disgusting to the eye but they are a huge safety hazard for your home. Every appliance comes with its own maintenance, including your dryer. Taking care of your dryer, however, involves much more than routinely cleaning the lint trap. Dirty dryer vents are notorious for collecting lint and other debris, and over time it can clog up and cause problems. A clogged up dryer vent isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a safety hazard. The lint that collects inside your dryer vent is very flammable, and when enough builds up inside, it traps heat and can cause a fire. Cleaning your dryer vent not only protects your clothing but keeps your entire house from burning down.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

Keeping up with the laundry can be tricky enough, but even your dryer requires some routine maintenance in order to function properly. How often you clean your dryer vent will depend on how often you use your dryer. For homeowners who use their dryer 4-5 times a week, an annual dryer vent cleaning should suffice. If you’re cleaning 4-5 loads of laundry daily, however, it’s best to clean your dryer vent at least every six months. Regardless of how often you use your dryer, your dryer vent needs to be cleaned in order to avoid the following problems.

Regular dryer vent cleaning can prevent the following problems:

• Damp loads of laundry. A buildup of lint and other debris can prevent your dryer from ventilating air and doing its job. A clogged dryer vent can result not only in soggy laundry, but money and energy wasted on multiple cycles. Cleaning your dryer vent keeps opening a clear passage of air that enables your dryer to function properly.
• Excessive heat or humidity. A dirty dryer vent not only poses a fire hazard, it traps and relocates that excess heat back inside your home. Dryers already produce a lot of heat in order to dry your clothes, having that heat cycle back into your home can create an uncomfortable problem.
• Musty odors. The trapped heat from a dirty dryer vent can also result in musty odors. It’s not just a matter of unpleasant smells, however, as the trapped heat and humidity can turn into mold, which is a serious health risk.
• High utility bills. Just like your air conditioner or furnace, your dryer requires proper ventilation in order to function effectively. When the dryer vent is full of lint, it traps that excess heat into your home and it prevents your dryer from drying your clothes. Your dryer already uses a lot of energy, and both issues end up raising the costs on your utility bill.
• House fires. The worst outcome of all is a house fire. A clogged up dryer vent is much more than a risk to your clothes and wallet. It’s important to remember than lint not only traps heat, it’s flammable. Make sure to keep your dryer vent and all other components clean of lint.

The Warning Signs of a Dirty Dryer Vent and What You Can Do

First things first, you need to make sure you clean your lint trap after every use; this ensures the air moves freely inside the machine so it can dry your clothes. You might be thinking because you constantly clean your lint trap, that you’re off the hook for cleaning the dryer vent- there’s no such luck. Small fibers can still get through the trap and over time, it can clog up your dryer vent.

On top of cleaning the dryer vent, it’s also important to clean the moisture sensors to ensure they work properly. Most new dryers now come with moisture sensors which work by automatically shutting the dryer off when they sense the laundry is dry. Like most home catastrophes, there are plenty of warning signs to watch out for before disaster hits. It’s important to remember that knowing when there is a problem is only half the battle. Knowing how to thoroughly clean your dryer can prevent most dryer-related problems.

If you suspect your dryer is need of a cleaning, here’s what to look for.

• It takes longer to dry a load.
• Your dryer and clothing are very hot.
• Burning smells.
• Vent hood flap can’t close properly.
• Your Home and Laundry Can’t Wait

No homeowner wants to deal with the frustration of damp laundry, especially when it can result in a house fire. By routinely cleaning your dryer vent, you can save yourself from dangerous house fires and costly utility bills. Don’t wait until you start smelling smoke, protect your home and household by cleaning your dryer vent.

Call Arco Home Services today at (216) 202-3778 or contact us online to schedule a dryer vent cleaning in Cleveland!