As lint builds up in dryer vents over time, these dirty dryer vents become more dangerous than you may think. Did you know that more than 12,000 house fires are caused every year in the U.S. by clothing dryers and dryer vents? It’s true. It is a statistic that you can easily avoid with proper dryer vent cleaning.
When lint builds up in vents, it restricts airflow, which increases drying time and causes the motor to overheat. If this happens, the lint underneath the dryer can catch on fire and be drawn up into the duct by the air draft. If the dryer vent duct is full of lint, an entire house can go up in flames.
It is recommended that dryer vents are professionally cleaned out once a year. However, you can attempt to vacuum out some debris by yourself. However, without the right tools, you will not be able to reach some areas such as bends in the ductwork. When a dryer vent needs to be cleaned, you may find yourself having to run clothes through multiple drying cycles. Additionally, the room that your dryer is located in and within the dryer itself may feel hotter than usual. You may even smell the scent of burning clothes while the dryer is running. To help keep your vent clear, make sure that you are emptying the lint trap after every single load of laundry.
Professional vent cleaning companies have special tools that allow them to reach all of the areas in your vent. Cleaning includes vacuuming out the vent and paying special attention to the bends and elbows. Debris and lint tend to build up in these areas. It is important that you work with a company that has plenty of experience and guarantees their work.
The cost of cleaning varies but it is usually around $100. There is usually an extra fee if the dryer vent comes out of a rooftop instead of at ground level.
It is recommended to clean the exhaust hose and vent once a year. However, cleaning may need to be performed more regularly if there are a lot of people in the household or pets.
At Green Home Air Duct Cleaning, our team has the experience and the equipment to handle vent cleanings. Our crew works to remove lint, dirt, and debris to restore the open passageways that enable total airflow. This, in turn, increases the efficiency of your dryer, dryer vent flow, and reduces your risk of a fire. Plus, you’ll also save money on electric bills as your drying time decreases.
Contact Green Home Air today to schedule an appointment or free estimate for your dryer vent cleaning.
