Preventative Maintenance…A Guide to Dryer Vent Cleaning:
Dryer repair might not be the answer to your dryer related problems. Calling a dryer repair technician might end up costing you extra money, especially if they are not qualified to fix the problem. There are some dryer ailments that should be handled by a certified dryer vent cleaning technician. Not all home appliance service professionals are dryer exhaust specialists. Many of them will not perform dryer vent installation, cleaning or repair. The local dryer repair man can handle electrical or mechanical problems but most dryer performance issues are the result of a clogged dryer duct or overall poor dryer ventilation.
The clothes dryer is an essential household appliance, typically powered by gas or electricity, which dries the laundry by sending the moisture laden air to outside the house through a vent. Preventative maintenance such as dryer vent cleaning is too often neglected by homeowners. It is important to clean dryer vents on a regular basis to improve performance and efficiency, reduce energy costs and prevent expensive dryer repair bills and most importantly, a dryer fire. In addition, cleaning dryer vents is imperative as a clogged vent can restrict the airflow and cause the dryer to overheat resulting in damage to the appliance and a dryer fire. Dryer vent cleaning should be performed on a routine basis to ensure that the dryer functions at its highest level. Dryer repair technicians agree that dryer vents should be cleaned and serviced once or twice per year.
The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning Service:
Minimize the Risk of a Fire Hazard: Dryer lint buildup and other debris in the dryer vent can lead to a dryer fire. The lint screen only collects about 60% of the lint while the rest becomes trapped inside the dryer cabinet and in the dryer vent system. Authorities report more than 17,000 structural fires caused by poorly vented clothes dryers with most of them being the result of a clogged dryer vent. Many cases of property loss, deaths and injuries have been have been the result of dryer vent fires. Studies have shown that a well-maintained dryer vent reduces the chances of fire by 90%.
Improve Dryer Performance and Efficiency: Excessive lint accumulation in the dryer vent will restrict airflow and make the dryer work harder and longer to get clothes dry. This creates undue stress on the dryer and causes it to function less efficiently as drying time increases and the dryer becomes overheated. When left unchecked a clogged dryer vent can lead to performance problems, complete breakdown or a dryer fire.
Eliminate Mold and Mildew Problems: Not only is dryer lint highly flammable but it can also become toxic in nature. A clogged dryer vent can result in increased moisture in the air, leading to mildew damage and mold issues. Mold spores can trigger allergy symptoms and asthma problems. Scheduling periodic dryer vent cleaning service is the best way to prevent this problem.
Get Rid of the Unpleasant Odor: A moldy or smoky or burnt smell in clothing after a complete dry cycle is an indicator of poor ventilation. That musty odor in the laundry room could be caused by lint accumulation in the dryer vent system.
Save Energy: The clothes dryer is among the most expensive appliances to operate. A poorly vented dryer will cost even more. Frequent dryer vent cleaning increases dryer efficiency for a significant savings on monthly energy bills.
Signs indicating the need for Dryer Vent Cleaning Service:
- Increased drying time is one of the most commonly noticed signs that dryer vent cleaning is necessary.
- If clothes come out of the dryer hot to the touch or the outside of the dryer cabinet heats up while it is running, this is a sure sign that dryer vent cleaning is needed.
- If the laundry room is significantly hotter and more humid when the dryer is operating then there is probably a ventilation problem.
- Dryer Repair or Dryer Vent Cleaning?