DRYER VENT CLEANING: DO YOU REALLY NEED IT?
Since dryer vents are out of sight, homeowners often overlook them while performing routine home maintenance. Doing so can prove to be a mistake. Proper vent cleaning is important not only from an energy-efficiency standpoint, but also for safety reasons.
Why it’s Smart to Keep Dryer Vents Clean
While no one wants to think about the lint and gunk that can build up in dryer vents, there are some pretty compelling reasons to do so. When vents are kept free of debris, you can:
- Avoid safety hazards: The Federal Emergency Management Agency reports that nearly 3,000 residential fires occur every year due to dirty dryer vents. These fires cause more than 100 injuries annually and result in about five deaths. With a little home maintenance and annual cleaning, dryer vent fires are definitely preventable.
- Conserve time and energy both: When dryer vents are clogged with lint, this can cause the machine to operate inefficiently. The dryer will be unable to properly dry clothes, meaning that one cycle just might not handle a full load. As a result, the dryer will have to run longer, which can lead to higher utility bills.
How to Maintain Dryer Vents
You can do preventative maintenance yourself by using a home vacuum cleaner on a monthly basis to help clean the dryer vents. However, it is recommended to have a professional cleaning done once a year. This is because home vacuum cleaners aren’t powerful enough to remove all of the dirt build up. Professionals use industrial-powered vacuums for a thorough cleaning of the entire dryer vent system.
Tips for Fire Prevention
- Dryers should be properly installed for correct airflow, and dryer vent systems should be up-to-code with city and state regulations.
- Always operate a dryer with a lint filter and be sure to clean screens after each use.
- Routinely clean lint out of the vent pipe.
- Lint screens should be cleaned with water and soap every few weeks to remove left over residue from fabric softeners.
- The air exhaust vent pipe should be unobstructed, and the outdoor vent flap should open when the dryer is in operation.
- Avoid overloading the dryer and follow manufacturer’s operating instructions.
- If the dryer is gas powered, the gas line and connection should be free of leaks and intact.
- Correct outlet and plug should be used.
- Don’t go to bed with the dryer running.
If it’s time to get your dryer vents cleaned to improve safety and efficiency, call Aladdin Insulation and Home Improvements today! We offer vent cleaning, duct cleaning and other maintenance services designed to help keep Atlanta, Ga, area homes in tiptop condition.