Dryer vents are typically out of view. So, the saying goes: out of sight out of mind; but is that really true? Is dryer vent cleaning necessary? To answer simply: yes. Dryer vent fires are a leading cause of home fires in the United States. Unfortunately, since we don’t typically notice when the vent is dirty, it’s hard to remember to clean it. Maintaining clean dryer vents is one of the most important factors of reducing your fire hazard at home.
Why You Should Clean Your Dryer Vents
The first and foremost reason to clean your dryer vents is safety. As we mentioned before, clogged dryer vents present a significant fire hazard to your home and a risk to the safety of your family. Dryer fires may have caused 20,000 home fires in 2008 alone.
Experts say that your dryer requires more maintenance than your dishwasher. It’s very important to clean your dryer vent, exhaust tube, and anywhere that lint can build up. The more lint builds up, the more it traps heat. If too much lint and heat gather together, a fire can start at any time.
The next most important reason to maintain and clean your dryer is to save you money. A buildup of lint means that your dryer has to work significantly harder to dry your clothes. The smaller the hole is to release the air, the more strain is put on your dryer. If you maintain and clean your dryer vents it is estimated that you can save a whopping $25 every month when compared to someone who doesn’t properly care for their dryer. Another way you can save money is that you will have to replace your dryer less often. Although dryers already last a long time, they will last much longer if properly maintained.
It is best to call a professional who knows exactly where your lint buildup can occur and how to properly care for it. Give us a call today with any questions you may have!