Over time, dryer vents become dirty or clogged. Clothes, human and animal hair, and anything else we leave in our pockets, often make their way out of the washing machine. When clothes are tumbled in the dryer, lint and debris from our clothes drift into the air. As the air from the dryer is expelled through the ventilation system, it follows wet lint and debris. Since the lint is wet, it tends to stick to the outer walls of the ventilation system. Over time, lint reduces airflow, makes the dryer work harder, and even prevents air from escaping completely.
If your dryer vents are blocked, the commercial air duct cleaning company hot air won’t escape. That is, moist air is entering the house. The result could be a mold problem. But it could also mean an allergy problem.
Clogged dryer vents with lint can cause unnecessary wear and tear on dryer components, resulting in expensive repairs. What kind of maintenance? The dryer draws in air from the back of the dryer. Air passes through elements like ovens. Air moves through the fallen clothing and then through the ventilation system. If the hot air has nowhere to go or is restricted, the dryer starts to overheat. The air in the dryer gets warmer, but the clothes don’t dry because no moisture escapes through the vents. Dryers have sensors that blow air when the dryer reaches a certain temperature. The result is expensive repairs.
Also, as the dryer works harder due to inefficiency and lack of airflow, the dryer will use more energy, resulting in higher gas or electricity bills.
Clogged dryer vents can also create a potential fire hazard. Lint is very flammable. When the dryer vent is closed, the area around the dryer often collects some lint. When the dryer draws in air to heat it, the lint is also drawn in as it passes through the heating element. This creates a very dangerous fire hazard.
Warning signs that your dryer vents are clogged
- Jeans and towels require more than one cycle to dry.
- After one cycle, the clothes are wet and warm.
- The dryer feels hotter than usual.
- The windows of the house fog up every time the dryer is used.
- Your laundry room has a fluff problem.
- When the dryer is on, the outside vents are not open.
- You can even hear birds chirping at your vents.
- what can you do?
- Clean the lint trap after each load of laundry.
Check the outside vent to make sure it’s not blocked or birds are not using your vent as their home.
Pay attention to the condition of the dryer. Check the area around the dryer, including electrical or gas connections.
- Replace any plastic or kinked hoses with suitable metal hoses.
- Never leave the dryer running inadvertently.
- Regular maintenance will ensure your dryer will last for years.
There are monitors available that can help you feel safer with your dryer vent. Lint Alert monitors the air pressure in your ventilation system and lets you know when your vents need to be cleaned.
All manufacturers recommend regular inspection and maintenance. He recommends professional cleaning of your dryer vents every 12 to 18 months. A professional can scrape any lint from the ventilation system and dryer. An inspection by a professional will also ensure that your dryer is operating efficiently and safely.
