The Importance Of A Dryer Vent Cleaning: Top 5 Reasons

#1 Safety

Dryers run hot and lint is extremely flammable which makes for a dangerous situation. According to the U.S. Fire Administration 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.

Failure to clean the dryer (34 percent) is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires.

More home clothes dryer fires occur in the fall and winter months, peaking in January.

This is a preventable problem. There is also the possibility of fumes backing up into your home through clogged vents. The gasses and carbon monoxide that should be released outside could potentially back up into your home causing an air quality issue which could be deadly for you and your family.

#2 Low-Efficiency

A clogged dryer vent could mean your clothes will need multiple cycles before drying correctly or will need to run longer. This is because the proper amount of hot air is not reaching your dryer.

Multiple cycles and extended drying times mean additional energy spent and could lead to an increase in your electrical bill.

#3 A Clean Dryer Vent Means a Longer Dryer Life

We already pointed out that a clogged vent means a less efficient drying cycle. If your dryer is running longer than normal or more than one cycle per load, your slowly decreasing the life of your dryer. It’s essentially working double-time!

A dryer that is overworked will add considerable wear and tear to your machine. This could lead to malfunctions and needed repairs.

#4 Mold

The purpose of the dryer vent is to release moisture and hot air outside. The moisture can sometimes create wet spots inside the tube. Built-up lint can get caught in these wet spots and create mold.

This wet lint can also stick to the inside of the vent’s tube making dryer vent cleaning more difficult.

#5 Less Maintenance

Like any other appliance, your dryer will last longer and work better if it’s properly cared for. Cleaning the vent regularly will help ensure that your clothes are being dried in a timely manner and you aren’t wasting unnecessary energy. Extended drying times can even cause strain on your fabrics.

A dryer that continues to run with a clogged vent can cause internal problems that require repairs.