A New Year’s Resolution – Year of the Lint
3…2…1, we finally crossed into 2024…It’s time for a dryer exhaust cleaning! Do you have a New Year’s resolution? Many of our New Year’s resolutions are to have cleaner homes. This means cleaning inside the home, outside and everything in between! We usually think to dust, mop or start on some long overdue project (like a closet, drawer or even piles of paper that end up on tables and floors). But, there’s essential cleaning to be done between the four walls! Have you kept track of all the fluffy sweaters and blankets you’ve washed this winter? The lint from the extra fluffy clothes gets caught up in the dryer vent, posing a dangerous fire hazard to your home. It’s not every day that homeowners think of the clothes dryer to clean. That’s because there’s a lint trap and we believe we’re doing all we can to keep it working properly. Not so fast. Let’s take a closer look.
Why is dryer exhaust cleaning necessary?
- When you run your dryer, lint and debris accumulate in the exhaust system, specifically the vent and ductwork. Over time, this buildup restricts airflow, making your dryer work harder to dry clothes. As hot air is pushed through your dryer, lint is also pushed through and into the air, which might affect the air quality into your home. Lint is made of microfibers and can potentially harm you if regularly inhaled.
- A possible harmful product of drying is carbon monoxide, the well-known poisonous gas. This is made with gas burning dryers. When the dryer vent doesn’t have good outflow, fumes may get caught in the air.
- You might notice longer drying times and higher energy bills. Regular dryer exhaust cleaning results in less damage to clothing. The less your clothes are exposed to heat, the less damaged they become.
- The accumulation of lint poses a fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryers accounted for 92% of reported washing machine and dryer fires. Regular dryer exhaust cleaning is the key to preventing these potential disasters.
How often should dryer exhaust cleaning be done?
As a general rule, it is recommended to clean the dryer exhaust at least once a year. If you notice any signs of restricted airflow, overheating dryer, or longer drying times, it is important to clean the dryer exhaust as soon as possible.
Cleaning the Dryer Exhaust: Hiring a Professional
We don’t recommend you clean the dryer exhaust yourself, as it’s a difficult process and takes a trained professional to complete properly and thoroughly. On the internet, you can find many do it yourself articles with steps to “easily” clean the dryer vent. Though it’s possible, it really takes a trained professional to clean the dryer vent. Professionals have the expertise, specialized tools and equipment necessary to clean the vent system that produce the best and safest results.
Schedule A Dryer Exhaust Cleaning It hasn’t yet really snowed in the Chicagoland area, so it’s not too late to clean your dryer vent. Once it’s too cold, it becomes harder to clean. Top off your New Year’s resolution to keep a clean home by cleaning between the walls! Schedule a professional dryer exhaust cleaning today with Superior Chimney by calling 877-244-6349.
This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net
