Is It Really Important to Clean the Dryer Vent?
On many of our social media platforms, we get messages sent to us asking if it is really important to clean the dryer vent. Because there are some people who fail to pull out the lint catcher to clean it, we always clarify and ask, “Do you clean your lint catcher?” If the answer is yes, then we can have the conversation about the importance of cleaning the dryer vent.
Here’s a quick Question & Answer on Dryer Vent Cleaning.
Q: How often should I get the dryer vent cleaned?
A: It is recommended that the dryer vent gets cleaned at least once per year. More frequent if you have a large family and the dryer is used frequently.
Q: How do I know if I need a dryer vent inspection?
A: There are many ‘signs’ to watch for. Let’s go through a few.
Longer Drying Times: if you notice that it’s taking a long time for the clothes to dry, it could be a ‘sign’ that the vent is clogged.
Overheating Dryer: if you place your hand on top of your dryer and it is too hot to even touch, then you know there is restricted airflow. It must be cleaned immediately to be sure it doesn’t turn into a fire.
Burning Smell: if you smell something burning when the dryer is on, this again would mean that there is lint built up in the venting system. It must be cleaned right away to be sure it doesn’t catch fire.
Energy Bills: sometimes these signs just don’t show up. But you noticed that your energy bills have increased. One big culprit is the clothes dryer because it is being forced to work harder than normal.
Lint Buildup: you may or may not see the lint buildup due to where it is installed. If you notice that lint is building up outside of the vent opening, it is time to get the exhaust vent cleaned out.
Q: Why should I clean the dryer vent?
A: As you can tell from a couple of the answers, one very important reason is to prevent a fire from occurring. In addition, it is to speed up the drying process which leads to saving on energy.
Q: What is included in the dryer vent cleaning?
A: Superior Chimney technicians will be conducting a complete assessment of the venting system ensuring there are no blockages and damage. The technician will begin to remove the linkage with our specialized tools that remove any of the lint as well as other debris. Most important is to test the airflow. We want to be sure the exhaust can freely flow through the venting system for proper removal of carbon monoxide. And finally, we’ll always ensure our work is done properly and is safe for you to use again.
As you can tell, it is important to clean the dryer vent once per year to keep your home in great working order. Contact us today at 877-244-6349 to schedule your appointment. Don’t wait for the winter sweaters to build up lint again in your dryer vent.
This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net
