Why Should I Have My Dryer Vent Cleaned?

One of the biggest hidden dangers in your home is a dirty dryer vent. Over time, lint deposits build up in the vent. Because of the high temperatures necessary to dry your clothes, if those deposits aren’t removed, you run the risk of fire. If you have a gas dryer, a dirty vent can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide, which is also a health hazard.

When you have a clean vent, your dryer is able to push air through the pipes and remove the humidity in the clothes. The faster that air moves through the system, the quicker your clothes dry and the less energy you use.

So how do you know when it’s time to get your vent cleaned? First, when was the last time you had your dryer vent cleaned, if ever? Another indicator is the length of time it takes to suitably dry your clothes. If you notice loads that once took 30 minutes are now taking substantially longer, you may be in need of a cleaning. Another factor is the length of your dryer vent. Short vents have fewer spots for deposits to collect. In a long vent, the possibility of build-up is increased.

We recommend having your vent cleaned at least every 18-24 months, but you know your family’s laundry needs best. Consider how often you run your dryer. An empty nester may run the dryer just once a week; a family of five is more likely to cycle through several loads of laundry in the course of seven days.

Questions about dryer vent cleaning? Give us a call today.