A Home Inspection will often mention your dryer vent is plugged, obstructed or dirty. Keeping your dryer vents clean is important for a number of reasons which include not only energy savings but safety. A dryer works by pushing out hot, moist air so your clothes can dry. If your dryer vent to the outside becomes blocked by lint, the air will not be able to expel moisture like it was designed to do.
Here are 5 reasons why it’s important to keep your dryer vent clean and free from clogs and lint.
1. Safety
Dryers run hot and lint is highly flammable, which makes for a dangerous combination.
Clothes dryers are responsible for more than 15,000 structure fires each year and 80% of those are due to clogged dryer vents. 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 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 Life for Your Dryer
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. Allowing your dryer to run this way can also cause a complete breakdown of your machine over time.
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 or machine, 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. This means more money for you.
Your dryer vent should be cleaned once a year.
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