Reasons Why Dryer Vent Cleaning Is Important
Dryer Vent Tips
As your clothes dryer produces heat to dry your laundry, a by-product of that process is the production of lint. As laundry tumbles and heats in the dryer, fibers from the fabric shed off. Your dryer’s lint filter will collect a large amount of these fibers but some of them make it through the filter and accumulate on the dryer vent walls and exhaust register.
If your dryer vent has bends or turns in it, the lint will accumulate in these areas at a higher rate. As the lint builds up, it begins to restrict the hot air exhaust from your dryer. Dryer vent clogs can also occur from the nests of small birds or insect nests. Restricted air flow in your dryer vent can result in longer run times for your dryer and it could even result in damp clothes after the dryer runs a full cycle.
A clogged dryer vent could also result in a fire. Lint is a combustible material. As the exhaust vent is restricted, the temperature of the exhaust air rises. This higher temperature can set the lint on fire in the dryer vent. From 2008-2010 the US Fire Administration states a reported 2, 900 clothes dryer fires that resulted in 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss (FEMA, 2012).
You should have your dryer vent cleaned every 12 months or more frequently if your dryer vent is exceptionally long, has multiple bends or 90 degree elbows or if you notice high accumulation on your outdoor vent register. The good news is that having your dryer vent professionally cleaned will not break the bank. Empire Heating & Air Conditioning will complete a thorough dryer vent cleaning at an affordable cost.
Give us a call today at 404-294-0900 to schedule to your professional dryer vent cleaning.