What's Hiding Inside Your Dryer Vent? Find Out And Protect Yourself

Most people don't know that there are health risks that can be caused by a dirty dryer vent. As long as the dryer is running, it's usually not a problem, but what about those times when you need to clean a clog out of the machine? In addition to being dangerous for those who operate a dryer regularly, the lint trap on dryers can start clogging up over time, restricting airflow and increasing energy consumption. The following information about residential dryer vent cleaning will help you prevent these problems in your home:

Safety First

Is your dryer vent protected from fire? Do you know what is inside of it? You may not realize the importance of a dryer vent, but it is actually very important to your safety. Toxic chemicals, lint, and even insects can find their way into your dryer vent and build nests that could start a fire. If your dryer duct is damaged or clogged, heat can't escape properly, which will cause the appliance to overheat. This can result in a fire. If your dryer vent is not cleaned by a professional company, often you are taking unnecessary risks when using your machine.

Inspectors can check for damages such as mold, holes, or cracks and ensure that the exhaust pipe is functioning properly. They will check to see if there are any blockages in the pipes and remove any excess lint or debris from them if necessary. It's best to have an inspection every one to two years as needed.

Major Problems With Dryer Vents That Develop Over Time

If you're curious about what's hiding inside your dryer vent, here are some of the most common problems with dirty dryer vents:

• Fire hazard—when lint builds up in a dryer vent, it can cause fires because of the build-up of heat around the lint. Lint fires are responsible for thousands of dollars in damage every year.
• Clogs—dryer lint clogs vents which can result in overheated rooms, high utility bills, and even carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Loss of efficiency—lint traps prevent the air from flowing freely through the venting system, which means more energy is required for each load of laundry that you run.
• Mold and mildew—The presence of moisture is conducive to mold and mildew growth in your dryer vent. Even worse, if you don't catch this problem early on and let it fester for a while, it might even spread into your home itself.

There are other problems that you might have to deal with due to a dirty dryer vent, such as damage to the dryer.

Considerations for Having Your Dryer Vents Cleaned

Cleaning dryer vents is a task you might not have considered. If you're noticing that your clothes take longer to dry or you see lint in your vent, it could be time to clean them. Trying to clean your own dryer vents can actually make matters worse. Lint can block the vent, making it harder for heat to escape and drying cycles to complete. 

Vent cleaning is a process. Regular checks of your vent and money spent every few years will ensure that you have adequate airflow through your dryer and can protect yourself from the dangers of a clog. Contact a dryer vent cleaning service to get help ensuring your home is safe.