Most of us enjoy having a clean, fresh home, but there are some maintenance tasks that are hidden from view and can be easily forgotten. One such task is cleaning your dryer vents. You may be wondering why dryer vents are cleaned, but clogged dryer vents are one of the main causes of house fires in Canada. In this article, we’ll delve into this topic so you can understand why this is important for your home’s comfort and safety.
Warning Signs
One of the reasons why dryer vent cleaning is important is that lint and other debris can accumulate, compromising airflow and leading to several issues. Fortunately, these issues don’t tend to present themselves with no warnings, and there are several warning signs of a potentially dangerous problem, including:
Fire Hazard
Reducing the risk of a fire is the leading answer to the question, “Why do dryer vent cleaning?” Lint and other debris can accumulate inside the vents. This material is extremely flammable and, with the heat generated by the dryer, creates the potential to spark a house fire. Since many people allow their dryers to operate when they are out of the home or relaxing in another room, a fire could quickly take hold, which could devastate your home and family.
Carbon Monoxide
Clogged dryer vents also impede airflow, which can put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. There are several gasses produced inside the home and these need to be able to vent safely outdoors. When the vents are clogged with lint and debris, there is a possibility of fumes backing up into the home.
Mould
The damp conditions around a dryer create an ideal environment for mould to develop. Dryers are designed with vents to allow the damp air to escape the home, but when the vents are clogged, this moisture can linger, allowing musty smells and unpleasant mould to take hold. Mold spores can be very damaging to health, particularly if you have family members with underlying respiratory conditions.
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How Do You Know That The Vent is Getting Clogged?
While there are several dangers, there are signs that you can take note of to assess whether your vents are getting clogged. This will help you to determine how often to clean ducts in your home. Some indicators that an issue is developing include:
Longer Drying Time
If it takes more than one cycle to dry your clothing and other items, the performance and efficiency of your dryer could have been compromised by clogged vents. When there is lint build-up, the airflow is reduced, which forces your dryer to work harder for longer to achieve the desired results. This means that not only are drying times longer, but you could see higher utility bills.
Excessive Heat
If your dryer feels hot to the touch when it is operating, it could indicate a dryer vent issue. In this scenario, hot air is trapped and unable to escape through the ductwork. Excessive heat is not only potentially damaging to your appliance, but it is a safety hazard and could trigger a fire in your laundry area.
Dryer Problems
Many modern dryer models have safety features that stop the machine mid-cycle if the sensors detect an issue. Your dryer may switch off, or you may see an error code, but in either situation, you will need the help of a service professional to resolve the issue.
Damp Clothes or Moldy Smell
There is nothing nicer than pulling a load of dry, sweet-smelling clothing from the dryer, so it can be very unpleasant when your items still feel damp and have a musty or mouldy odour. This can be a sign that the dryer does not have proper airflow and it is preventing proper drying.
Lint Behind Dryer
The vent system on your dryer is designed to carry damp air and any lint particles outside. If you see lint lingering behind your dryer or in other areas of your laundry room, it is a warning sign of a problem. When the vent is clogged, the lint will find another place to accumulate, so you need to address the underlying issue.
Excess Lint on Clothing
This follows on from the previous point, but you may also see lint stuck to your clothing and other items when you pull them from the dryer. This is due to the lint being unable to escape through the vent, so it may cling to your laundry.
How to Keep Your Dryer Vent Clean
While it is recommended to find professional dryer vent cleaning in Richmond Hill approximately every 12 months, there are a few things that you can do to keep your dryer vent cleaner. This can reduce the need for more frequent professional cleaning and improve your home’s comfort and safety. Some tips include:
- Use Liquid Fabric Softener: While it can be tempting to simply use a dryer sheet with each load, this can increase the fibres that are floating around in your dryer. Fortunately, you don’t need to compromise on the softness of your laundry, as you can switch to using a liquid fabric softener with each wash.
- Install a Solid Vent Pipe: Most dryers are supplied with a white plastic vent pipe, which is very flexible. Although this can be an inexpensive option, it does increase the chances of lint accumulating in the various crevices. Additionally, this material is prone to cracking and breaking. Consider replacing the flexible pipe with a solid vent pipe for longevity and better performance.
- Allow the Dryer to Cool: If you have lots of laundry to do on any given day, don’t be tempted to run your dryer constantly. Allow the dryer at least 15 minutes to cool down between each load.
- Position the Dryer Close to an External Wall: Finally, reduce the length of the pipe by positioning the dryer closer to the external wall for easier venting.