What Happens If You Forget to Clean Your Dryer Vents?

Having clean dryer vents will help your dryer dry faster, and will also help you save money. Having dirty vents can also put you at risk for fire, carbon monoxide, and other problems.

Signs that it’s time to clean

Regularly cleaning dryer vents can save you money on energy bills, protect your home and family, and keep your clothes looking great. If you’re not sure whether or not your vent is clean, there are some signs that it’s time for a professional to clean your dryer vent.

One of the biggest warning signs that your dryer is in need of a professional cleaning is the burning smell. When lint builds up in your vents, it can cause small pieces to ignite and start a fire. If you notice the burning smell, shut off the power immediately.

Another big warning sign is the length of time it takes your clothes to dry. If your clothes take more than thirty to forty minutes to dry, then it’s time for a dryer vent cleaning.

Prevent a fire

Whether you have a new dryer or are looking to improve the performance of your old model, taking care of dryer vents can help prevent a fire. A dryer creates a lot of heat, and even a small spark can ignite the lint inside.

The lint trap inside the dryer should be cleaned every time you use the appliance. Also, the area around the dryer should be cleared of any flammable materials. Items such as rubber and plastic should not be used in the dryer.

Using a non-flammable cleaner to clean the ducts is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. You should also be careful to not overload your dryer. If you have too much clothes, you may overheat the machine, which can then lead to a dryer fire.

Reduce drying time

Keeping your dryer vent clean is one of the most important things you can do to help reduce drying time. A clogged dryer vent increases wear and tear, reduces the lifespan of your dryer, and causes an increased energy bill.

Cleaning the vent is a quick, inexpensive, and effective way to reduce the amount of energy you use in your home. Lint accumulation can reduce the life of your dryer by more than 50%. Moreover, lint can be flammable, which makes it a serious fire hazard.

The lint filter in your dryer should be cleaned every time you change the clothes. A lint trap is designed to catch lint before it reaches the vent. When you do not clean the lint filter, it may clog and prevent your dryer from operating properly.

Prevent carbon monoxide from exiting the vent

Having a good system to prevent carbon monoxide from exiting the dryer vent is very important. The gas can be very harmful and can be lethal in high concentrations.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is produced by incomplete burning of fuels such as wood, charcoal or oil. It is found in various outdoor and indoor appliances such as fireplaces, space heaters, lawn mowers, portable generators, gas furnaces and grills.

The CDC estimates that 400 Americans die from unintentional CO exposure each year. The OSHA has established a permissible exposure limit of 50 parts per million of air or 50 milligrams of CO per cubic meter of air.

Many people mistakenly think that they are suffering from the flu when they experience symptoms of CO poisoning. However, if you are experiencing breathing difficulties or you have a headache, it is a good idea to check your ventilation.

Save money

Keeping your dryer clean and unclogged can save you money in the long run. It also means your family will breathe cleaner air. It is no secret that dirty air can make you cough, get watery eyes, and even cause allergies. You will want to take all the necessary steps to avoid these unpleasant side effects.

There are many products and services out there to do the cleaning for you. For example, Service Legends offers Home Comfort Heroes. Their HomeMembership programs include a full suite of home maintenance and home improvement solutions. These services are available to you at your convenience and without the hassle of making appointments.

A properly cleaned dryer vent can also save you money on your electricity bill. A clogged vent can eat up an extra dollar or two per month. That is a real cost savings, if you can figure out where it is coming from.