Dryer Vent Cleaning

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Multi-unit dryer vent cleaning.

We wash and dry our clothes on a regular basis, but do we stop and think about the dryer vents? Most of us keep the lint trap inside our dryer clean, unaware that there is another fire risk that is not so easy to check. About 80% of structural fires are caused by dirty or clogged dryer vents. Your vents should be cleaned at least once a year by a professional.

Warning signs that your dryer vents need to be cleaned are:

• Clothes are taking much longer than normal to dry. It will often take two or three cycles to dry them.

• Clothes have a strange, burning smell to them. This could be a sign that your dryer vent isn’t properly able to ventilate the warm air out of the appliance.

•The laundry room feels excessively hot when the dryer is running. Again, this could be a result of a clogged vent that isn’t letting hot air escape.

Problems caused by a clogged dryer vent:

• Fires. The lint from your clothes can build up inside the dryer vent. This material is highly flammable and can cause a fire.

• Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. When the dryer vent is clogged, dangerous CO gases aren’t able to escape. Instead, they build up inside the vent and may seep out into the laundry room and into other areas of the home.

• Wear and tear on the dryer. When it takes two or three cycles to get your clothes dried, this puts a lot of strain on your dryer. It can lead to excessive wear and tear on the unit.

• Skyrocketing utility bills. A dryer that is running more often than it should to dry clothes will use a lot of energy. This will be reflected on your monthly utility bills.

If your dryer ever starts smoking, turn it off. Do not open the dryer door. Call 911.

To help prevent any dryer vent problems, call SERVPRO of Blackwood/Gloucester Township every year to have them cleaned. (856)227-7800