The clothes dryer is one large home appliance that many homeowners overlook as low-maintenance. In reality, it should be maintained properly or it can become quite dangerous. Too many homeowners overlook common signs that indicate an issue with the dryer vent. Problems with the clothes dryer can waste resources and money, while putting your family at risk.
Common Signs Your Dryer Vents Need Attention
- Your dryer takes more than one cycle to dry a load of laundry. Industry professionals say that if a dryer requires more than one cycle to dry a moderately-sized load of laundry, and is less than three years old, you have a dangerous dryer vent clog. This also shortens the life of your clothes dryer and costs you in utilities! You may think the load is too big or the clothes are too heavy. However, if this is a common occurrence you should call a professional right away.
- Your dryer is hot to the touch and heats up your room or house. Your dryer vent should vent excess heat, lint, and air from the dryer. If it heats up your home or laundry room, the dryer vent is not working properly. You most likely have a clog or other malfunction.
- While your dryer runs, surfaces of appliances and laundry room are humid. Your dryer vent should vent water vapors with the lint, heat, and air. If there is moisture being released into your home, the dryer vent is most likely damaged. Any hole in the hose can disrupt the airflow and result in a clog.
Dirty Dryer Vents are Dangerous
According to the United States Fire Administration there are about 2900 clothes dryer fires each year. This fires resulted in 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. The number one cause of clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them. This does not mean merely cleaning the lint trap. Even if you empty the lint trap after every use, flammable lint is still in the dryer vent. This builds up more and more over time.
Call a Professional
If you have noticed signs that your clothes dryer isn’t working as well as it used to? You should call a professional to assess it. Assuming the dryer is worn out may prompt you to call a repairman or manufacturer. However, they will not check or clean your dryer vent. Having your dryer vents professionally cleaned is as important as having your dryer and vents professionally installed. The store employee who delivers your appliance will not install the dryer vent to industry, manufacturer, or municipal safety codes.
Only a CSIA Certified Exhaust Technician® knows the proper material, diameter, length, and location to use for a safe and efficient dryer vent. A professional technician also uses specialized tools. They are used to clean the vents that will not damage them and result in further issues. When you risk a DIY job or hire an amateur to clean or install your dryer vents, you are putting your family and property at risk.
West Texas Chimney and Venting Solutions has dryer exhaust technicians on staff who can assess and clean your dryer vent. If you’re concerned your dryer vent wasn’t installed correctly, has a clog, a leak, or would just like to schedule your annual cleaning, call (806) 358-0817 today or schedule an appointment online.
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