If You Can’t Remember, it’s been too long
Out of sight, out of mind is an age old saying that gets load’s of us into trouble. We are often going about our busy lives rushing from one moment to the next. We rarely consider the details of the meetings that were struggled through this morning, let alone when the last time the dryer vent was cleaned. Unfortunately, when we are busy living, sometimes accidents happen. According to the US Fire Administration 2,900 fires a year can be attributed to clothes dryer fires. Failure to clean the dryer vents is the leading cause of those fires, at 34%.
There are a number of reasons it is important to keep the dryer vent clean. From preventing a fire, to saving money on energy efficiency, there’s really no reason not to clean the vent. This vent is the exhaust to the clothes dryer, it dispels hot air and moisture allowing clothing to dry. If you notice that your clothes are taking longer than normal to dry, it could mean that your vent is full of lint and should be the first place you check.
Clumps of lint, ankle socks and thread can all cause blockages in the dryer. If the vent gets blocked, the dryer will stop working properly. The more that blocks the vents, the less efficient a clothes dryer becomes. It is important to clean this out and make sure that various items are not trapped behind the vent screen, but each dryer is different. If you are comfortable cleaning your dryer vent yourself, refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do so.
Regularly cleaning your dryer vents should be a part of everyone’s home maintenance. Not only does it prevent a fire, but it also is important for the life of every appliance. Buildup of lint is hard on the dryer itself, and can cause it to malfunction or even rust if not properly maintained. Now that the seasons are changing, it is a good time to check out your appliances and ensure they are working properly. You do not want to be stuck with a broken-down dryer in the middle of winter, which is statistically when clothes dryer fires are most likely to happen.
Lint is extremely flammable, one of the best fire starters around. A great tool that can save your life in the woods, but a scary thing to have lying around the home. If you can’t remember the last time you had your dryer vent cleaned, it has been too long. Good news is that Priority Heating and Cooling can take a look at the ventilation in your home for you. If you are ever in need of an inspection, or work, give us a call!
