You’ve become an expert at maintaining your yard, your roof, landscaping, and all things that make your house the envy of the neighborhood. But when was the last time you checked your dryer vent? Did you know that over 2900 dryer fires occur in the United States each year? The vast majority of these fires are caused to the dryer vent having become too clogged with lint from clothes and linens over time. This lint can severely restrict, or worse, completely block the dryer vents.
Clogged Dryer Vent Dangers
Clogged dryer vents create several dangers for your home. Those dangers include:
- Clothes Dryer Fires
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Inefficient Dryer Operation
- Shortened Dryer Lifespan
Dangers of Clogged Dryer Vents
All dryers contain heating elements that can catch fire, and clogged dryer vents are the leading cause of dryer fires. Clogged vents prevent hot air from escaping the dyer, and when that hot air builds up, the heating elements work harder to compensate. This over-compensation may cause the heating element to explode and burst into flames.
If you have a gas dryer, carbon monoxide escapes through the dryer vent. When the vent is clogged, this dangerous, and lethal, gas cannot escape, but rather builds up within your home putting you and your family at risk of sickness and possibly death.
At the very least, a clogged dryer vent prevents your dryer from operating properly and efficiently. Each load of laundry will take longer to dry, which in the long run will cost your money in electricity
Cleaning Dryer Vents
The best way to keep your home safe from the dangers of a clogged dryer vent is to regularly empty the lint trap in your dryer between each load. Never operate the dryer without the lint trap in place or if the lint trap is full. If the lint trap is full, the only place for lint to go is into the dryer vent. It is also highly recommended that you have your dryer vent professionally cleaned at least once a year to prevent any of the dangers mentioned above.
Professional Dryer Cleaning Services by Austin Breeze
Austin Breeze has been cleaning dryer vents and protecting homes in and around Austin, Texas for years. We’re the dryer cleaning professionals home owners and commercial businesses trust the most. Contact us today to schedule your dryer vent cleaning.