Laundry is a routine chore for a lot of us. Love it or hate it, but with those piling clothes, you just have to do it. You’re probably using your dryer several times a week, but when was the last time you gave your vent a look?
A dryer vent clog is a lot more common than we’d like to admit, and it can be a safety hazard if not addressed immediately. Here are some telltale signs you’re dealing with a clogged dryer vent.
Longer Drying Times
Have you been noticing that your dryer has been taking longer than usual to dry your laundry? We hate to break it to you, but that’s one of the major signs of a clogged vent. When the warm, moist air is unable to escape, it can take your dryer longer to carry out its job.
Burning Smells
If you’re not making some barbecue and still seem to have a lingering burning smell when the dryer’s on, chances are, you have a clogged vent. Lint, when it accumulates inside your vent, is highly flammable. If you’re in such an unfortunate situation, immediately turn off your machine and call up a professional.
Hot Clothes
Yes, your clothes are warm when they come out of the dryer, but when they’re feeling a little extra hot, you may want to have a look at your vent. If touching your clothes feels like touching a hot pan, this means your vent isn’t adequately allowing hot air to escape.
Lint
Are you seeing some lint and debris around your dryer hose or even the vent flap? Once the lint’s visible, there’s a high chance that your vent cleaning is long overdue.
A Cleaning Hasn’t Been Scheduled in a Long Time
Your dryer is something you’re using way too many times to be able to count on your fingers. This is why, for any average household, scheduling a maintenance service once a year is highly recommended.
If it’s been over a year since your vents have been cleaned — or worse if you’ve never had them cleaned, you need to now.
Why Ignoring a Clogged Dryer Vent is Dangerous
Life is busy. We get it. But ignoring the signs of a clogged dryer vent could be a grave mistake. Here’s why:
1. Fire Hazard
One of the most obvious reasons to take a clogger vent more seriously is a potential fire that could erupt. Dryer fires are a lot more common than you’d think. In fact, according to the US Fire Administration, every year, thousands of fires start from your very own laundry room.
2. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If you’ve got a gas dryer, another thing you need to worry about is carbon monoxide poisoning. This harmful gas tends to build up due to a clogged vent and can be deadly at high levels. By scheduling a regular cleaning service, you can ensure your home is disposed of this deadly gas.
3. Hefty Energy Bills
With inflation and living costs taking a toll on everyone, the last thing you need is another hefty energy bill. If you have a dryer vent clog, your dryer has to work significantly harder at its job, causing higher energy consumption. And not to forget, your dryer is heating up, causing it to break down a lot more frequently.
Also Read: Clogged Dryer Vent? Here’s How to Identify the Problem
Can You Clean Your Vents On Your Own?
While you probably could DIY it, that doesn’t mean you should. Cleaning out your vent may seem like a straightforward process, but it’s actually not. It’s a tricky job and without the right tools and expertise, you could damage your dryer.
Take it from us, do yourself a favor, and hire a professional to do the job for you.
Keep the Fluff Out with the Professionals!
Maintaining your vent and preventing a dryer vent clog isn’t just about efficiency, but also the safety and wellbeing of you and your loved ones. The last thing you want is for a fire, especially when preventing it is so simple.
If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs above, it’s high time you take action. Give Delta Clean Air a call to schedule a cleaning today. A clean vent means a safe and happy home.
