There are many reasons (listed below) to have your clothes dryer vent cleaned, but perhaps the main one is to avoid house fires. These dryer vent fires cause an estimated $238 million in property damage yearly. Such a fire could happen in your home! Read on to learn if your dryer vent is clogged, and seven reasons to have your dryver vent cleaned by a professional, such as Details & Dixons.
Even if you regularly clean the dryer lint filter, lint, dust and debris build up in your dryer vents. Clogged vents cause the dryer to overheat, which can cause a fire to start within the dryer or vent and quickly spread to your home.
Dryer vents should be professionally cleaned at least every year—more frequently if you have a large household, pets or use your dryer often.
How to tell your dryer vent needs cleaning
Dryer vents clog slowly over time. But there are telltale signs that obstruction is happening. As the air flow is restricted, the drying cycle becomes longer or may not sufficiently dry the clothes. Another sign could be that at the end of the drying cycle, the clothes are hot to the touch.
In some cases, clogged vents could result in a burning smell when you open the dryer door. Another sign of a clogged vent is excessive lint on the clothes after drying, or on the rim of the dryer door.
Another hint is the calendar itself: If the vent has not been inspected in a year, it’s time to have it cleaned.
Seven reasons to have your dryer vent cleaned
Here are seven compelling reasons to have your dryer vent cleaned:
To avoid a house fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 3,000 dryers catch fire each year. About one-third of these fires are caused by failing to clean clogged dryer vents.
To save energy. Homeowners who clean their dryer vent periodically can save up to 30% on their energy bills because clothes dry faster.
To lower appliance repair (or replacement) costs. Clogged dryer vents can lead to overheating (damage to the coil of electric dryers) and dryer motor excessive wear. Both require costly repairs.
To lengthen the life of your clothes. Poor dryer performance either under-dries or over-dries clothing, causing fabrics to shrink or tear. Poor dryer performance shortens the life of your clothes and increases replacement costs.
To keep indoor air safe. Clogged dryer ducts can become a home to bacteria, pollen, dust mites, pests, chemical residue and allergens. By not cleaning ducts, the dryer venting air mixes with these pollutants and pushes them back into the air inside the home.
To reduce dust in the home. Clogged dryer vents force dust and lint from drying clothes back into the household, landing on windows and curtains, mattresses and furniture. Excessive dust and lint require more frequent cleaning and also slowly degrades furniture fabrics and upholstery.
To reduce indoor air humidity. Clogged dryer vents force humid air (as the clothes dry) back into the home, condensing on cold surfaces like kitchen counters and window panes. Overly moist air attracts mold, which can cause lung infections and diseases.
These reasons affect the health and safety of you and your family, giving good cause to make sure your dryer vents are cleaned regularly!
Selecting a qualified dryer vent cleaning company
Details & Dixon’s sets the standard for dryer vent cleaners. You should expect:
- Pricing and scheduling over the phone, without an in-home sales visit.
- Professionally trained vent cleaners who bring state-of-the-art equipment.
- Satisfaction guarantees, promising to show up on time and ensure your complete satisfaction.
Companies that offer multiple services, like house cleaning, carpet cleaning, window cleaning and gutter cleaning are your preferred partners in home maintenance. This consolidated approach simplifies maintenance, allows the company to take a personal interest in the overall well-being of your home, and enables you to become a priority customer. Many “one call does it all” companies also offer multiple-service discounts.
Look for third-party endorsements for house cleaning companies from Angi, Better Business Bureau and Home Advisor.
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