Many factors contribute to the prevalence of winter house fires. But less than 10% of them occur during these colder months. However, they account for billions in property damage every year. Are you aware of what can trigger a fire in your dryer exhaust vents?
Christmas lights, heaters, and candles are some of the more obvious causes. But there’s another household item you should keep in mind.
There are almost 3000 dryer fires each year. Most occur due to a build-up of lint in filters and dryer vents.
How often should dryer exhaust vents be cleaned? Read this article to find out. It will also provide the answer: How do I know if my dryer vent needs cleaning? You’ll also learn how long a cleaning lasts.
How Often Should Dryer Exhaust Vents Be Cleaned?
Almost all appliances need cleaning regularly. This prevents the build-up of dirt and debris. Your dryer is no exception.
There may be visible signs of dust on your dryer’s exterior. But it’s the lint on the inside that’s a more significant concern.
Most types of fabrics generate lint which is then emitted during a drying cycle. These emissions can cause a build-up in your lint trap and its casing. It’s recommended that you clean both every time you use your dryer.
However, it’s usually challenging to remove all the lint thoroughly. Having your dryer cleaned by a professional at least once a year can eliminate most of it. If you use your dryer frequently, increase cleanings to every six months.
Wondering what happens if you don’t clean dryer vents? The lint that builds up can get caught in the exhaust duct or heating element and ignite a fire.
How Do I Know if My Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning?
You might be uncertain if your dryer vent needs cleaning. Dirty vents have a few distinct telltale signs. Here are a few of them:
- You don’t clean your vent regularly
- You haven’t had a professional clean your dryer vent
- Your clothes are starting to take longer to dry
- There’s evidence of lint outside your vent opening
- It smells like something is burning when you turn on your dryer
- Your dryer’s exterior is hot when in use
These can indicate that it’s time to clean your dryer vents.
How Long Does Dryer Vent Cleaning Last?
Dryer vent cleaning done by a professional should last at least one year. There’s even a possibility it can last for as long as three years.
However, the frequency of cleanings will depend on the number of loads you do every week. The type of detergent you use may also be a factor.
The configuration of your dryer vent system may warrant more frequent cleaning. Its position, length, and several bends all affect how much lint builds up.
Protecting Your Home Throughout Every Season
How often should dryer exhaust vents be cleaned? Now you know. You should also know the signs of a dirty vent and how long a cleaning lasts. Most importantly, you’re aware of what can happen if you don’t clean your dryer vents regularly.
The last thing you’ll want is to lose your home due to a fire. This is preventable with yearly professional dryer vent cleaning.
Lintless Dryer Vent Cleaning can provide this for you. We also do HVAC cleaning. Contact us for a FREE estimate today!