Dryer Vent Cleaning and Dryer Exhaust Maintenance

Over 15,000 clothes dryer fires are reported annually, with failure to properly maintain the dryer duct and vent system as being the number one cause.   Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended each year to prevent dryer fires and to keep your dryer working efficiently.

Your dryer duct system removes heat, moisture and lint from your home.  Much of the lint that manages to escape the lint screen gets stuck somewhere in the dryer duct.  As lint builds up, air-flow is restricted and your dryer is unable to perform its job efficiently.   As the dryer labors to dry your clothes, it consumes more energy.  Poorly maintained dryer vent systems can result in spending an additional $18 - 24 per month not to mention repair bills when the appliance breaks down.

When your dryer vent system becomes clogged with lint causing it to overheat it becomes a serious fire hazard.  Dryer lint is highly combustible, making a perfect fuel for a rapidly spreading fire.

Another cause of dryer fires is drying rags soaked with flammable chemicals.  These should be line dried, even if they have been washed, as residue can remain.  The heat from the dryer can cause the materials to ignite inside your dryer.

Here are some dryer maintenance tips:

• Clean the lint screen after every load to maintain air flow needed by your clothes dryer to work more efficiently, saving you money on utility bills and preventing a fire.

• Wash the lint screen periodically to remove residue build-up caused by dryer sheets.

• Do not place rags soaked in flammable substances in your dryer; these should be line dried.

• Do not store flammable chemicals near the dryer.

• Do not go to sleep or leave the home when the dryer is running

• Have a qualified dryer exhaust specialist clean your dryer vent system at least once a year, more often if you have a large family and are doing over 8 loads of laundry per week.

Following these tips will ensure your clothes dryer is working more efficiently reduce your energy costs and help to prevent a fire.  Proper appliance maintenance will also increase the life of your appliance and reduce the need for repairs. 

Steve Gors is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent cleaning and dryer exhaust specialist who performs professional dryer vent and exhaust inspections and repairs to ensure your dryer is performing efficiently.  Dryer vent cleaning and regular dryer exhaust maintenance prevents fires and helps to save money on energy cost.  Read Steve's blog for more articles and tips http://dryerventcleaningcorona.blogspot.com/