Keep Your Home Safer With Annual Dryer Vent Cleanings

The dryer vent is an integral part of any household that uses a clothes dryer. It is responsible for transporting the hot, moist air created during the drying cycle to the outside where it cannot cause damage or illness inside the home. Without it, you would have temperatures reaching extreme levels inside your laundry room, which could trigger a fire. A clean and well-maintained dryer vent also helps to reduce energy costs associated with running a dryer by allowing the machine to run more efficiently.

That’s why we encourage Montgomery County homeowners to trust us to perform a thorough dryer vent cleaning every single year.

What Happens if I Don’t Clean My Dryer Vent?

Neglecting to clean your dryer vent can have serious and potentially hazardous consequences. Not only will the efficiency of your dryer decrease, but all that lint and dust buildup strongly increases the possibility of a fire occurring in your home. How? Well, dust and dirt can not only get inside the machine itself, but the buildup of particles inside the exhaust can restrict airflow and cause things to overheat. And, since lint is extremely flammable, this is not good.

Regular cleaning helps to prevent these unnecessary fires, and it keeps your dryer running smoother for longer too.

Are There Signs That a Dryer Might Be Clogged?

If you’re noticing that your clothes are taking longer than usual to dry, or if it seems like hot air isn’t actually making it into the drum, then your dryer might be clogged. A buildup of lint, dirt, and debris can reduce the efficiency of your dryer and put extra strain on its system. 

Paying attention to how long your drying cycle is taking compared to normal and evaluating how it feels when you open the door (like, if your clothes seem exceptionally hot) can help identify clogs. A visual inspection of where air exits from the machine should be done periodically to ensure blockages aren’t forming as well. We also recommend noting any hot/musty odors, high temps in your laundry room, and any signs of lint in or around the dryer.

If you suspect your dryer might be clogged, be sure to take the appropriate steps and get in touch with our crew right away.

How Often Should I Have My Dryer Vent Cleaned?

One thing is certain – keeping your dryer vent clean is essential for safety and efficiency. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends having your dryer vent inspected and/or cleaned once a year – or more often if you notice decreased drying performance or unusual sounds during the drying cycle such as rattling, squealing, or thumping. 

You should also have the vent cleaned if you suspect lint buildup, as this can create a fire hazard. It’s important to remember that your dryer will not run correctly unless its airways are open, so it’s wise to make sure your vent is clean and free from debris on a regular basis.

We can also install a bird guard on the exterior vent to keep any nesting materials out of the vent opening. We’ll also get the exterior vent cleaned out while we’re clearing out the rest of your setup.

Why Is a Chimney Company Talking About Dryer Vents?

Chimney Masters talking about dryer vents may seem odd at first, but dryer vents and chimney cleaning are actually closely related – and an important combination. The exhaust from your clothes dryer needs to exit the home safely and efficiently, and a properly installed dryer vent helps prevent lint buildup in the walls, which can become a fire hazard if it accumulates.

It’s a similar process we follow in sweeping a chimney, so having our chimney technician evaluate your dryer vent when they clean out your chimney is an excellent way to ensure the safety of your home and family – so don’t be surprised when the next time you call for service, our chimney technician starts asking questions about where and how your dryer vents are performing.

Don’t Delay – Call Us Today

Give Chimney Masters a call at 301-972-9158 or schedule an appointment online if you want to add dryer vent cleaning to your annual chimney service – we’d be happy to get them both knocked out at the same time! We are proud to offer quality home services.

We look forward to serving you soon.

Chimney Masters is happy to provide you with professional gutter cleaning to help maintaoin your home’s overall health.