Dryer vent cleaning is extremely important. Cleaning the lint drawer is not enough. With clean vents and ducts, your dryer works more efficiently, lowering utility costs and speeding up the drying process. Your dryer will last longer, too.
Most important of all, it prevents a potential fire.
When vents have restricted airflow and are clogged, it can cause a fire. In some cases, carbon monoxide can back up into your home or business.
Facts about home dryer fires from the U.S. Fire Administration:
- 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.
- Failure to clean the dryer (34 percent) is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires.
- More home clothes dryer fires occur in the fall and winter months, peaking in January.
Stay safe! Here are some safety tips to follow:
- Dryer Safety tips-National Fire Protection Association
- Dryer Safety tips-U.S. Fire Administration
- Dryer Safety tips Video – from National Fire Protection Association
Signs your vents need cleaning
If your dryer is taking a longer time than it used to and your clothes are not drying properly, it could be time to clean those vents. You may also find lint backing up into the dryer or lint left on clothing. These are signs your vents need cleaning.
If you have pets, your vents and ducts may need to be cleaned more often.