Cooking and cleaning are tasks that we perform on a regular basis, like it or not. Doing laundry is a job that can easily Dryer Vent Cleaning Can Prevent Fire Risks IMG- Fairfield CT- Michael's Chimney Servce & Restorationbe sandwiched in between these other tasks. Throw a load in the dryer and another into the washer, then just walk away and work on something else while the machines do all the work. But the dryer does hold a danger that we don’t often consider: fire sparked from lint build up in the dryer vent. And although the most catastrophic, this is not the only effect that a full dryer vent may cause.

Most people check the lint tray in the dryer after each laundry load, or at least every couple loads. This is an important thing to remember to do, and it will help prevent lint build-up. However, even with regular cleaning of the lint tray, dust and lint particles can build up in the dryer duct that vents outside, and this can cause several problems.

Dryer Efficiency

When dust and lint particles build up in your dryer duct, it causes a constriction of space that these particles are blowing through. This causes your dryer to have to work harder, increasing the amount of energy that your dryer uses each time it dries a load of clothes. As this build up continues, you may begin to see an increase in your electric bills. Not only will this cost you money, but it will also cost you time. Have you ever needed to have an item cleaned in a hurry, only to find yourself standing by the dryer as you put it through one more cycle to get that item dried? Cleaning your dryer vents allows your dryer to work more efficiently, which will result in shorter dry times, getting you where you’re going more quickly.

According to the National Filter Supply website, having a full dryer vent can also cause added strain to the motor of your dryer. This can eventually cause costly repairs or even the need to replace your dryer earlier than you planned.

Health Risks

Having a build-up in your dryer vent can also be a health risk. As the moist air blows through the lint-crusted vent, mold and mildew can begin to grow. This can be a health risk, especially to those with allergies or other breathing conditions.

Fire Hazard

By far the most catastrophic event that can occur because of a full dryer vent is fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the leading cause of ignition of fire in dryers is the failure to clean. “Failure to clean accounted for 72 percent of the operational deficiency contributing factors category.” Dust, fiber, and lint were the leading materials first ignited in dryer fires.

Be Proactive to Prevent Dryer Fires

There is an easy solution to the danger of dryer fire: have your dryer vents cleaned at least once a year by a trained professional, like the CSIA certified professionals at Michael’s Chimney Service. Not only do Michael’s technicians do a thorough, effective job of cleaning your dryer vents, they also take care to keep your house clean during the process. Call Michael’s today to set up a dryer vent cleaning session, and rest easy knowing that your dryer is running safely and efficiently.