How Is Your Dryer Vent Looking On The Inside?

Your dryer vent is one of those forgotten vents in your home that either runs to the roof or through an outer wall to the outside of your home. Within that venting system, excessive lint buildup occurs slowly and gradually — you don’t even realize it’s happening. You think that by cleaning out the lint filter after each load of laundry you are doing your job and maintaining the dryer. Not so fast, my friend! Many homeowners don’t realize the potential fire hazard associated with not having their dryer vents professionally cleaned annually.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a safety alert on clothes dryer fires, offering several important tips for preventing dryer fires, including dryer vent and dryer duct cleaning:

• Check the lint trap and remove any lint before or after each load of laundry. This will help reduce buildup within the vent.
• While the dryer is running, check the outside vent to make sure air is exiting. If not, there may be a blockage.
• Have the dryer and the venting professionally cleaned periodically. Be sure to also remove anything that may be surrounding the dryer and keep the area clean.
• Make sure your ductwork is rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal as opposed to plastic or foil, accordion ductwork. This will help maximize airflow and reduce areas for lint buildup.

Why You Should Consider Having Your Dryer Vent Cleaned

When dryer venting is clogged or bogged down with lint, your dryer will have to work longer and at higher temperatures in order to adequately dry your clothing. A professional dryer vent cleaning will help to reduce excess household dust and humidity, as well as preserve clothing (as the life of many fabrics can be damaged by high temperatures). The cleaning will also allow your dryer to operate more efficiently by using less energy, thereby saving you money.

Signs That It May Be Time To Clean Your Dryer Vent

A partially obstructed vent filled with lint can cause increased drying times and waste energy, while a blocked vent may result in fire. Schedule your dryer vent cleaning if any of the following apply to you:

• Your clothes are still damp after a full drying cycle,
• There is excessive heat buildup in your laundry room/area, or
• You use your dryer often.

We not only provide expert dryer vent cleaning services – we also install dryer vents! Whether you’re moving into a new home or you need your existing dryer vents re-routed, our experts can help.

Let The Pros At Olde Town Chimney Sweeps Help

We can help reduce your fire risk and your energy bills without leaving you with a mess. Our experienced dryer vent technicians use specialized tools to ensure that our job is done right the first time, every time. Call the pros at Olde Town Chimney Sweeps at 804-693-2859 to schedule your next service appointment today. You’ll be glad that you did! You can also schedule online!

Here at Olde Town Chimney Sweeps, we’re proud to offer dryer vent services as part of our complete chimney and dryer vent service options.