Most homeowners are diligent about cleaning out the lint trap when they run their dryer, but many don’t realize that they need to have their dryer vent cleaned. Proper dryer vent cleaning can prevent house fires, save you money on electric bills, prevent expensive repairs and extend the life of your dryer.
How Often Do You Need to Clean Dryer Vent
Do your clothes take a long time to dry? Does your dryer get extremely hot to touch when you run it? The most dangerous part about having a dryer vent that is clogged is the risk of fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year there are more than 15,000 dryer-related house fires in the United States. The number one reason of dryer-related fires is failure to clean the vent. Your dryer vent should be cleaned at least every two years. If you use your dryer a lot, you may need to have it done more often. It’s an important part of home maintenance because a clean dryer vent will also prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, decrease allergens in your home and will allow your dryer to dry your clothes most efficiently.
How Dryer Vent is Cleaned Inside & Outside
There are two parts to the dryer vent cleaning process. The first involves cleaning with a long brush will that is attached to a vacuum. This brush can rotate and flex in order to reach all the areas in your dryer vent. The vacuum will suck out all the dust, lint and other debris that has built up in the vent and has been circulating throughout your home. The second part of the process will involve an examination to make sure everything is correctly aligned and that there aren’t any broken parts. The airflow will also be tested to ensure that the vent is clear of any blockages and that the air is flowing properly.
Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning
Many homeowners think that the extension head on their vacuum cleaner is enough to clean their dryer vent. It’s not because it will not agitate the dust and lint on the walls of the vent. That means that every time you run your dryer you will have dust and debris pushed out and into the air in your home. Also, some dryer vents travel 20, 30 or 40 feet, winding their way through the basement or attic with lots of bends before they reach the outside dryer vent opening. You can even make clogs worse when the rods can’t reach the entire length of the duct. You can also damage the ductwork when DIY brush kits become wedged and stuck inside the ductwork.
Dryer Vent Cleaning in Oak Park, Madison Heights, Warren, Sterling Heights, Detroit & Southeast Michigan
The cost of having your dryer vent cleaned is a small price to pay to prevent the problems that come with neglecting to do it. The professionals at Sterling Environmental Air Duct Cleaning have all the right tools to do the job right and keep your home safe. Give us a call today!
