Many homeowners can’t imagine having to do without a dryer. This appliance is really important for rainy periods, or in winter when you are unable to hang clothes outside. It is easy to use, but it has specific requirements for venting hot air, and for maintenance. You might be aware that poor maintenance can lead to fires, but there other good reasons to care for this equipment properly. These include:
- If there is too much lint in the vents, it can trap moisture which will increase each time you use the dryer. After a while it can seep out and cause rotting. It can affect the drywall, and the dampness can attract insects. The ceiling can also be damaged by moisture coming from dryer vents.
- A blocked dryer vent can lead to carbon monoxide leaking into the home.
- Poor dryer maintenance actually shortens the lifespan of the equipment. You will experience breakdowns quicker than would normally be the case. This is due to the fact that the dryer will have to work harder to vent hot air and to dry a load of clothes. The dryer may start to get really hot, and the heating element can eventually burn out.
People who have poorly functioning dryers tend to see a jump in their electricity bills. Blocked vents slow the movement of hot air. The dryer has to work harder so it uses more energy. You will also be forced to run clothes through more than one cycle to get them dry.
Useful Tips
Like your chimney, the dryer vents require an annual check by a technician. Until that happens, you can perform a few basic tasks to keep it running properly and lower the risk of a dryer fire.
- Replace plastic vent hoses with semi-rigid aluminum
- Clean out the lint filter between loads
- Make sure that nothing is blocking the vent exhaust
- Use a vacuum to help keep the lower the amount of lint in the vents
Clean dryer vents make your home safer, so this is not something you should take lightly. Cleaning it out with a vacuum will help to keep lint under control, but at some point it will need a professional cleaning. Be on the lookout for signs like longer drying times, or a hot laundry room to tell you that the vents need some attention. You will not only be protecting your home, you will also be helping to dryer to have a long life. No one wants to replace the dryer every few years.
The CSIA certified chimney sweeps and dryer vent technicians at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service in Drexel Hill are waiting to hear from you. We’re a family-owned and operated company with more than 20 years of experience in the field. We work to further our education and gain or renew our certifications every year so that we can offer you the best in chimney and dryer vent services. Give us a call at 610-626-2439 if you’re in Drexel Hill or anywhere along the Main Line and in need of chimney or dryer vent services.