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The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning

The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning

October 13, 2022
It’s no secret that lint buildup in your dryer vent is a fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates 2,900 clothes dryer fires in residential buildings each year, resulting in an annual property loss of $35 million. And while many of these fires can be attributed to user error—such as failing to clean the lint screen after each use—a significant portion is due to neglected dryer vents. Failing to clean your dryer vent is not only a fire hazard but also an unhealthy practice that can lead to respiratory problems for you and your family. In short, it’s something that every homeowner should take seriously.  So how do you go about cleaning your dryer vent? Here are a few tips…

Cleaning Your Dryer Vent Yourself

If you’re comfortable working around electricity and natural gas, you can probably handle cleaning your dryer vent. However, if you’re not satisfied or familiar with working around these utilities, it’s best to leave the job to a professional. A dryer vent cleaning service will have the proper equipment and training to clean your vent safely and effectively.

If you decide to tackle it yourself, here are a few things you’ll need:

– A screwdriver (to remove the cover of the vent) 

– A vacuum cleaner with a long hose attachment (to vacuum out the lint) 

– A brush attachment (to reach deep into the vent and remove any remaining lint) 

– A safe ladder (if the vent is located high up on the wall or ceiling) 

– A flashlight (to help you see into the vent) 

– Protective gloves and eyewear (to avoid getting dust and debris in your eyes or on your skin) 

 

ONCE YOU HAVE ALL OF THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES, FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

1. Start by unplugging your dryer from the electrical socket. 

2. Next, disconnect the exhaust hose from the back of the dryer and vacuum out both ends of the hose using the long hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner. 

3. Then remove the cover of the vent using a screwdriver and vacuum out as much lint as possible from inside the vent. 

4. Now it’s time to use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to reach deep into the vent and remove any remaining lint.5. Finally, replace the cover of the duct and reconnect the exhaust hose to the back of your dryer before plugging it back into an electrical socket and turning it on again. 

CLEANING YOUR DRYER VENT PROFESSIONALLY

If you’re not comfortable cleaning your dryer vent, then there’s no shame in calling a professional. In fact, given how crucial proper dryer maintenance is, it’s probably best to leave it to someone who does this for a living anyway. When searching for a professional dryer vent cleaning service, look for one that is bonded, licensed, and insured; has good reviews; offers free estimates, and gives you a list of references upon request. Once you’ve found a reputable company, simply schedule an appointment and let them take care of everything for you.

While it’s essential to have your dryer vent cleaned by a professional now and then, you can also do a few things to reduce the amount of build-up in your duct. First, ensure that you use the correct lint trap for your dryer. Some dryers come with multiple lint traps, so use the one designed for your model. Additionally, you can try using a dryer lint brush to reach any hard-to-clean areas in your vent. Finally, vacuum around your dryer periodically to help reduce the amount of lint and dust that gets into your duct.

Following these simple tips can help keep your dryer vent clean and reduce the fire risk. However, if you notice that your flue is still getting clogged after taking these precautions, it’s time to call in a professional. Remember, a clean dryer vent is a safe dryer vent!

CONCLUSION:

No matter how often you use your clothes dryer or how vigilant you are about cleaning its lint screen after each use, eventually, lint buildup will happen. And when it does, it creates a severe fire hazard for your home that should not be taken lightly. Neglecting to clean your dryer vent is also an unhealthy practice that can lead to respiratory problems for you and your family members over time. So what’s the solution? The best thing you can do is have your dryer vents cleaned by a professional at least once a year—more often if possible. But suppose you’re comfortable working around electricity and natural gas. In that case, you can also tackle this job yourself using nothing more than a screwdriver, a vacuum cleaner with attachments, gloves, eyewear, and a ladder (if necessary). Just be sure to unplug your dryer before getting started, and call a professional if you have any problems.

We hope this has been helpful. Turtley Awesome Cooling & Heating LLC wants to ensure your family’s safety, so please do not hesitate to call us for all your air conditioning repair service needs in Palm Bay, FL.

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