The dryer is one of the appliances that are frequently used, often on a daily basis; especially in homes with large families. Because laundry is an ever-ending chore between clothes, towels, bedding, and other such items, the washer and dryer is steadily on a routine. Most people know they are supposed to clean the vent trap out of the dryer after every use; some are diligent in doing it. But quite a few people don’t realize that the dryer’s vent needs to be cleaned periodically as well as part as the maintenance. To help more folks understand dryer vent cleaning, we at Green Co Carpet Cleaning would like to take the opportunity to answer a handful of the frequently asked questions.
FAQ RE Dryer Vent Cleaning
What exactly is the dryer vent?
There is a little confusion as to what the dryer vent is. The lint trap that is supposed to be cleaned after each use is not the dryer vent. The dryer vent is located behind the dryer and it is the tubing that connects to the wall. The tubing continues to feeds through the wall to the exterior of the home to release debris.
Do I really need to have the dryer vents cleaned?
Dryer vent fires, in the United States, are one of the top causes of home fires. From an average of 15,000 dryer fires results in more than $110 million in damages in annual reports. Cleaning the flammable lint periodically can significantly reduce the risk of fires.
How will I know my dryer vent needs to be cleaned?
– Using of the dryer produces humid or warm conditions in the laundry room.
– During operation, the dryer is hot to the touch.
– The load of laundry in dryer smells musty.
– Multiple cycles are needed to dry one load.
– The load of laundry is extremely hot at the end of one cycle.
– Lint is building up around or behind the dryer.
If it takes my clothes longer to dry and/or more cycles, do I need a new dryer?
More than likely, the dryer do not need replacing, just a dryer vent cleaning. When the clothes taking an extended amount of time to dry, the dryer is likely the fault. The dryer vent is overdue for cleaning when this occurs. The load in the laundry is prevented from drying properly when the dryer’s vent is obstructed, hindering proper air ventilation.
How often should I schedule a dryer vent cleaning?
Annual services are recommended by the major appliance manufacturers for air vent cleaning and inspection. There are a few circumstances that can extend the duration, but dryer vent should be done every 1-3 years depending on a few factors. These circumstances are:
– Households that use the dryer daily require more frequent cleanings.
– Those that have longer vents need more cleaning because they are more susceptible to buildup.
– Dryers over 10 years old generate more lint and debris, increasing the cleaning frequency.
– Stackable or compact dryers require more cleaning.
– Vent designed with more bends or elbows will accumulate more lint, needing more cleaning.
Does the dryer vent affect the utility bill?
Yes. The more buildup the vent has, the more the dryer energy, cycles, heat, and duration the dryer has to function. The average homeowner saves up to $20 per month on your utility bill when avoiding the dryer vent obstructions.
Is dryer vent made from plastic tubing ideal or illegal?
Plastic tubing is low quality, dryer vents are required to be comprised of solid metal ducting and proper metal tape secures the attached joints together.
Carpet Cleaning, Stain Removal & More in Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Woodland Hills & Greater Los Angeles, California
When your dryer vent is need of cleaning, leave it to the professionals of Green Co Carpet Cleaning and our experts will use specialized cleaning methods to restore the vent like new to help your dryer run more efficient, improve energy, and reduce the risk of home fires. Contact us today!
