Most homeowners know to clean the lint trap of their dryer after each use to prevent fires. Yet, there’s another form of routine maintenance the appliance needs: dryer vent cleaning. Discover why the task is so critical below. 

What Is the Importance of Routine Dryer Vent Cleaning?

1. Keep Drying Times Down

Dryers produce hot air to dry wet clothes, then push that moist, warm air outside. If the vent to the outside is clogged with lint, it will impede airflow. The machine will therefore have to create more heat energy to evaporate the air, but this process can take considerable time. 

If you’re finding that it takes longer to dry your clothes, it’s likely time to schedule dryer vent cleaning. Long drying cycles aren’t just inconvenient; they can also wear your clothes quicker, causing snags and holes in the fabric. 

2. Maintain Dryer Efficiency

When your dryer has to work harder due to lint-ridden vents, it also creates excess wear and tear on the machine. This can cause your dryer to lose efficiency prematurely. You may notice that components fail earlier, and you need frequent repairs. 

Lost efficiency can also mean climbing energy bills. If your electricity seems to be getting more expensive without any noticeable jumps in usage, a clogged dryer vent could be the cause. Scheduling a cleaning could help you save on both repairs and energy costs.

3. Eliminate Fire Hazards

The most important reason to have your vents cleaned is to reduce the risk of fires. Lint is a flammable substance. When you combine the material with the high temperatures produced by your dryer, it creates a risk for fires that increases the more lint builds up.

Nearly 3,000 homes in the U.S. experience fires due to dryers each year, with failure to clean the appliance being the leading cause behind these disasters. The U.S. Fire Administration advises having your vents cleaned annually.

If you’re due for dryer vent cleaning, turn to ABC Services, LLC. Serving the greater Cincinnati, OH, area, this team offers dryer vent services for houses, apartment complexes, and businesses. Find out more about their approach to vent cleaning online or schedule a service by calling (513) 801-4454.