Clothes dryer is most convenient to have in any home and yet it can be an extreme safety hazard when not properly care taken of. Dryer vent cleaning is probably among the most neglected but important maintenance activities. This does not only decrease the efficiency of your appliance but may cause a fire hazard to occur as a clogged or dirty dryer vent may act like a fire starter. Being aware of the signs can make you react well in time and prevent a hazardous situation.
Elongated Drying Periods
Among the first and the most widespread clues that a dryer vent requires cleaning is the fact that clothes are not drying up as rapidly as they used to. When it takes more than a single cycle to dry a typical load of laundry, then this suggests that there is a limited air circulation. The accumulation of lint in the vent prevents the flow of hot moist air and you end up using your dryer more intensively and longer. This is not only a waste of energy but unnecessary harsh working conditions on your machine.
Overheating and Hot surfaces
In case your dryer or the interior of your laundering area feels remarkably hot throughout or following a drying session, then a blocked vent is probable. Internally, overheating may result in the premature wearing out of internal parts and in the danger of dryer fires. Clean vent will permit the excess heat to escape normally and prevent the damage to your machine, as well as your own place.
Fires as a Scorching Inhalation of Musk
One prime indicator is that nasty burning or musty smell coming out your dryer. Lint is very much combustible and when it collects in the vent, it may cause a fire due to the temperature that the appliance causes. You should halt wash cycle as soon as you notice anything unnatural during its use in the event that it develops odd odors. Lint buildup can be cleaned by professionals, resulting in a potentially disastrous situation in the case of a dryer vent being neglected.
Unnecessary Lint Surrounding the Dryer
When a person sees a lot of lint accumulating around the lint trap or rack, in the drum, or behind the dryer, then this may indicate that the lint is not coming out through the vent pipe system. Although the cleaning of lint screen after each loading is essential, it does not eliminate the lint that may enter the vent duct. Understandably, this may eventually block the entire vent that results in more accumulation in your house.
The Vent Hood Flap Opens Improperly
Look outside and take a look at the exterior vent of your dryer when it is doing its job. When the dryer is in use, the flap ought to open completely and air and lint should come out. In case it opens hardly or not at all, it can limit the airflow. This usually implies that the vent is blocked and requires cleaning. This flow of air is not obstructed when the dryer vent is regularly cleaned.
Inflating Energy Bills
When such a vent is blocked, your dryer is bound to work so hard and may end up taking a long period of time before your clothes are even the least bit dry. Consuming more electricity in this manner amounts to additional costs in energy bills. Have you ever seen your utility cost risen without any change in the style of usage? Your dryer vent could be the culprit.
Conclusion
Failure to clean your dryer vents may cause inefficiency in drying, increase in energy expenses, expenses on repair and even fire. With early warning signs and the regular professional cleaning, you will be able to ensure that your appliance will continue to serve you comfortably and safely. Wait no longer, block the way of fire and get your dryer vent cleaned in the present and save your house and family.