Your home’s dryer is an essential appliance that you depend upon to get the most basic of chores done. The dryer makes clean clothes wearable only minutes after the cycle is complete. However, if the dryer is not properly taken care of, it can become a danger to you, your family and your household.
It is recommended that homeowners schedule residential dryer vent cleaning in Des Moines, IA at least once a year so that debris does not build up and make your vents dangerous.
Dangers of dirty dryer vents
Residential dryer vents need to be cleaned annually to avoid house fires, gas leaks and large energy bills. According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s Natural Fire Data Center, dryers cause about 15,000 house fires a year, which result in approximately 15 deaths and 400 injuries. Eighty percent of these dryer fires start because of clogged vents. When vents are clogged, they overheat and can’t exhaust properly, therefore circulating heat to all areas of your house.
If your vents are blocked, poisonous gas can overflow into your home, which presents a major health hazard for you and your family. In addition, if vents are clogged, the dryer has to work twice as hard to do its job, therefore causing more energy to be used and energy bills to increase.
Preventing dryer vent accidents
There are many steps residents can take to help prevent clogged or blocked dryer vents which can cause fires. First, try to limit the amount of dryer sheets used. These sheets can leave residue that clogs the lint filter. Also, be aware of fabric softeners which can contain chemicals that may be flammable if not properly rinsed away. In addition, try to limit the amount of time your dryer runs to 30 to 40 minutes per load. Doing so allows air to circulate more freely and creates less lint buildup.
Further, avoid putting oversized items like rugs and comforters in your dryer. These items can cause your dryer to overheat, making it more likely to catch on fire. You will also want to clean out the lint tray after each and every use.
Scheduling an annual cleaning
One of the most important ways to prevent dryer vent fires is to call a dryer vent service and schedule an annual cleaning. An experienced technician will be able to assess the level of buildup accumulating in your vents, and properly clean out all surfaces to reduce fire risk. A professional service will also be able to recommend any improvements that can be made to your vent system in order to enhance safety for your home. This could include installing new, sturdier dryer vents, or placing a cover on the outside vent to prevent debris from entering into the system.
Through hiring a professional, you will have confidence that you are receiving trusted, accurate cleaning services that will improve the safety and efficiency of your dryer. For residential dryer vent cleaning in Des Moines, IA, visit Air Xchange Duct Cleaning today.