Today, many homes are outfitted with clothing dryers that are regularly used and have vents that collect debris, fluff, and hair as clothes spin in the dryer. It is important to empty it after every load, but not everyone does. Over time, debris can build up in the vent and clog it, potentially causing a fire to start. Dryer vent cleaning service can help prevent this from happening. Understanding when and why it is best to perform dryer vent cleaning in Bridgewater will help you make an informed decision.
Dangers of a Clogged Dryer Vent
There are thousands of home fires every year caused by clogged dryer vents. The exhaust gasses produced by the dryer can back up and create a fire hazard when the dryer vent becomes clogged with debris. When this occurs, an otherwise useful appliance can become a potential fire hazard. A clogged dryer vent does not only pose the threat of a home fire but can also result in short circuits and major electrical problems, overheating in the house, and increased energy bills as the dryer must work harder and harder to dry clothing during each cycle.
What Causes a Clogged Dryer Vent
Lack of maintenance is the most common reason for a clogged dryer vent. Lint detaches from spinning clothes as water evaporates in the dryer and becomes trapped in the vent as it passes through. It is important for homeowners to empty their dryer’s smaller lint trap on a regular basis and to check the exhaust vent length periodically, at least once a year, even when no problems are present.
A dryer placed too far from the exterior wall can also cause clogged dryer vents. This increases the air volume leaving your home, and longer air outlets means more possibilities for clogs. A long and winding exhaust pipe can also get crushed against a wall when it goes around a corner, causing major blocks and potential buildup.
Birds and animals may even build nests within dryer vents, which is a major contributor to clogged vents.
Increasing Energy Efficiency in a Dryer
Increasing the efficiency of the dryer itself is one of the primary reasons to clean a dryer vent. In order for the dryer to remove moisture from clothes, create heat, and dry the items in the spin cycle, it must work harder than ever when the vent is partially blocked or even fully clogged. It is a waste of money to run a dryer for a prolonged period of time, and it can quickly add up in utility bills.
Additionally, overcompensation and extra use of the dryer can increase the temperature throughout the house. This is especially true if the exhaust vent pipes exit the building through more than one room.
The air conditioning system must also work harder during the summer if the indoor temperature is higher. A clogged dryer vent can waste valuable energy resources, making it a problem for eco-friendly homes and making homeowners pay more for energy each month.
Signs That a Dryer Vent Cleaning is Needed
Getting dryer vents cleaned before they become fire hazards is essential. Here are some signs it’s time for dryer vent cleaning in Bridgewater:
- The clothes come out much hotter than usual
- After a normal drying cycle, clothes are damp or take longer to dry
- There is a noticeable increase in the temperature in the laundry room
- There is a rapid accumulation of lint in the filter, or the filter appears unusually full
- Bills for utilities are rising without explanation
- The smell of musty clothing emanates from the dryer
- The dryer sheets smell strange or break down more than usual during the drying cycle
When to Call in a Pro to Clean a Dryer Vent
You should definitely clean your dryer vent if one or more of the above signs appear. The exhaust pipe from the dryer can be removed, and the debris from both the dryer and the exhaust pipe can be vacuumed. Unplugging the dryer from the wall outlet, removing the vent exhaust pipe, visually inspecting the inside of the vent pipe and checking the exterior of your home for blockages where the exhaust vents exit can all be done on your own.
This can be time consuming and ineffective, however. It may be better to hire a professional. You should look for a dryer exhaust technician who is certified rather than just calling a handyman. Fire hazards are well known to these professionals, and they can help you prevent and eliminate clogs.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Bridgewater
It is our goal to keep you and your household safe and efficient by providing a team of skilled technicians. We utilize tools that are specifically designed for dryer vent cleaning and are incredibly useful in protecting homes. All members of our crew are highly trained, and they are genuinely concerned about the health and well-being of your household.
Besides our comprehensive cleaning, we also offer a variety of other dryer vent services to ensure your laundry space is safer and more efficient. It is important to ensure that the correct materials and vent configuration are used during your dryer vent installation in order to save energy, money, and time.
The dryer vent technicians at Best Cleaning 4U make sure that after installation, your system remains up to code, safe, and efficient through regular inspections, maintenance, and cleaning. With us you’ll get everything you need!
Call (973) 922-0195 for a free consultation with one of the experts at Best Cleaning 4U or to get a free quote for dryer vent cleaning in Bridgewater.
