Because dryer vents tend to be hidden away (and let’s face it, rarely thought about), there is a lot of misinformation out there on how to
properly care for them. Misconceptions range from thinking it’s okay to vent the dryer into your home, crawlspace, or attic (nope) to encouraging the use of corrugated plastic or metal foil piping (also not a good idea).
But the biggest myth we hear is that cleanings are simply not a necessity.
The truth is that just like your HVAC system, chimney, water heater, and countless other appliances, your dryer vents should be inspected and cleaned out once a year. And neglecting this maintenance can cause a lot of issues.
Here’s some insight into the trouble dirty vents can cause.
Inefficiency When Drying Clothes
If your drying cycles have been doubling (or even tripling) in time, then there’s a very good chance that your vents are to blame. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners assume the fault lies with the dryer itself and rush off to buy a new one only to have the same problems occur again and again.
Before investing in a new appliance, we strongly encourage you to have your vents looked at. It could be that a simple, affordable cleaning is all you need! Save yourself a lengthy trip to the store (and a big dent in your bank account) by reaching out to our qualified crew today.
An Increased Risk of Fire
The leading cause of dryer fires is failure to clean the dryer vents. When lint is given the opportunity to build up inside, you end up with a lot of highly flammable material all bundled up in one concentrated area. All it takes is a small spark to send flames everywhere, and soon your entire home could be at risk.
Having your vents cleaned out properly by someone who is trained and certified to do it is essential for keeping your home safer. It’s an easy step to grant you peace of mind moving forward.
Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
Another threat from clogged gas-run dryers is the risk of carbon monoxide leaks. And if your vents are all backed up, where is any carbon monoxide bound to end up? That’s right – in your home.
Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it has no color or odor. Because of this, people often don’t notice they’re breathing it in until it’s too late. If you notice symptoms of dizziness, nausea, headaches, confusion, difficulty breathing, chest pain, weakness, or something similar and you think carbon monoxide could be the culprit, leave the area immediately and call for assistance.
This is also a good reminder to not only invest in regular maintenance, but also have carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout your home. This is typically the only way people have warning that this gas is even present! By combining these two safety precautions, your risk of exposure drops significantly.
Higher Monthly Bills
If you’re forced to run your dryer over and over before your clothes are dry (and if it has to work harder in the process), guess what’s going to happen to your monthly energy bills? They’re going to go up!
It’s the same concept with your HVAC system. If ventilation isn’t functioning as optimally as possible, there’s going to be strain on the entire unit, and your energy payments are going to suffer for it. You’d be surprised at how much you can save over time by getting a pro in early to look things over.
Bad Odors & Mold Growth
When your vents are clogged up, your dryer is much more prone to overheat, which increases the temperature of the entire area. This, in turn invites some unpleasant, musty odors, which can destroy the fresh scent of your laundry room in a hurry. Not to mention, the aesthetic of a muggy living space is less than ideal.
And if you’re noticing bad odors, then there’s a good chance the heat is creating moisture where it shouldn’t be. This can quickly lead to mold growth, which is bad for the health of both your home and those living within it. Oftentimes, it spreads quite a bit before homeowners even notice its presence, and it’s notoriously expensive to remove. We advise taking any step possible to avoid it!
It’s Time to Call Us In!
If you’ve noticed any of the above issues and think your dryer vents may be the culprit, then it’s time to call on The Chimney Doctor team ASAP. We’re qualified to get the job done safely, and we can help you out with other dryer components as well, such as transition hoses, dryer elbows, dryer boxes, stainless steel washer hoses, and leak alerts.
And if you’re really looking for a way to safeguard your space, consider investing in Lint Alert! This device has indicators that alert you when ventilation is compromised and lint buildup is blocking things up. That’s convenience that’s hard to beat!
Let’s get started – reach out at 970-234-3330 now.
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