Clothes dryers cause more than 2,900 fires a year according to the U.S. Fire Administration. What do you think the single biggest cause of the dryer fires were connected to? You guessed it, failure to properly clean the dryer venting system. You may be wondering, well how how often should it be cleaned? The answer is at least once a year and may need to be more often depending on your usage.
The following are SIGNS that your dryer vent may need cleaned:
- Clothes are taking longer than usual to get dry
- It’s been longer than a year since you last had your vent professionally cleaned or inspected
- Clothes and outside of dryer are very hot
- You notice a burning smell
- Vent cap flap on exterior does NOT open properly
BENEFITS of having your dryer vent cleaned on a yearly basis:
- Can drastically lower electric bill
- Reduces risk of fire
- Increases life of dryer
- Decreases repairs saving you money
BONUS Tips:
- Replace accordion-style ducts
- Replace all foil or plastic type accordion-style ducts
- They sag and cause lint to build up quickly
- Replace all foil or plastic type accordion-style ducts
- Use rigid vent piping
- Corrugated piping causes lint to get caught up in the creases more easily resulting is faster build up inside the vent
- Do NOT use caged or pest guard caps on the exterior of the home
- This will catch lint over time and cause the venting to back up faster resulting in a fire
When was the last time you had your dryer venting system professionally cleaned or inspected? If it has been more than a year, contact TJS Inspection & Handyman Solutions TODAY so we can help protect you and your loved ones!