Clogged dryer vents are a severe fire hazard. Having your dryer vent professionally cleaned can save your home and family from this danger. But how do you know if your vents are clogged, and who should clean them? A clogged dryer vent can cause many different problems, including fires. Fortunately, the solution is easy you hire a company such as Cal Duct Cleaning to clean your dryer vents.
Why are dryer vents so dangerous?
Dryer vents are clogged with many different things including, lint, small toys, pet hair, and clothing. Over time, this can become compressed into one big clump called a lint ball. The airflow that dryer vents provide is essential in allowing clothes to dry. A clogged dryer vent prevents this airflow, which causes the risk of fire. If your dryer vent gets clogged regularly, you should consider having it cleaned. A professional will be able to remove the clumps and restore airflow, preventing a fire from starting.
How can a dryer vent get clogged?
Any accumulation of lint, no matter how small, can cause a dryer vent to become clogged. Over time the lint may become packed into one big mass that also includes pet hair or clothing. Elbows and edges of dryer vents can get worn or damaged, which can also cause a problem. Clothes that are too damp and over-drying the clothes cause the lint to become packed into one big clump. Bedding, pillows, and towels are also known to cause clogs. It's essential to clean your dryer's lint trap before every load of laundry. Worn-out ducting can also be a cause for dryer vents to become clogged.
What can be done to prevent clogs?
There are some simple cleaning steps that you should take to keep your dryer vent free of lint. However, you will need to call a professional occasionally to clean your dryer vent. The team at Cal Duct Cleaning Company are professionals and unclogging dryer vents in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, if you are not willing to take the time to clean your dryer vent yourself, then you should call for professional cleaning.
The first thing you can do is check if the dryer vent is blocked by reaching into it and pulling out any lint. Using a vacuum to clean the lint from your dryer vent is another good way to keep it free of clogs. You should do this before and after each load of laundry. If you think your dryer vent might be blocked, do not use it. A clogged dryer vent has caused many fires.
You should also check your dryer's lint trap after every use to make sure it is clean. If you have a dryer with a dial, set it on air fluff to help remove any excess lint. If you do not have a dial and think your dryer vent is blocked, it is best to call a professional. If the lint trap is out of date, the lint will build up in the vent. Therefore, it is advisable to replace the lint trap every two years.
It is also essential to make sure you vent outside of your home. If it's too short or strangely configured, it can fall into a loop that will cause a clog. When your dryer vent is installed correctly, the lint will flow freely out of your vent.
What are the signs of a clogged dryer?
Your dryer will take longer to dry clothes. It could also be unusually hot inside your house. If the dryer is not installed correctly, it could also cause heat to build up inside your house. You may even see lint or debris blowing out of the un-ducted dryer vent. A clogged dryer vent will decrease the efficiency of your dryer.
Have a professional look at your dryer vent if you're suspect any blockage
If at any time you suspect that your dryer vent is clogged, immediately call a professional. If you don't, you could be putting your home at risk of fire. Have a professional clean out your dryer vent regularly to minimize the risk of fire and keep your home and family safe.