If you're not careful, a dirty dryer vent can become a fire hazard. Lint buildup in the dryer vent over time can cause the heat of the dryer to ignite the lint, potentially setting fire to the dryer and parts of the house. Statistics show that around 27 percent of fires are caused by lint buildup, so it's essential to keep your dryer vent clean. When it comes to home maintenance, inspecting the dryer's exhaust vent is an important step to ensure that the dryer is operating efficiently and minimize the risks associated with inadequate exhaust ventilation.
Cleaning the filter lint every time you finish charging is essential, but it's also important to know how clean the dryer vent is and what type of ventilation materials are being used. Generally, dryers are equipped with a 4-inch ventilation grille at the rear, which homeowners or installers connect to outdoor ventilation using a duct. Over time, pieces of lint that escape through the dryer filter can accumulate and cause a hazardous fire risk, particularly if any part of the dryer's exhaust vent is made of a flammable material. If you suspect that your vents are clogged or partially clogged, you may need to clean them.
Clean lint filters regularly to save energy, improve performance, and minimize lint buildup inside the vent tube. A technician told her that he had seen much worse things than hers (see the picture of what she pulled out with the vacuum through the ducts and the ventilation on the right); some houses had their dryers so clogged that their dryer vents were wet. To avoid this risk, it's important to schedule a cleaning of the dryer's ventilation grilles once a year or if you notice any of these symptoms: your dryer takes longer to dry your clothes than before; there is an obstruction in your dryer's ventilation system; or if you notice any signs of lint buildup in your vents.
