At Planet Duct, we believe in thorough inspections and there is nothing more important than making sure that every aspect of a home is reviewed and certified as safe. Home inspectors should pay close attention to the condition of air ducts and dryer vents to ensure the safety of those inspecting the home. If the dryer's vents and air ducts are not inspected, a hidden obstruction could become a safety hazard in the future. To prevent a fire in the dryer, it is essential to check for lint buildup and other blockages inside and around the duct. If you take your clothes out of the dryer after a cycle and they still feel damp, it is time to clean the dryer's vent.
Make sure to remove lint from the dryer every time you use it, especially if you use dryer towels. At this point, the duct must be disconnected from the dryer and the dryer must be away from the wall. Clogged clothes dryers are a major safety issue; if you have pets that lose clothes or a large family that requires your electric or gas dryer to be in constant use, you should count on additional cleaning throughout the year. If the dryer vent is clogged, clothes will take longer and longer to dry, as the clogged dryer vent traps air and keeps clothes warm and humid. The usual advice is to take out the vent brush about once every 12 months to make sure the dryer vent is in perfect condition. However, if you're a certain type of homeowner, you may need to put the dryer vent cleaning kit in order to use it more often. It is estimated that clogged dryers cause about 15,000 home fires each year.
To clean the exhaust duct, turn off the gas supply and unplug the dryer. Then pull the dryer away from the wall and disconnect the dryer duct. Reducing the amount of dust and lint in and around the dryer can reduce how often you need to clean the dryer vent. Some dryers also have an indicator that alerts you when a vent is clogged, but they aren't always reliable for spotting partially obstructed vents. Knowing how to clean a dryer vent can protect your home, save some money, and make your clothes look better.
The clogging of the dryer vent may be due to lint accumulation in the ventilation system or objects in pockets such as gum wrappers or coins. As an expert in home safety inspections, I highly recommend that homeowners check their dryer vents regularly for blockages. It is important to inspect both inside and outside of your home for any potential obstructions that could cause a fire hazard. Additionally, it is important to reduce dust and lint buildup around your dryers by regularly cleaning them out after each use. Finally, if your clothes are taking longer than usual to dry or if you notice any indicators that your vents are clogged, it is important to invest in a dryer vent cleaning kit.
Doing so can help protect your home from potential fires while also saving money on energy bills.
