What Happens When Your Dryer Vent is Clogged with Lint?

Do you have your dryer vent line cleaned out once a year, or do you assume that clearing out the lint trap is good enough? Unfortunately, many homeowners are unaware that lint accumulates in their dryer vent, posing a serious fire hazard while reducing the efficiency of the dryer itself. Here are the many problems that can result from a dryer vent clogged with lint.

1. Fire hazard

Lint is highly flammable. As it builds up in your dryer duct, it begins to pose a serious fire hazard, as your dryer gets overworked by the reduced air flow and may overheat, igniting the lint. If the duct itself gets damaged, it can release this lint into your walls, spreading the danger. The U.S. Fire Administration found that there are about 15,500 dry-related fires every year, causing about 15 deaths a year.

2. Carbon monoxide poisoning

Do you have a gas dryer? Then you have a second danger: the chance for deadly carbon monoxide to intrude into your home. When the exhaust duct of your gas dryer gets blocked with lint or the dryer does not vent as it should, this gas is forced into your home. This makes it especially important for gas dryer owners to scheduleprofessional dryer vent cleaning in Corona at least once a year.

3. Clothes take longer to dry

While less serious than CO poisoning and house fires, there are many other consequences of a clogged dryer vent. When the vent gets clogged with debris and lint, your clothes will take two or three times longer to dry.

4. Dryer lifespan is reduced

As if taking three times longer to dry your clothes isn't bad enough, a clogged dryer vent also reduces the lifespan of your appliance. This is because your dryer is forced to run longer and at higher temperatures, wearing out the components, particularly the heating element and safety controls.

5. Energy costs are higher

As you may have guessed, a dryer running hotter and longer leads to higher energy costs. Cleaning out your dryer vent can save you up to $25 a month in energy costs. You may be throwing away hundreds of dollars every year, while inconveniencing yourself!

Dryer vents are much more dangerous in new homes than in old homes, as dryer ducts today are harder to access with dryers typically installed somewhere inside that home that is convenient. This longer distance can allow birds and animals to nest in the duct, and it makes the duct line much harder to clean on your own. Contact the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning today to schedule a dryer vent inspection in Corona and ensure your vent is clear of all debris that can pose a danger to your family or decrease the efficiency of your dryer.