Dryer Vent Cleaning: When Was Your Dryer Cleaned Last?

Published 7/26/2021

As a homeowner, regular house maintenance can be tough to stay on top of. Many routine household tasks are often pushed back a few months or a year especially if they require physical effort. One crucial task that should never be pushed back or ignored by homeowners is dryer vent cleaning. Left untouched, a clogged dryer vent can become very dangerous. Find out from the experts at Mr. Duct why dryer vent cleaning should be an essential part of regular household maintenance.

How to Know it’s Time for Your Next Dryer Vent Cleaning

How long has it been since your last dryer vent cleaning? If you have not had your dryer vents cleaned in over a year, that is the first clear-cut sign it is time to schedule your next cleaning. Another sign that your dryer vent is clogged is if your laundry takes much longer to dry than usual. Because the hot air from your dryer has nowhere to escape, the heat will find its way back into the dryer, resulting in hot and damp clothes. In addition, you may notice a burning or musty smell coming from the dryer if the vents have not been cleaned in a while. Leaving clogged dryer vents will reduce efficiency, lead to excessive electricity bills. Homeowners should inspect and have their dryer exhaust vents cleaned at least once a year.

Dangers of Clogged Dryer Vents

There are many dangers to not scheduling a regular dryer vent cleaning. One of the biggest dangers is that it poses a fire hazard due to lint and dust being highly flammable. In fact, clogged dryer vents are one of the number one causes of house fires every year. When lint and other materials collect in your dryer vents, air flow gets restricted causing exhaust to back up creating an ideal environment for a fire to start.

In addition to house fires, clogged dryer vents offer a perfect entrance for small pests like mice, birds, and rats. When lint builds up in your dryer vents, it causes the duct flap outside your house to not close, making it a perfect door to the inside of your house. To prevent this from happening, hire a professional dryer cleaner from Mr. Duct to clean your dryer ducts and install a pest guard on your duct flap.

Let’s not forget about the danger of overpaying on your energy bill. Dryers with an abundant amount of lint naturally use more energy, which in turn translates to higher energy bills. In fact, most homeowners with clogged dryer vents pay an average of $30 more per month on their energy bill. Professional dryer cleaners will not only save you money each month but will also save you time with a more efficient drying cycle.

If you’re noticing any of the clear signs to schedule your next dryer vent cleaning, the professional dryer cleaners at Mr. Duct are here to help. Contact the experts at Mr. Duct Heating & Air Conditioning and get $20 off your next dryer vent cleaning service when you schedule an appointment today!