Did you know that your dryer is one of the leading causes of house fires in the US? And the leading cause of dryer fires is lint. Lint is highly flammable, and it accumulates in your dryer and your dryer’s exhaust system. In order to prevent the accumulation of lint and a lint fire, you need to do more than simply clean your dryer’s lint filter – you need to clean the dryer duct.
When was the last time you cleaned out your dryer duct? Many people may answer, “never,” when it is recommended that you clean your dryer ducts annually. Here are some signs that it is time to call Advance Mechanical to inspect and professionally clean your dryer ducts.
1. If your clothes are coming out damp.
If you run a drying cycle that normally completely dries your clothes and they still come out damp, odds are that your vent needs to be cleaned. It is easier to notice this on things like jeans or cotton towels that usually take longer to dry. The purpose of your dryer vent is to make sure all water is gone from your clothes and released outside. If this is not happening, then water and moisture can pool up in your vent with the build-up. This is the perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold.
2. Your clothes or dryer are abnormally hot.
If you feel that your clothes or dryer feel hotter than usual after you finish a drying cycle, it’s probably time to get your vent cleaned out. This excessive build-up of heat can create a fire risk, especially when lint is built up in your dryer vent. There are almost 3,000 dryer fires a year, and the leading cause is failure to clean out the dryer vent.
3. Your dryer shuts off prematurely.
If your dryer shuts off before the dry cycle is over, then it is a sign that you need your dryer vent cleaned out. When your dryer vent is clogged with debris and lint, it means your dryer is not running efficiently and it will shut off early. A clean duct will keep your dryer in peak performance for longer.
4. Something smells burnt.
If you are noticing a burning smell when you are doing laundry – it could be a sign your dryer has a buildup of lint. Often, lint will accumulate and block the vent line in your dryer, causing the lint to remain in place and get really hot while the dryer is running – which produces the burnt smell. If you are experiencing this, give Advance Mechanical a call.
5. The outside lint flap is not open.
When your dryer is running, the outdoor lint flap should be open. If it is not, it is possible that the duct’s air flow is obstructed by lint that got stuck. It is important to get this cleaned out as soon as possible, as this can be a breeding ground for mold, it can affect the lifespan of your dryer, and it can even lead to laundry room fires.
Remember this, no matter how often you clean your lint filter, lint will make it into your dryer vent. This could clog your system and potentially cause a fire. If you have noticed any of these warning signs, have never cleaned your dryer vent or it has been over a year since it has been cleaned, call the professionals at Advance Mechanical to schedule a cleaning today, 252-355-9191.