Clogged Dryer Vents - Recipe for Disaster

Home appliances has been making our lives so much easier for so long. Without washing machine, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, microwave, life seams impossible. But, ever thought what could happen if we don’t take care of our appliances? Here’s a set of dangerous scenarios caused by negligence of just one appliance. We’re talking about our dryers.

Clogged dryer vents can lead to many unpleasant and dangerous situations.

1. First of all, FIRE!

Yes, clogged or obstructed dryer vents cause fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. These fires resulted in annual losses estimated at 13 deaths, 440 injuries, and $238 million in property damage. Clothes dryers are accounted for 92% of these fires.

Dryer fires usually start when lint in ducts restricts air flow, which increases drying time and causes the motor to overheat. Lint underneath the dryer can catch fire, and the air draft draws the fire up into the duct. So, you can imagine what could happen if your ducts are coated or blocked. You guessed correctly – your house is on fire.

2. Carbon monoxide poisoning

Obstructed, clogged or coated dryer vents prevent exhaust fumes to escape through the vent line, so the gasses are building up inside. That is when the danger occurs – risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. At lower levels, CO poisoning mimics flu symptoms, but without the fever. You may experience headache, weakness, nausea, disorientation and deep fatigue.

3. Wasting your money

If your dryer vent is clogged, it takes more energy for the dryer to complete its drying process. Dirty and clogged vent also effects the length of your dryer’s life, so instead of buying a new one every so often, all you have to do is call the cleaners before it’s too late.
An obstructed dryer vent can cause a buildup of heat in the dryer, which can damage clothing. Also, fibers can be ruined by poor performance of uncleaned appliance.

So, why would you waste your money on buying new dryer, new clothes, or paying extra for the electricity bill?

4. Wasting your time

Time is precious. There is no need to spend it waiting for the dryer to finish its cycle.

How to prevent these disasters from happening?

The main thing we can do is to act on time. By choosing to be responsible, everything we need to do is to call dryer vent cleaners. That’s all.

Pay attention to symptoms that can tell you if your dryer vents are ready for cleaning:

1. It takes longer for your dryer to finish the cycle,
2. After drying, your clothes are very hot or still damp,
3. The vent hood clap doesn’t open properly,
4. Burning smell or
5. It’s been longer than a year since your vents had been cleaned.