Clothes dryers are invaluable equipment in homes especially during times when the weather is cold and rainy and your clothes cannot dry out in the sun. Also, in cases where you want to do a quick laundry and dry your clothes, a dryer vent may come in handy. However, because of regular usage and lack of proper maintenance, some dryers get worn out and get clogged which not only reduces the efficiency, but has become one of the key causes of devastating fires. Through regular dryer vent cleaning, you can restore the effectiveness of your dryer and more importantly save you money. When lint builds up, your clothes dryer may not dry your clothes as well as it used to before and at times the clothes may come out very hot.

The Risk of Fire

When materials such as lint, cloth, and even small animals accumulate in your vet system, they can effectively restrict airflow and cause excessive heating. Each year, home fires originating from clothes dryers approximate 15,000 according to the National Fire Protection Association. A malfunctioning duct tends to run longer before it dries your clothes. This means more power. Cleaner vents can save you close to $24 a month on energy bills.

Dryer Vent Inspection and Cleaning

Depending on the HVAC contractor you go to, you may get a number of packages some of which include inspection of the connection between the dryer and the wall, lint removal, and cleaning of the full exhaust duct together with an inspection for any code violations.

The average cost of cleaning dryer vents ranges between $125 and $150. However, many service providers do offer discounts which can significantly bring down these amounts. Contractors normally charge homeowners per vent and these prices may vary depending on the location of the vent. For instance, vents that are placed high in the roof may be pricier compared to those in walls.

Steps to Prevent Occurrence of Dryer Vent Fires

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are steps you can take to minimize chances of dryer fires.

You can clean the lint screen after each load has been processed and dried. Carefully inspect the exterior of the vent while your clothes are in the process of drying to see whether air is getting out or not. Having a periodic dryer vent inspection and cleaning program can help you stay on the safe side so that any chances of fires can be detected in advance and the risk factors eliminated. When buying dryer vents, avoid plastic and foil ducts and instead use corrugated ones. Always look for certified dryer vent contractors so that your system doesn’t land in the wrong hands.