Spring Cleaning: What's Lurking in Your Dryer Vents and Air Ducts?

Apparently, over 17,000 dryer fires occur every year, causing not just more than 0 million in property damages, but, in many cases, injuries and even death, too. And for that very reason, the National Fire Prevention Association, right there along with dryer manufacturers, recommends that we get our dryer vents cleaned annually-especially for those doing load after load several times a week. Other experts recommend it be done every two or three years.

dryer duct cleaning tools

Haven't done it in a while-maybe not ever? Clue #1 that you're past-due: if it's taking too long for your dryer to do its job, a build-up of lint blocking air flow may well be the culprit. That's all it takes to trigger a fire.

Dryer Duct Cleaning

More Warning Clues:

1. The clothes come out hotter than normal.

2. The dryer's exterior feels hot.

3. The laundry room is more humid that usual.

4. A burnt smell emanates from the laundry room.

It just makes sense: the better the air flow, the less likelihood of lint build-up, so be in the know:

· Short vents blow better than long ones.

· Full-sized dryers blow better than stack dryers or older ones.

· Vents with a lot of turns/elbows accumulate more lint.

· Full-sized dryers with very short vents may never need cleaning.

Don't stop there, though, as you tackle all those spring cleaning chores. Besides safely dried clothes, consider, as well, the state of the air in your home. This goes well beyond making appliances, windows, and floors glisten, but may be as important.

Fact is, when air conditioning and heating seasons are in full swing, air blows fairly constantly through your home's ducts. But during energy-free, money-saving spring and fall, evidently dirt, dead bugs, dust, mold spores and other allergens accumulate in there. Ha-choo!

Actually, says a1sparkles.com, the average home's duct system can circulate up to 20 pounds of the stuff in just one year. The company also advises that air duct cleaning keeps heating/cooling systems running more smoothly and lasting longer, while reducing energy bills, too. Sounds like a win-win.

Although the EPA says the jury is still out on the need for duct cleaning, it seems logical as a means of decreasing home air pollution. If uncertain, check with your local heating/cooling service company.

Two things are certain, however: keeping your dryer's lint trap clean, along with your heater's air filter, is a must. Then add an occasional professional cleaning of those dryer vents and air ducts and be breathing more easily all around.

Spring Cleaning: What's Lurking in Your Dryer Vents and Air Ducts?

Dryer Duct Cleaning