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

Spring Home Maintenance

Sacramento Spring Home Maintenance

dryer duct cleaning equipment

A Spring Check-up for the House

Dryer Duct Cleaning

With Spring around the corner it is a good time to think about giving your Sacramento house a thorough check-up. A regular Spring maintenance plan will go far in helping you identify problems early on and mitigate costly damage and repairs. And by keeping your Sacramento house in good repair and good order you will enhance your everyday living.

Inspect and repair exteriors suffering the effects of winter weather. Start a thorough Spring cleaning room by room and check all house systems. Think through each area of your property to make a comprehensive checklist of basic tasks, such as the following:

Home Exterior Spring Check List

Inspect the roof for leaks and damaged tiles or shingles Check siding for loose pieces and check trim for cracked paint Clean gutters, repair holes and weak joints, and replace damaged sections Replace exterior caulking that is peeling

Inspect the foundation for cracks or other signs of weakening. Repair cracked or uneven driveways, stairs, and sidewalks to prevent injuries

Remove and store storm windows and doors Wash windows and repair any damaged frames; clean and reinstall screens Clean up yard debris such as dead foliage and weeds; begin spring landscaping projects Clean and repair outdoor patio furniture Check sprinkler system for leaky or loose valves Inspect decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose pieces and deterioration

Home Interior Spring Check List

Service the water heater pump and motor Clean the air conditioning unit and replace the belt when necessary; follow the manufacturer's recommendations for professional maintenance Replace the furnace filter Make sure the electrical system is adequate to support any new appliances, technology, or increased wattage use; upgrade as necessary Clear slow-moving drains and ensure that plumbing shutoff valves function properly Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and damper Ensure that fire extinguishers are operable and accessible Clean smoke alarm covers and install new batteries Replace older light bulbs with energy-efficient models Sort through closets and other storage and pull out things that are no longer used, then make a plan to donate or sell them

With an established Spring Home Maintenance routine you will also become better acquainted with the nuances of your home systems and better equipped to deal with problems when they do arise. It is a good idea to supplement your Spring Home Maintenance efforts by making a professional home inspection part of the routine. While most homebuyers have an inspection as part of their due diligence when considering a new home, most homeowners don't think to schedule an inspection once they are living in the house. Yet, a professional home inspector can help you identify problems in your home before they become huge strains on your lifestyle and your wallet. Once you have gone through your spring home maintenance check list to note things that concern you, an inspector can give you insight into necessary repairs and upgrades.

Spring Home Maintenance

Dryer Duct Cleaning