Why Dryer Vent Cleaning is Important

11/4/2021

Chimney sweeps are experts at maintaining venting for fireplaces, of course, but they also perform dryer vent cleaning. Venting maintenance for dryers is a safety issue, same as it is for chimneys. Avoiding house fires and improving dryer efficiency are among the benefits of professional dryer vent cleaning. Below, learn statistics on fires caused by dryers and more reasons to schedule annual dryer vent cleaning.

Statistics on Fires Caused by Clothes Dryers

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that, on average, 15,970 home fires are caused by dryers and washing machines every year. A full 92% of those fires are caused by dryers. The U.S. Fire Administration is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires caused by clothes dryers cause an estimated 100 injuries and 5 deaths annually. Reports from U.S. Fire Departments indicate that lint buildup was a leading factor in one-third of the fires caused by clothes dryers during a recent 5-year period. 

What Makes Dryers a Fire Hazard?

It can be dangerous to incorrectly use your dryer. Clothes dryers get very hot, and the lint produced by clothing in the dryer is highly flammable. The heat inside dryers combined with the flammable nature of lint is a hazardous combination. When lint builds up in your dryer, it gets stuck in the lint trap, exhaust vent, and drum casing, where it can catch fire.

Signs of Possible Dryer Lint Buildup

An important step in properly using a clothes dryer is to clean the lint filter after every load of clothing. When lint begins to build up not only on the lint filter but inside the dryer drum, things can start to happen that warn you of danger. The following are clues that you may have lint build-up and a need for dryer vent cleaning.

Takes Longer to Dry Clothes

The air inside the dryer drum is moist and hot. If the lint filter is clogged, it takes far longer for clothes to dry. The clothing and the dryer both have a reduced lifespan as a direct result of a clogged dryer vent.

Smells Like Something’s Burning

If you've noticed that your dryer is working harder than ever to get clothes dry and suddenly you smell something burning, it could be a fire inside the clothes dryer.

Clothing is Hot

When a dryer works the way it is supposed to, the clothing won't be too hot to the touch when the cycle is finished. If dried clothes are noticeably hot, that means venting is not working as it should. When dryer vent cleaning services are neglected, the dryer and the clothing can get overheated.

Contact Clean Sweep Chimney Service for Dryer Vent Cleaning

Services provided by the CSIA-certified chimney sweeps at Clean Sweep Chimney Service help to keep your home and family safe. Our venting experts provide dryer vent cleaning to promote airflow and remove flammable substances from your dryer’s venting system. Call Clean Sweep Chimney Service at 636-477-9966 to schedule dryer vent cleaning services today.