Dryer Vent Cleaning Downingtown: Dryer vent cleaning is an important appliance maintenance task. Dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually for average households; more often for large families or those who have pets. Pet hair can be just as much a culprit as lint when it builds up in the dryer vent system. When dryer ducts become clogged with lint, dust and hair, air flow is restricted so heat cannot escape through the dryer vent. This is a potential fire hazard.
Cleaning the lint screen between loads of laundry is good every-day maintenance to help the dryer operate efficiently. But, be aware that the lint screen only traps about 60% of the lint; the other 40% escapes the lint screen and ends up inside the dryer or dryer exhaust ducts.
Most of the lint trapped in the ductwork will not make it to the vent outside. Eventually, it builds up, trapping the heat and moisture that your dryer is working to remove from your wet laundry. As heat builds up in the dryer duct which is clogged with highly combustible lint a fire can start, with the dryer lint being perfect fuel for a rapidly spreading dryer fire. This is why it is strongly recommended that you have professional dryer vent cleaning service done annually.
Manufacturers recommend annual dryer vent cleaning to remove lint build-up and maintain maximum airflow required for your clothes dryer to work safely and efficiently. A dryer vent cleaning and dryer exhaust specialist will have the proper equipment and knowledge to perform this service.
More Safety Tips
Dryer vent cleaning is the major issue with fire prevention; however, there are other things you can do to ensure safety. The old plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material is no longer code for dryer exhaust systems. This type should be replaced with rigid or semi-rigid metal duct to provide proper air flow. The flexible ducts trap lint more easily and they are susceptible to kinks or crushing which greatly reduces airflow.
Be extra careful with rags that are soaked with flammable material such as gas, cooking oil and cleaning agents. Even if they have been washed residue can remain. These items should be line dried. If you feel you must put them in your dryer, then wash the items twice and use the lowest heat setting and a dryer cycle with a cool-down period to maximize safety. Do not store flammable chemicals near the clothes dryer.
Finally, one of the most important safety tips for clothes dryers is to never go to sleep or leave the house when the dryer is running.
Few people think of their clothes dryer when performing necessary maintenance on their appliances. Many are not aware that over 15,000 clothes dryer fires happen annually and most of them are caused by failure to perform dryer vent cleaning and maintenance.
Gerry Rhen owns Dryer Vent Wizard, specializing in dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation and dryer vent inspections for homes and businesses in Chester and Delaware County, West Chester, Downingtown, Media, Coatesville, Malvern, Broomall, Newtown Square, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Chester Springs, Exton, Honey Brook, Elverson, Morgantown, Kennett Square, Chadds Ford, Glen Mills, and neighboring cities and communities.
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