Although clothes dryers are designed to last ten years, many homeowners complain of dryers that last far less. The performance of the dryers may decline at an early age, and cost a hefty amount in utilities per month. With all these facts stacked against them, many would be surprised to know that the real cost of dryers may be fire damage–and it’s 100 percent preventable.
The Danger of Clogged Dryer Vents
According to the United States Fire Administration, there are about 2900 home clothes dryer fires reported each year. These fires account for about 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss each year. Failure to clean dryer vents is the leading cause of these fires, and they’re easy and affordable to clean! When the dryer vent goes without maintenance, the lint from the clothes dryer itself will fill the vent. Eventually, the vent will become obstructed, preventing airflow, and leading to a serious fire hazard. Fortunately, there are signs of a problem before any serious damage is done. It’s important to be aware of the signs.
-Your Clothes Dryer Takes More Than One Cycle
Many homeowners believe the dryer is worn out when it takes more than one cycle to dry a normal load of laundry. On the contrary, if a clothes dryer takes more than one cycle to dry clothes, and the appliance is less than 3 years old, there is definitely a problem–most likely a dry vent clog.
-Your Clothes Dryer is Hot to the Touch
If your clothes dryer is hot to the touch or heats the room that it’s in, it isn’t venting properly. The excess heat from the dryer should be vented out and should not affect the temperature inside the home at all.
-Your Dryer Causes Moisture in Your Home
If your laundry room walls are covered in condensation after running the clothes dryer, your dryer has a problem. It’s not venting properly, and the excess condensation may be ruining your paint, wallpaper, floors, ceilings, and more.
If you fail to schedule a dryer vent cleaning, you may have more problems than you’re ready for. By running your dryer 2 or 3 times more than should be necessary, you’re shortening its life by 2 or 3 times, and using 2 to 3 times more electricity! Your dryer will cost you money if the dryer vent isn’t cleaned regularly.
Make sure your home is safe, and your dryer isn’t costing you extra money by scheduling a dryer vent service appointment with Brickliners today. Only a Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (C-DET) can install and service dryer vents as well as check them for leaks and improper installations. Don’t DIY your dryer vent maintenance or leave it up to an amateur. Put your family’s safety in our hands by calling Brickliners today. Dial 802-872-0123 or request an appointment online.
