There is an unseen danger in your home, and you may not even realize it. Dryer lint can catch fire and lead to damage in your home. Today’s blog from Superior Air Duct Cleaning discusses the unseen dangers of dryer lint and why you need dryer duct cleaning.
What Are Some Dryer Fire Statistics?
Every year, nearly 3,000 home clothes dryer fires are reported, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. These fires led to five deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. Failure to clean the dryer is the leading cause of dryer fires, accounting for 34 percent of these fires. Home fires peak in fall and winter months, with the most occurring in January. You shouldn’t wait until fall or winter to get a dryer duct cleaning.
Related Post: 5 Mistakes You’re Making When Using the Dryer
How Does Dryer Lint Cause a Fire Danger?
When enough lint clogs the system, the dryer’s airflow becomes restricted. This causes the dryer to overheat. Too much heat in the dryer may cause the lint to ignite because it easily catches fire when enough heat is present. Too much lint in the dryer may cause it to come in contact with a heating element, which causes lint to ignite quickly. If more lint catches fire, it can burn your home’s wooden structure in the laundry room and within the walls.
How Often Should You Get a Dryer Duct Cleaning?
How often you should get a dryer duct cleaning depends on several factors. First, it depends on how often you use the appliance. If you use the dryer three times a week, you need to clean the dryer duct and vent fewer times compared to using the dryer 10 times per week. In general, try to clean the dryer duct once every three months at most and at least once every two years. If you opt for once every two years, go for the spring or summer when the outside weather is nice.
Related Post: Superior Air Duct: How to Know When to Clean Your Ducts
How Do You Know It’s Time for a Dryer Duct Cleaning?
Follow a few easy tips to know if you need a dryer duct cleaning. Look at the vent to the outside. Can you feel air coming out of it when your dryer is running? If you can’t, the vent is clogged by too much lint inside. Clean your dryer duct as soon as possible. If you have a dryer duct more than 25 feet long or have a flexible duct made of plastic or foil, you’re more at risk for a dryer lint fire. Have this checked at least once every few months. Pay attention to how long it takes to dry clothes. If the process takes longer than normal, even though your dryer works just fine, it might be time for a dryer duct cleaning.
Dryer Duct Cleaning by Superior Air Duct Cleaning
Superior Air Duct Cleaning specializes in dryer duct cleaning, residential air duct cleaning, and commercial air duct cleaning. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured. If you think you’re overdue for a thorough cleaning of your home’s dryer lint vent, contact Superior Air Duct Cleaning or call 1-800-803-3828.
