Dryer vents are something that homeowners rarely think about until their appliance starts malfunctioning. Neglecting your dryer vent can lead to lots of issues, such as inefficient drying cycles, blockages, and even house fires! Problems range from big to small and all of them take a toll on your health, your home, and your budget.
If you are concerned about the condition of your dryer vents, check out the following things that typically occur when clogs are present. Then, call in a professional right away to check things over. A certified tech will do a thorough inspection and cleaning, so you can get back to your regular routine in no time!
Common Issues
Long Drying Times: If you have to run your dryer through two or more cycles to get all of your clothes dry, then something is obviously not right. These machines are designed to dry all of your laundry the first time around! Typically 30 – 45 minutes should do the trick for a normal-sized load. If your drying time is double or triple that, then call in a professional now before things get worse!
Higher Bills: Longer and more frequent drying cycles mean higher energy bills. The last thing any homeowner needs is a spike in their monthly payments! Schedule an inspection now to save yourself money throughout the year.
Excessive Heat: If your dryer seems unusually hot to the touch, then it is definitely time for a check-up. This goes for the clothing you are drying, as well. If clothes are warmer than usual, it is a sign that your dryer vent is not able to circulate air effectively. The room itself may be warmer than usual, too! Any excessive heat in association with your dryer is a clear-cut sign that some professional insight is needed.
Visible Debris: You may be noticing lint or other debris accumulating in various places in and around your dryer. You should be checking your lint trap after every drying cycle… If it seems that more than usual is building up, this may mean your vents are clogged. If lint is accumulating outside of the lint trap, then you definitely want to get things checked out! You may also notice debris outside of the dryer vent opening, itself.
Musty Odors: Do your clothes smell funny after removing them from the dryer? A musty odor is common when the venting system is backed up. The dryer sheets may also be odorous. Give your laundry a good whiff after each drying cycle to ensure things are where they need to be.
Call In a Professional!
While many feel they can clean their dryer vents themselves, we highly recommend calling in a professional. As stated above, any malfunctions in your venting systems can lead to fires and you may also be faced with harmful toxins backing up into your home. Not to mention, if anything is done incorrectly, it can lead to even bigger problems down the line.
The techs at SirVent Chimney & Venting Service can help you out – give us a call today!