Doing home inspections in Brevard County, I often come across home that have dryer ducts that are routed through the attic space and are connected to a roof-top vent. Many times there is a large lint build-up in the attic space around the dryer duct. This lint build up is a fire hazard and is likely a result of the dryer duct needing to be cleaned.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 fires are sparked every year by clothes dryers. Lint and other debris can build up in your dryer vent, reducing air flow to the dryer, backing up dryer exhaust gases, creating a fire hazard. The first sign that your dryer duct is probably has a clog is when your dryer stops drying your clothes in one cycle. The dryer is designed to exhaust the heat and water vapor while it’s drying. If that heat and moisture cannot get out of the dryer, then the dryer sits there and keeps working. That means the dryer works harder, heat builds up and that is what can lead to a dryer vent fire. Dryer ducts that vent thru the wall are fairly easy to clean, however if your dryer duct vents thru the roof it can be much harder to remove the lint and leaving your dryer more susceptible to becoming clogged and susceptible to a dryer fire. Here are some of the signs that it’s time to clean your vent:
- Clothing does not dry completely after a normal drying cycle.
- Drying time for clothing takes longer than 35 to 40 minutes in duration.
- A musty odor is noticed in the clothing following the drying cycle.
- Clothing seems unusually hot to the touch after a complete drying cycle.
- The dryer vent hood flap does not properly open as it is designed to do during the operation of the dryer.
- Debris is noticed within the outside dryer vent opening.
- Excessive heat is noticed within the room in which the dryer is being operated.
- Large amounts of lint accumulate in the lint trap for the dryer during operation.
- A visible sign of lint and debris is noticed around the lint filter for the dryer.
- Excessive odor is noticed from dryer sheets that are used during the drying cycle.How much does it cost? Dryer vent cleaning is relatively inexpensive given its benefits. A cleaning typically costs between $100 and $150, depending on the length and location of the vent. In addition to the reduced threat of fire, a cleaning can actually pay for itself in less than a year through the improved efficiency with less drying time required.
- Hire a pro: Though there are do-it-yourself vent cleaning kits available, they typically aren’t as effective as the tools used by professionals. Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year to reduce the risk of fires and improve dryer efficiency.
Also make sure you attic space is lint free. Lint in the attic space is a fire hazard.
If any of these signs are present in your Brevard County home, you likely need your dryer duct cleaned. Call Firehouse Dryer Duct Cleaning to schedule your dryer duct cleaning. We serve all of Brevard County and look forward to serving you.
