The Biggest Dangers of a Dirty Dryer Vent

Have you ever wondered, “Is there anyone who does dryer cleaning near me?” That’s where we come in!

Throughout the years, your dryer vents get clogged with lint and debris. It will eventually reach a point where it can cause dryer fires, pest infestations, poor air quality, damp loads of laundry, and heat in your home.

These things all pose risks to your health and home. Something as overlooked as a dryer vent can cause serious problems. Although it may feel like one more thing you have to worry about, if you hire Steve’s Air Duct Cleaning, you won’t have to worry at all.

Read on to learn about the importance of dryer duct cleaning and decide for yourself if it’s time to get your ducts looked at.

Dryer Fires

The most serious threat posed by a dirty dryer vent is the possibility of a fire.

When your vent is clogged or obstructed, your dryer has to work overtime to get the job done. This excess effort can cause your dryer to overheat, which in the worst scenarios leads to dryer fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2010 and 2014 there were nearly 16,000 house fires caused by dryers or washing machines. These fires injured 444 people, killed 13, and caused $238 million in property damage.

Excess debris and lint also cause a buildup of exhaust gas that only exacerbates the fire.

Dryer fires can quickly spread to an entire house fire, and as such, they're not a risk to be taken lightly! For safety reasons alone, you should have your dryer ducts inspected and possibly cleaned.

Pest Infestations

Dryer vents attract pests because of their warmth and ability to provide shelter. No one wants snakes, rats, mice, or other pests in their dryer vents!

When dryer vents are clogged, pests are even more likely to make themselves at home. The extra debris and lint give pests everything they need to create a nest and live right there in your house. Pests can destroy things and also bring diseases into your home.

Dryer vents are one of the easiest ways that pests enter your home. A dryer duct cleaning will not only clean your vents, but will also inspect them to see if they are damaged or uncovered.

If this is the case, your chance of pests is even more likely and the situation needs to be remedied with dryer duct cleaning and by fixing your vents.

Poor Air Quality

With proper dryer vent cleaning, your dryer vent will shoot all of the moist air from inside your dryer to the outside of your home.

But if it’s clogged in any way, it may send that dirty air back into your home instead. This poses a threat to both your lungs and your property.

Moist air can infiltrate your walls and cause mold. This mold is sometimes invisible but can onset extreme respiratory infections. It can also trigger asthma symptoms or allergic reactions.

Anybody- allergies or no allergies- can experience irritation in their lungs, throat, nose, skin, and eyes when exposed to mold particles.

Beyond mold, it’s not good to breathe in the dirty, moist air that your dryer vent is meant to push out of your home. Dampness indoors can cause upper and lower respiratory problems and asthma attacks even without mold.

Dampness can also promote the growth of bacteria and viruses, cockroaches, and dust mites.

Damp Loads of Laundry

The last thing you want to have to do is run your laundry through the dryer three times to get a dry load. Not only is it inconvenient, but it’s also a big energy expense- both environmentally and monetarily.

Damp loads of laundry, if unnoticed, can cause musty odors and mold to develop in your clothes. If left for too long, dampness has the potential to fully ruin your favorite articles of clothing.

Just like previously discussed, mold is incredibly unhealthy for people to breathe in. Imagine it being as close to you as the shirt you’re wearing! Especially if you are prone to respiratory problems, this poses a dangerous threat.

Heat

Clogged dryer vents can’t move the dryer’s heat out of your home. If your vents are clogged, your laundry room will be filled with extreme heat without a proper dryer vent cleaning.

A lot of people store cleaners, chemicals, and paint near their washer and dryer. These can all be ruined or become unsafe to use when stored in too hot of an environment.

When the heat from your dryer can’t escape, your AC will have to work harder to keep your house cool and your energy bill will go up. It may seem implausible, but a clogged dryer vent can truly skyrocket your bills.

And the cherry on top- the very last thing you want during the summer months is to do your laundry in a steaming-hot room.

We’re Here for You

In the United States, 80.3% of homes have a clothes dryer, which are run an average of 439 times per year. We know all about the dirt, lint, and debris that can build up during that time.

We care about the health and safety of you, your family, and your household. We’re here to keep your dryer ducts clean and running smoothly - all to keep you safe.

We’ve performed hundreds, if not thousands, of Arvada dryer duct cleanings in over four decades of business. We know the ins and outs of all things dryer ducts and love using our expertise to help the community we call home.