Did you know that clogged dryer vents are among the most common preventable sources of home fires? When your dryer vent is blocked, all of this built-up lint can become a fire hazard. The heat from your dryer could cause the lint to combust, potentially catching your dryer and parts of your home on fire.
How do you know if your dryer vent is clogged? Perhaps it’s not running as smoothly as it once did. Or maybe you’re starting to detect some strange odors that you hadn’t noticed before. In many cases, your dryer vent may need to be cleaned.
The good news is that the signs are actually pretty clear if you know what you’re looking for – many in fact are common gripes of dryer owners. Keep an eye out for:
Multiple Cycles Needed
When a dryer vent becomes clogged, it removes the dryer’s ability to rid itself of moisture effectively. This results in clothes that never really seem to get dry, or clothes that take more cycles than usual.
Musky / Damp Odors
If your clothing smells musty or slightly of mildew, it’s a good indication that moisture is hanging out in your clogged-up vents. This also often causes mold growth–another place the odor may be coming from.
Dryer Room Getting Hot
The venting process is designed to rid clothing of moisture, to move lint, and to siphon off heat. If your vent is dirty and too full, all of the heat your system produces winds up in your room, making even conditioned spaces sweltering.
Burning Smell
This is the worst-case scenario. If your dryer vent is too clogged with lint and debris, it can very possibly result in a fire! If you smell something burning when you run your dryer, shut down the system immediately.
24 Restore is the preferred restoration services partner of commercial & residential property owners across New England. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency situation, or just simply need help implementing a sound Disaster Response Plan, we’re available to help. Contact 24 anytime, day or night for assistance.