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Health & Fitness

Dryer Vent Cleanings

Hello, So ask your self this question, When is the last time you cleaned your dryer vent? If you don't know off the top of your head the answer is probably never or at least several years ago.

Its important to have your vent properly cleaned at least once a year.

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.

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But not all dryer vents are created equal. It is recommended that your vent be inspected and cleaned out once a year. You may find your dryer vent is only two feet long and you can reach in and clean it no problem. Others may find  that there vent is 20+ feet long and difficult to clean. If your vent is long and twisty I would recommend a cleaning once a year and at least inspecting it one other time during the year. Longer vents tend to accumulate lint at a much greater rate.

Now we come to types of Vent.

If you have white vinyl vent I would recommend changing the entire vent. It is no longer code to have this type of vent and is the biggest fire hazard of all.

Metal Flex vent is UI Fire rated only up to 8 feet long. But most people probably have this vent much longer. The longer these vents are the less efficient they become and more dangerous they can be.

Metal rigid vent which is a solid metal pipe is what's recommended for longer vents, it cost more money but increases efficiency and is much safer.

Here are some of the signs that it’s time to clean your vent:

  • Clothing does not dry completely after a normal drying cycle.

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  • 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.
  • There are some do- it yourself kits out there for cleaning vent and if you are comfortable doing so can be relatively easy and most vent supplies can be found at a hardware store.

    If you are not comfortable or would like someone else to take a look for you Im always available. Just Call and set up a time with me.
    Joe
    www.Affordableappliancefix.com
    603-685-3915

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