A dryer vent needs to be cleaned regularly to enhance the dryer's efficiency. Regular dryer vent cleaning helps to remove lint and other dirt and debris that are obstructing the dryer performance.
Read: How to Prepare for Dryer Vent Cleaning Appointment.
Dryer vent cleaning does not just involve removing dirt from the filter. Many other things need to be checked and cleaned. Below is a step by step process on what a complete dryer vent cleaning involves.
Step 1. Inspection of the dryer vent opening. This involves going outside and inspecting the dryer vent thoroughly.
Step 2. Clearing obstacles. All dirt, debris, leaves, and animal wastes that have accumulated on the outside, thus obstructing the flow of lint, are removed.
Step 3. Lint and other materials that have accumulated on the dryer vent are removed.
Step 4. The area behind the dryer is cleaned.
Step 5. The final step involves cleaning the dryer lint trap and the drum thoroughly.
According to experts the lint trap vent should be cleaned after every load and dryer vent - at least once per year. However, it is recommended that you clean the dryer vent more often if:
A large family size means more loads of clothes need to be washed each day. The more often you use the dryer each day, the higher the amount of lint it accumulates. It, therefore, needs to be cleaned several times a year.
If you keep pets in your house, then it means that the vents will get clogged more quickly than in pet-free homes. It is, therefore, essential to clean the dryer frequently to remove pet hair and fur from the vent.
Research has shown that new clothes produce more lint than old clothes. So, if you like buying new clothes frequently, then you need to clean your dryer vents several times a year.
Bulky items like blankets and towels produce more lint that causes the dryer vent to clog quickly. Therefore, if your laundry mainly comprises of bulky clothing, then it is advised that you clean your dryer vent several times a year.
Cleaning your dryer vent regularly will help improve its efficiency, thus lowering the amount of power that it consumes. Homeowners who clean their dryer vent periodically can save up to 30% on their energy bills.
When the dryer vent is cleaned regularly, it is less likely to overheat or get clogged. As a result, it is less likely to break down or experience a technical hitch.
Lint is a highly flammable material. If left to accumulate on the vent, it can cause a fire that can cause havoc. Regular cleaning help to prevent lint buildup, thus preventing the risk of fire.
If the dryer vent is not cleaned regularly, then the dryer is forced to work twice as hard to dry your clothes. This excessive strain can wear down crucial parts of the dryer. Regular cleaning helps to improve dryer efficiency, thus reducing wear and tear.
Read more: Reasons to Call a Professional for Dryer Vent Cleaning
But even with these preventative steps you should clean your dryer vents at least once every 12 months to remove the lint and debris and prevent clogs! If you don't want to do it yourself - hire a Dustless Duct professionals to take care of dryer vent cleaning.