How Often Should Vents Be Cleaned

How Often Should Vents Be Cleaned – Cleaning your dryer vents annually will not only help prevent dryer fires, but will also extend the life of the machine.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), dryer vents clogged with debris and other debris cause an average of 4,470 fires per year. But keeping dryer vents clean offers more benefits to homeowners than simply reducing the risk of fire.

How Often Should Vents Be Cleaned

A clean dryer vent allows clothes to dry faster by removing debris or debris that can affect dryer performance. Since clothes dryers use more energy than any other appliance, this little maintenance can significantly lower your energy bills, extend the life of your dryer, and more.

Big Benefits Of Cleaning Dryer Vents

Read on to learn how often you should clean your vents and the benefits of doing so.

NFPA recommends that you (or an HVAC professional) clean your dryer vent fan lint at least once a year. (Note: This is in addition to cleaning the lint trap inside the dryer after each use).

If you have pets, use the dryer every day, or frequently throw blankets or other fabrics made of thicker materials into the dryer, you may need to clean the vents more often.

It takes time to remove the dryer from the wall, open the vent and empty the lint caught in the hose, but it is worth it in terms of safety and savings.

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If you have any questions about home insurance or would like a free insurance review, give us a call at 877-576-5200. Each year, more than 2,900 people suffer from fires related to their dryers. This incident is estimated to have caused 5 deaths, 100 injuries and more than $35 million in property damage. Here’s everything you need to know about dryer cleaning and easy steps on how to clean your dryer vent and help protect your family and home from dryer fires.

All modern clothes dryers include a built-in lint screen designed to prevent lint and dust from entering through the vent. Many owners know that they should clean screen lint after each use, but that’s not the only responsibility.

Small debris, including dirt, dust and clothing, can pass through the coat rack and into the dryer vent, where it will accumulate over time. Due to the high heat levels and potential sparks associated with the normal dryer cycle, this buildup is a fire hazard if left untreated.

In addition to being a safety hazard, a clogged dryer vent can also shorten the life and reduce the efficiency of the dryer. To get the most out of your dryer and minimize the risks, it’s essential to clean the vents.

How Often Should I Clean That?

When outside, you may notice lint collecting around the vent or on the floor below it. This is a sign that there is lint clogging the vent hose. You should start cleaning your dryer vents often enough to prevent this build-up and discharge from ever happening.

Other signs include clothes that take longer to dry or clothes that smell burnt or otherwise when they come out of the dryer. If your laundry room is too hot, that’s also a sign that the vents are clogged and need cleaning.

Check the lint filter before and after each cycle and clean the vent at least once a year. The more often you use the dryer, the more often you will need to check and clean the vents. Think about the number of loads you do and the types of clothes you put in the dryer.

Clothing that is more prone to spills and more flammable materials may require more frequent cleaning. Also, be aware that the longer you clean your dryer vent, the more this material will build up and increase the risk of fire.

How Often Should Dryer Vents Be Cleaned? By Jaun Pai

Also, the longer you wait to clean the vent, the more these materials will penetrate the vent, making the cleaning process more difficult and time consuming.

For this reason, while cleaning once a year is the minimum, opt for 2-4 times a year for best results. Cleaning your vents once a season, or at least at the beginning and end of winter (when dryers are used the most) is a good practice to help keep your family safe. And while you’re thinking about your laundry, don’t forget about washing machine maintenance.

Fortunately, if you keep up with your dryer’s regular maintenance, it won’t be difficult to keep the vent clean. Keeping the lint clean will be the first step in preventing lint from building up in the vent. When it’s time to clean the vent, follow these steps.

Start by unplugging the dryer and looking for the dryer vent in the back. If you have a gas dryer, turn off the gas valve. Move the dryer away from the wall to give yourself room to work, being careful not to dislodge or damage the gas line (if cleaning a gas dryer). Next, remove the clamps or rings holding the dryer to the vent. Also take this opportunity to check your vent pipe. Dryer vents should use 4″ rigid metal duct. If your dryer is connected to vinyl pipe or mylar sheeting, it should be replaced immediately.

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Use the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clean in and around the dryer vent. Some dryer vents can be removed from the wall and dryer, making the process easier.

You should also go outside and look for the dryer vent, where the vent directs the excess air out of the dryer. Remove the cover to access the vent tube and use the vacuum attachment here as well.

Use an extendable brush to get into the vent tube and clean the lint. Insert the brush into the channel and rotate it while moving it back and forth. This will help you reach beyond the vent for a deeper clean. You can buy a DIY kit with the necessary tools to properly clean the vent.

Check the dryer vent for damage and replace the damaged vent before plugging the dryer back in if necessary. Reinstall the outside vent cover, plug the electric dryer back in, or turn on the gas valve. Once the dryer is plugged in and put back in place, use the air dry setting and run a short cycle of 15 to 20 minutes. This will help you verify that you have connected everything correctly and at the same time remove the remaining parts.

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If you haven’t cleaned your dryer vent in a while, you might be surprised at how much lint you’ll find inside. You can make your next cleaning easier by taking steps to reduce lint build-up.

If you have a natural gas dryer, you need to call a professional who can do the job right without risking damage or breaking the gas line. And even if you have an electric dryer, sometimes a DIY kit can’t compare to a professional job.

Professionals will come to the home and can clean the vents quickly and efficiently, making sure to remove any pieces that could block airflow and cause a fire. They may use high powered suction devices and other equipment.

This equipment can be very beneficial and time saving, especially if your dryer is in an interior room, basement or upper level. In this case, the vent will be long and may have some bends, which may prevent you from being able to properly clean it with a DIY kit.

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How often should you clean your dryer vent? The good news is that if you ask yourself this question, you’re off to a good start. Every year, thousands of people suffer from dryer-related fires. Recognizing that your dryer fan needs TLC is an important first step for any homeowner.

The frequency response is complicated. It largely depends on your lifestyle, how you do your laundry and what you wash. In general, you should clean your dryer vent once a year. However, in special circumstances, you should clean your dryer vents every six months or even every three months. This is something to keep in mind.

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