Got a dirty dryer vent? Do you even know if that vent is dirty? While the state of your dryer vent might not cross your mind frequently, it really should. A lint-filled dryer vent cleaning is a glaring fire hazard and can also cause a few other problems you probably don’t want to deal with.

What might happen when you neglect regular dryer vent cleaning?

Carbon Monoxide Buildup Dryer vent

If you have a gas dryer, failing to tend to regular dryer vent cleaning can spell disaster. When the vent accumulates so much lint and other debris that heat cannot escape through it, that means carbon monoxide can’t escape through the vent either. When your dryer is running, colorless and odorless carbon monoxide may build to potentially dangerous levels in the room where the appliance is located.

To protect yourself and your loved ones from a potentially hazardous situation, clean that vent at least once a year. If you don’t the tools to clean the entire length of the vent, you’ll need to have a dryer vent cleaning professional handle the task for you.

Pest Intrusion in Dryer Vent

You might not imagine it could happen, but pests can certainly take up residence inside your dryer vent. We’ve seen it before and have no doubt we’ll see it again. A warm, cozy, and protected dryer vent gives bugs, mice, rats, and other outdoor critters a safe place to live. If you’re not cleaning the vent regularly, you’ll never know they’re hanging out in there.

Dryer vent cleaning at yearly intervals can help ensure both insect and furry intruders don’t make your vent their new home.

House Fire

When your dryer vent is so full of lint and other debris that heat cannot escape outdoors efficiently, you’ve got a serious fire hazard on your hands. Yes, dryer fires do occur, and every year in the U.S. approximately 2,900 households suffer the consequences of one. To keep your dryer fire risk as low as possible, it’s best to schedule professional dryer vent cleaning at least once a year.

Dryer Damage

When your dryer vent is clogged with lint and debris, it cannot dry anything efficiently. Hot, moist air can’t exit the vent properly, which means that air gets trapped inside the dryer drum and keeps your clothes wet for longer than necessary. The unit must then operate longer than it should to get your clothing and linens completely dry, which can diminish its lifespan quite rapidly.

If you’re not keen on shelling out hundreds for dryer repairs or a replacement unit, routine dryer cleaning can help. Once a year, call in the pros for maintenance cleaning, and that’ll help ensure your dryer enjoys a long, productive life.