How often do you think about your dryer vent? Not too often, right? Well, the thing is dryer vents are an important component of the dryer’s overall health. This component requires periodic maintenance to ensure that your dryer performs to the best of its ability. If not, your dryer won’t last too long. At Universal, the air conditioning team consists of well-equipped technicians who perform dryer vent cleaning services on a regular basis. They compiled a list of the most common signs that it is time to clean those vents.
The Dryer Takes Forever to Dry the Clothes
So you reach into the dryer to grab that beloved shirt of yours and run off to work but everything in there is STILL substantially damp. Isn’t that just a tad bit frustrating? What is the reason for this issue?
Well, one of the reasons certainly points to a clogged dryer vent. Start by checking the lint tray and if it is full of accumulated lint, clear it. If that doesn’t help, you will need to contact a Universal Air and Heat tech to help improve the dry cycle by performing a duct cleaning service.
There’s a Burning Smell When the Dryer is Running
A burning smell can be pretty alarming while your dryer is working. That smell is most likely the result of accumulated lint that got out of hand. Unfortunately, cleaning the lint tray isn’t always enough. The vent must be cleaned or it will cause the lint to burn up, which will travel to the dryer itself.
In the worst-case scenario, a clogged dryer vent can cause a home fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 3,000 home fires across the country are caused by a dryer vent.
Our advice? If you smell that burning smell during the operation of your dryer, call Universal Air and Heat techs as soon as you can. The rate at which you get help will determine the safety of your home and the longevity of your dryer.
The Dryer is Very, Very Hot
If touching your dryer is a near health hazard during its operation, your dryer vents may be the problem. Clogged dryer vents make the dryer work two or three times harder than it was designed to perform. As a result, it will get hotter and hotter until you begin to smell that burn coming from the dryer.
What’s even worse is that you may end up having to replace your heater if it wears out faster than it is expected. But, if the vent ends up burning, it will need to be replaced as well. Basically, you will end up paying very high costs simply for not clearing those vents!
Lint Coming from the Vent Opening
If you see lint coming from the vents, please be assured that this is NOT normal. This is your surefire sign that your vents are clogged and are one cycle away from burning. In this case, you will need to contact Universal Air and Heat air conditioning repair to get the lint cleared and your dryer restored. It is best to avoid using the dryer until the cleaning service is performed.
The Vent Hasn’t Been Cleaned in a Year
Dryer vents are to be cleaned at least every 12 months. There is great merit in this recommendation because dryers work very hard year-round to dry your clothes efficiently. If you allow your vent to get overly clogged, all the above-described events will take place in your home.
A potential fire, a broken dryer, musty clothing, and high energy bills are all the result of clogged vents. All of that can be avoided with proper maintenance and cleaning.
Universal Air and Heat Air Conditioning Repair
Have you been witnessing any of these signs when using your dryer? If so, contact Universal Air and Heat today to set up a duct cleaning service. Our technicians will be able to check the status of your ducts and walk you through every step of the cleaning process. Promote comfort and safety in your home by making that call today!
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