For most homeowners, caring for their dryer stops at the lint trap. Unfortunately, lint traps only capture a fraction of laundry residue, causing the excess to reach your dryer vent. If these particles build up, your dryer vent will clog, disrupting your laundry routine and putting your household at a serious safety risk.
At ACS, we offer comprehensive, professional dryer vent cleaning to households across Covington, Milledgeville, and surrounding areas. Offering top-quality services and exclusive industry expertise, our HVAC specialists promise nothing but the best for your dryer system. Below, we discuss the dangers of clogged dryer vents and how to prevent them.
In this article, our HVAC experts share the dangers of clogged dryer vents, including:
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- House fires
- Carbon monoxide exposure
- Higher energy bills
- Mold build-up
- Pest invasion
House Fires
The most common, and usually most concerning, danger of clogged dryer vents is house fires. It’s important to remember that lint is highly flammable. So, if it collects in your dryer vent and restricts airflow, it will back up your system’s exhaust gasses and increase temperatures, creating the perfect conditions for a fire to ignite. To preserve your household’s health and safety, make sure to schedule yearly dryer vent cleaning. Doing so will keep your mind at ease and your laundry routine intact.
Carbon Monoxide Exposure
While professional dryer vent cleaning is vital for any household, it’s especially crucial for those with gas dryers. Gas-powered dryers produce carbon monoxide, an extremely toxic gas in high concentrations. If excess lint invades the dryer vent of a gas dryer, it can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside the vent and later circulate through your laundry room. Prolonged carbon monoxide exposure can put you and your family’s lives at risk. Keep this in mind if you’re overdue for professional dryer vent cleaning — it could save your life!
Higher Energy Bills
While expensive energy bills might not be life-threatening, they sure take a toll on your household or business’s budget. Clogged dryer vents cause your system to waste a lot of energy. Unfortunately, this extra energy consumption will increase your monthly utility bills and put your system at greater risk of costly repairs. Schedule yearly professional dryer vent cleaning to mitigate strain on your machine and decrease overall energy use. Your wallet will thank you!
Mold Build-up
Mold build-up is another common safety risk caused by clogged dryer vents. The average laundry load contains nearly a half-gallon of water. During the cleaning cycle, a well-functioning dryer will expect this water upon completion. However, if there is a clog or leak in the system, water will not filter out, and moisture will build up within the vent. When this excess moisture mixes with the excess link, the mixture will stick to the vent walls and cause mold and mildew growth. Yikes!
Pest Invasion
If fire or mold didn’t scare you into scheduling your annual dryer cleaning, pest invasion might. When your dryer vent clogs up from excess lint build-up, it prevents your duct hood flap from fully closing. Though small, this opening will provide enough room for pests to invade your ducts and set up shop. You’ll want to clean your ducts sufficiently to prevent unwanted critters like birds, mice, and rats from entering your home. Doing so will allow your hood flap to fully enclose and keep your home safe from a surprise pet invasion.
HVAC Heating and Cooling with ACS
If you’re looking to schedule professional dryer vent cleaning, you can count on ACS to get the job done. With decades of valuable industry experience, our certified HVAC technicians promise nothing but the best! Connect with our team today for top-quality HVAC maintenance, repair, or installation in Covington, Milledgeville, and surrounding areas.
