Is Dryer Vent Cleaning Something I Really Need to Do?

The clothes dryer in your home must exhaust heat and moisture through a hose out its back and to a vent that opens on the outside. You probably don’t give this ventilation system much thought on a regular basis, but ignoring it can lead to serious problems—and not just to how efficiently your clothes get dry. Over time, lint from dryer loads will start to develop inside the hose and vent, and unless professionals regularly clean out this debris, it can lead to unfortunate consequences.

To arrange for professional dryer vent cleaning, call on Magic Touch Mechanical today.

The problems with a clogged dryer vent

The biggest concern with a dryer vent that is choked with lint is that it is a fire hazard. Lint is very flammable (one of the reasons that hikers often carry dryer lint with them as a way to start campfires) and when exposed to the high temperatures coming from the dryer, it can easy ignite and start a house fire. According to a government study conducted in 2008–2010, an estimated 2,900 dryer fires start in residential buildings each year, causing numerous injuries and over $35 million in property damage. The study cited that the leading factor in these fires was failure to clean the dryer vent.

Aside from this frightening possibility, a clogged dryer vent will make your dryer more expensive to run and less effective at its job. If you notice that your clothing is taking longer to dry out, or if your utility bills are climbing, you should consider scheduling dryer vent cleaning to fix the problem. Another warning sign to watch for is when the exterior of the dryer is hotter than normal; this means that less heat is managing to escape out the vent.

Dryer vent cleaning is a service you should schedule as part of other routine air duct cleaning in your home. When you call Magic Touch Mechanical to arrange for duct cleaning in Phoenix, AZ, make sure to also ask about our dryer vent cleaning services. We will make sure that your home has the proper protection from this major source of house fires—and that your laundry always gets done on time.

IS DRYER VENT CLEANING SOMETHING I REALLY NEED TO DO?