Common Dryer Vent Problems

Many dryer vent problems stem from an accumulation of lint and  other debris that can clog the vent line and, in turn, decrease  efficiency, increase drying time, and create a hidden fire hazard in  your home or business. Aside from an increased risk of fire, a clogged  vent can cause a ‘laundry list’ of problems including mold growth,  wasted time and energy, and excessive wear to clothing. Here, you can  find a summary of the most common dryer vent problems and the solutions that HITEC Dryer Vents & Air Ducts recommends.

92% of fires involving washers and dryers are caused by dryers.  These fires caused annual averages of 13 civilian deaths, 444 civilian  injuries, and $238 million in direct property damage. People often  assume that a dryer’s automatic shutoff will protect them from a dryer  fire, but that is not always the case. If the automatic shutoff control  malfunctions or fails to turn the machine off for any reason, you may  not know about it until it’s too late. Dryer fires can start within the  dryer, in the dryer vent system, or even behind or beneath the dryer if  excess lint has built up around the machine. When proper airflow is  allowed through a dryer vent system, stray lint particles and other  debris are pushed through the vent line and outdoors. However, a clogged  vent restricts airflow, and even before a vent is fully clogged, lint  can accumulate in the vent line or inside and around the dryer. Each of  these areas that collect lint when a dryer vent needs to be cleaned is  an additional fire hazard. The best way to prevent a dryer fire is to  have a comprehensive dryer vent cleaning completed at least once per  year.

Some dryers emit carbon monoxide during regular operations. Carbon  monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that can result in  illness and even death when inhaled at or above a certain  concentration. Under normal circumstances, the toxic gas is vented out  of the home or property through the dryer vent system. However, when the  dryer vent line is obstructed due to an accumulation of lint, animal  nests, or other debris, the carbon monoxide cannot escape. Over time,  the gas buildup from a dryer with a clogged vent can reach  concentrations high enough to cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Dryer  vents should be cleaned regularly in order to protect you and your  family’s health and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Mold and mildew are not only unsightly and smelly, but they can also  cause health problems, breathing issues, and allergic reactions. Both  mold and mildew are types of fungi that thrive in warm, damp conditions.  If your dryer vent system is clogged or not functioning properly, heat  and moisture will back up in the vent line, dryer, and laundry area.  This creates the ideal environment for mold and mildew growth in your  home. Our dryer vent cleaning helps prevent mold and mildew growth in  your laundry room and on your clothing by restoring proper airflow to  your dryer vent system.

Restricted airflow due to excess lint, clogs, and debris can cause  increased drying times and decreased efficiency. As a dryer vent becomes  clogged, the drying cycle will take longer and longer until a single  cycle is not enough to dry clothes completely. Running extended cycles  or extra cycles in order to dry clothes completely takes up more of your  valuable time. As the dryer becomes less efficient, you end up using  more energy to dry the same amount of clothes, meaning you spend more  money on utilities. Our dryer vent cleaning can not only allow you to  reclaim your time, but it can also help save an average of $18-$24 per  month on energy costs.

Longer drying cycles and trapped heat and moisture can cause your  clothing to deteriorate more quickly. Clothing fibers will always pill,  tear, and weather in the dryer, but if you’re putting a shirt or pants  in the dryer for twice as long to dry completely, that means they will  take twice the amount of wear as clothing in an efficient dryer with  clean dryer vents. On top of damaging your clothing and linens,  excessive drying times can also contribute to the premature dilapidation  of your dryer; Dryer hardware and mechanical components will take  excessive wear with the heavy use that a machine with a clogged dryer  vent demands. The best way to ensure your clothing and dryer last year  after year is to have your dryer vents cleaned and all lint, debris, and  clogs removed from the vent line.

If you are experiencing one or more of the dryer vent problems  summarized above, or you’ve got a less common dryer vent problem, HITEC Dryer Vent Cleaning of Kentuckiana is here to solve it! Our technicians are  skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced, so you can be sure you’ll  receive the highest-quality dryer vent service available in Louisville,  Kentucky no matter what type of dryer vent problems you face!

To find out how HITEC Dryer Vents & Air Ducts can conquer your dryer vent issues, call (502) 303-2290 to schedule service today.