Washing machines and dryers are fantastic appliances that have made washing linen at home easy. But these systems don’t stay in good condition without routine maintenance. When it comes to the dryer specifically, maintenance is necessary, as, without this, you could be putting yourself and your family in harm’s way.
This blog discusses how often you should be cleaning your dryer vent, how you can tell when your vent needs to be cleaned, and why it’s best to hire a professional dryer vent cleaning service. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s begin.
Annually or Semiannually: Which Is It?
Often, dryer owners ask: “Which is better: getting dryer vent cleaning annually or semiannually?” The answer to this question depends on your system and how much you use it.
Generally speaking, a residential dryer used only a few times a week will need cleaning annually, whereas a dryer that runs close to 10 times a week will probably need cleaning semiannually. You may need cleaning more frequently than semiannually, but this is uncommon.
How to Know Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning
A dryer vent doesn’t get dirty overnight. And yes, the dryer’s lint trap will fill up frequently, but usually, it takes a while for a dryer and dryer vent to become caked with lint and grime.
But eventually, you may identify any of the signs below, and when you do, this means it’s time for dryer vent cleaning.
Air Isn’t Moving Freely
If air cannot move freely through the vent pipe, your dryer will be noticeably slower. If your dryer becomes completely blocked, there may be a bird’s nest or something else causing the jam.
Excessive Heat
Excessive heat from the dryer is another sign indicating it’s time for cleaning. If you notice this, you should handle the problem immediately, as things could get quite dangerous quickly when the dryer starts to overheat. Excessive heat is caused by lint buildup, which prevents the hot exhaust from being able to escape through the vent.
Burning Smell
A burning smell emanating from your dryer would demand immediate action. You’d have to shut the dryer off and contact a professional immediately. This smell is caused by smoldering lint buildup, and this buildup can either be in the machine or the pipe.
Note: Call the fire department immediately if you see flames along with the burning smell.
DIY Dryer Vent Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional
You may be tempted to do dryer vent cleaning DIY, but you should refrain from doing so and instead let the professionals handle this. They’ll come with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to do an effective cleaning, and neither your dryer nor the vent will be harmed during cleaning.
Call Appliance Repair 512 at (512) 351-7624 when you need a top-notch dryer vent cleaning service in Austin. When we’re done, your dryer vent will be nothing short of immaculate.
continue reading
Related Posts
Refrigerators come in a variety of sizes and configurations. If you’re in the market for a new fridge, you may be wondering what size is right for your kitchen. There are a few different things to consider when it comes to choosing a refrigerator that is the appropriate size for […]
If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, an over-the-range microwave is a great addition. It not only saves counter space but also adds to the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. However, installing an over the range microwave is often a daunting task for many homeowners. The good news is that […]
Garbage disposals can be very convenient. You rinse food scraps right off the plate or cutting board and run the disposal until they disappear down the drain. It keeps smelly food out of your trash and prevents your drain from clogging. However, this is only the case if your disposal […]