November 24, 2014
Every once in a while, dryer-related warning signs pop-up that can serve as indications that something might be going awry. Perhaps your clothes aren’t getting quite as dry as usual or your socks have started coming out of the dryer soaking wet. These may seem like harmless annoyances, but they could be an indication that you have a dryer vent full of dangerous, flammable lint and other materials from the dryer. Sitting back and allowing the problem to continue, then, is simply not an option.
Issues Associated with Clogged Dryer Vents
When your dryer vent is clogged, one of the first signs you’ll likely notice is the aforementioned “wet clothes syndrome” that so many people simply ignore and figure that their dryer is just getting older. This is a dangerous mindset, however, as a clogged dryer vent can come along with a number of issues, including the following:
- Decreased Efficiency, Increased Costs — When your dryer vent is clogged, it simply cannot function at its maximum ability. Dryers are energy hogs to begin with, but when they don’t work properly, things get even worse. The result is often higher energy bills, which is something that no homeowner wants to hear.
- Poor Drying Abilities — There’s nothing worse than pulling a piece of clothing that you need out of the dryer only to find that it’s still soaking wet. A clogged dryer vent will make it next to impossible for your dryer to work properly, which means you’ll constantly find yourself in this situation if you don’t plan around it.
- Compromised Safety — The safety of your family is something that should never be overlooked, no matter what the circumstances may be. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 16,800 washer-dryer related fires were reported in 2010, which is an astounding number by any measure. 92% of these were caused by dryers, with 32% a result of poor cleaning. When a dryer vent isn’t cleaned, fires can occur far more easily than most people realize.
The Solution: Cleaning Your Dryer Vent
The risk of fire associated with clogged dryer vents is certainly quite scary, but it’s important to realize that there are things you can do in order to prevent the issue from occurring in the first place. Having your dryer vent cleaned is a simple process that will not only pay for itself over time in energy savings but will also help to ensure that your family’s safety is not compromised. Many homeowners are quick to spend thousands of dollars on vehicles that are rated as safe, so it should stand to reason why these same individuals should consider cleaning their dryer vents to promote safety and good indoor air quality at home.
Tom Rostron Company is adept at cleaning dryer vents swiftly and effectively so as to create peace of mind for you and your family. For more information, contact us today to learn how we can help.
