We know you’re diligent about cleaning the lint trap every time you load the dryer; that’s all you need to do to prevent a clogged dryer vent, right?
Not necessarily. Lint, dust and other materials build up over time in your dryer vent and unless it’s properly cleaned out, the highly flammable material can spark a fire.
The National Fire Protection Agency found that one-third of dryer fires recorded over a 10-year period stemmed from a failure to clean them. As lint and other material accumulates with each dryer load, the combustible material provides fuel for fire.
How do you know if it’s time to have your dryer vents cleaned?
- Your clothes take longer to dry — If it’s taking way longer for your dryer to do its job, that’s a prime sign of a clogged dryer vent.
- You smell a burning odour — If you catch a whiff of something burning while your dryer is running, that might indicate a blocked vent.
- You see debris outside the vent — Your dryer vent is meant to expel air outside, not debris. If you see lint and laundry debris around your vent, it could mean the vent is so clogged that it’s spewing lint.
- Dryer is hot to the touch — If your dryer becomes hot to the touch, don’t ignore it – it could be the first sign of a big problem.
- You don’t remember the last time you cleaned it — To prevent dryer vent fires, you should clean your system every year. If you know you didn’t do it this year and can’t remember the last time you did, that’s a sign it needs some attention.
So, should you have your dryer vents professionally cleaned?
Short answer: Yes.
Yes, there are steps you can take to to prevent a dryer fire, including never using your dryer without a lint filter; clearing your lint trap every time; not overloading the dryer; and turning off the dryer before leaving the house or going to bed. But an annual professional cleaning is also recommended.
COIT has long been trusted by homeowners and property managers to care for their specialized needs like dryer vent cleaning. Offering a full satisfaction guarantee, COIT is proud to be the leader in the industry, serving more than 200,000 homes and businesses over the past 71 years.
COIT will clean your vent from the inside and outside, ensuring your home is safe. Learn more at coit.ca or call COIT in Nanaimo at
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