Understanding how to properly take care of your dryer vent is important. Here’s why.

Did you know…Dryer vent fires are one of the most common causes of household fires in North America? The build-up of lint can occur rapidly, if we’re not careful.

So one of the questions that might be lingering in your mind is whether or not you need to have your dryer vent inspected and cleaned regularly. And the answer to this is YES. In fact, you should have it cleaned annually by one of our professionals.

Every year, dryer vents should be examined and swept thoroughly for beneficial purposes and safety precautions. At the very least, it should be examined and cleaned once a year but depending on how often you use your dryer, having it done more than once is recommended; the choice is up to you. The build-up of lint can grow at a quick pace, which isn’t safe for anyone in your household. With that being said, as previously mentioned, dryer vents are one of the most common causes of house fires in North America. And although it might seem like a simple task to clean out the dryer vent yourself, we do encourage you to contact Able Chimney Sweeps and have one of our professionals tackle the task for you as they have the wherewithal to ensure everything is working as it should.

Also, here are a few tips to help you understand whether or not your dryer vent is backed up and when to contact us:

  • You will notice a burning smell when you have a load going, or after the cycle is finished. That is a tell-tale sign that there is a chance your dryer vent needs to be checked and taken care of.
  • By touching your clothes, after the cycle is complete. You will notice that they didn’t dry fully and they are a little damp, or they feel a bit hot to touch. That’s a sign that your dryer vent is not working as it should and it no longer has room to breathe.
  • When you open your dryer and you notice a thick layer of lint. In this case, a proper cleaning is required to ensure full function of your machine and to lower the chances of a house fire.

By noticing these signs, they will not only benefit you in the long run, but it will keep your household safe and ensure the longevity of your dryer will last much longer. For additional information and tips, we encourage you to take a look at our “Avoiding Dryer Fires” page.

If you have any questions about dryer vent cleaning, please feel free to contact Able Chimney Sweeps so we can point you in the right direction.