We use our washers and dryers constantly. Whether your family is large or small, you use these appliances to ensure your clothes are clean and fresh. Most people know to occasionally give their washing machine a thorough cleaning to prevent smells. They may also be on top of making sure that their dryer’s lint trap remains clean. What they might miss maintaining is their dryer duct. The experts at USA Air Conditioning Services take care of dryer duct cleaning for their customers, helping ensure that their dryers continue to run safely and smoothly.
If you’re wondering if you need to have your dryer ducts cleaned, continue reading.
What Is a Dryer Duct?
Your dryer duct winds its way through your house and carries the exhaust air from your dryer to the outside. Most dryer ducts have smooth interiors and are constructed from 26-gauge steel. The diameter of the duct needs to be 4 inches so that lint can pass through without getting clogged.
Why Is It Necessary to Clean Your Dryer Duct?
It’s critical that you keep your dryer duct cleaning. According to the US Fire Administration, nearly 2,900 house fires each year are caused by clothes dryers, and most were the result of backed up lint in their dryer vents and ducts. Many people believe that the lint filters in their dryers are enough to take care of lint buildup, but they’re not. You need to take the extra step of making sure your dryer ducts remain clean and clear. If not, you run a very high risk of the trapped lint catching fire.
Signs Your Duct Needs Cleaning
The following signs are indications that you need to have your vents cleaned:
- The outside of the dryer is hot to the touch.
- Your clothes don’t dry properly, or they take a lot longer to dry.
- Your laundry area is much more humid than usual.
- You detect a burning smell in the room.
Can You Clean Your Dryer Ducts Yourself?
There are DIY dryer duct cleaning kits that some people use to clean their own vents. While some people believe that these are OK in a pinch, they may not do a thorough job of clearing out the vent. If the person operating the device is not fully trained, they run the risk of not only leaving lint behind but also of compacting the existing lint, creating blockages. There are many things you can do yourself, but when it comes to dryer safety, it’s best to go with professional duct cleaners. They have the experience and qualifications necessary to make sure that the job is done correctly.
Dryer duct cleaning is necessary to help ensure that your dryer is running smoothly and that it’s not putting your home at risk of fire. Get in touch with the team at USA Air Conditioning Services at 866-983-0488 to get started. Their team has experience with many types of dryers and will be able to clean your ducts, make sure that they’re correctly maintained, and deal with any potential issues.
