A clogged dryer vent is not only unsafe but can be costly to the occupants. Cleaning of the dryer vent is often overlooked, but a very important step in maintaining your home or building. When you get your dryer vent cleaned this will remove all the debris that has built up over time and free the duct line for proper airflow.

According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a full load of wet clothes can contain up to one and a half gallons of water. With the drying process:

• Moisture is removed along with tiny fibers (lint)
• Lint and other debris accumulate in dryer vent ductwork
• Dark, moist ductwork becomes an ideal breeding ground for mold

The risk of a fire starting from your dryer to your home is probable with a clogged dryer vent line. According to a recent FEMA study, 28% of residential clothes dryer fires were caused by dust, fiber and lint. Every year, an estimated 2,900 clothes dryer fires are causing an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss.

Clogged vents threaten your household's safety. They increase the likelihood of short circuits and other electrical hazards and in the case of gas dryers, prevent proper exhausting of carbon monoxide . In addition, they cause the dryer to overheat, a serious fire risk. The U.S. Fire Administration reports an annual 100 injuries, five deaths and $35,000,000 in property loss from residential clothes dryer fires. The leading cause of dryer fires? Quite simply, failure to clean the dryer.

When should you clean your dryer vent?
Once a year is recommended for dryer vent cleaning. Clean more often if you do large amounts of laundry, you have a long and/or angled dryer duct or you spot any of the following "clogged vent warning signs":

• Laundry loads take longer than usual to dry.
• Clothes are hot when you take them out.
• Your lint trap collects more gunk than normal.
• The dryer's exterior is hot (not just warm) to the touch.
• The air in your laundry room feels exceptionally warm and/or humid.
• You detect a smell of scorching or burning near the dryer.
• The outside dryer vent cap or louver is not opening normally.

1. A trained Clean Air People professional technician will test the dryer and the current airflow coming from the duct line (if a dryer is currently installed) to diagnose how clogged a dryer vent line.
2. The dryer vent line is disconnected and cleaned from both ends with a rotating mechanical brush and/or our air whip system.
3. The dryer vent line is put back together and tested to ensure the dryer is working properly and that adequate airflow is being exhausted.

A good rule of thumb is to have your dryer vent and air duct cleaning performed at the same time. A Clean Air People professional has the right equipment and expertise to do the job right the first time.