Where would we be without our laundry machines? We rely on them to clean our clothes, bedsheets, and even our face masks. An appliance like this gets a lot of usage in a week. It’s no wonder why, over time, your dryer vent can become plugged up with lint. However, this is more dangerous than it might sound.
Have you ever heard the horror stories about what happens when dryer vents get dirty? They aren’t pretty—when lint gets trapped in your dryer vent, it can start a devastating fire. Lint is highly flammable; when the heat of your dryer mixes with a buildup of lint, it’s a recipe for a house fire.
If you notice any of the signs below, then it’s time to get your dryer vent cleaned:
You Notice A Strange Smell
The smell of burning lint is hard to miss. If you detect a smoky odour when you dry your clothes, power down the machine right away and call a technician. What you may be smelling is the lint in your vent igniting. Your clothes should smell like fresh laundry while they dry, not like they’re burning!
Your Clothes Won’t Dry
If the airflow to your vent is restricted by lint, your dryer won’t be able to operate efficiently. It will struggle to dry clothes when its ventilation system is blocked.
Once your vents are cleared from debris, you won’t have to wait around for hours while your clothes dry. Instead, they’ll be ready right when you need them—and you won’t have to worry about starting a fire in the process!
The Clothes Are Very Hot
Once we finish doing our laundry, it’s oh-so satisfying to put on our favourite fuzzy pajamas and curl up in our warm bed sheets. However, if your fabrics are hot when your machine finishes its cycle, that’s not so relaxing. Place a hand on the exterior of your machine—if it’s burning hot while it operates, take note of this warning sign.
The vent connected to your dryer allows hot air to escape. If it’s clogged with lint, the hot air remains in the drum and overheats your clothes. This puts a strain on your machine and uses up more electricity. It’s both inefficient and dangerous.
The Vents Haven’t Been Cleaned In A Year
Each year, there are several appliances and systems that you should maintain in your home. You get the HVAC system serviced, the oven cleaned, and the eavestroughs cleared. But don’t forget about your laundry machines! They’re just as important as your other appliances, if not more so because of the safety hazard of a clogged dryer vent.
Remember to clean out your dryer’s lint trap each time you do a load of laundry. It’s a good idea to have your machine inspected by a professional regularly. Get your dryer vents cleaned at least once a year to prevent potential fires.
Mike’s Quality Appliance Repair offers dryer repair in Winnipeg. Give us a call, and we’ll be there right away to inspect your dryer vent. Once we clean it, you’ll have nothing to worry about!