Why Should I Have My Dryer Vent Inspected?

By Trent Iley
Dryer Vent Squad

All it takes is one week on the road without a washer and dryer and you’re thanking the heavens you’ve got these modern appliances in your home. They certainly make life easier – especially if you’ve got a big family.

But did you know that your clothes dryer could actually be a fire and carbon monoxide hazard if you skip routine maintenance?

It’s true. Lint and debris can build up in your dryer duct, causing your dryer to work overtime and creating potentially hazardous conditions – like dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or even a house fire.
In fact, each year, there are around 2,900 clothes dryer fires here in the U.S. – resulting in multiple deaths, around 100 injuries, and an estimated $35 million in property loss.

Here at Dryer Vent Squad of Huntsville, we think those numbers are too high. We aim to reduce those numbers, which is why our technicians all carry the C-DET® (Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician) certification so you know you are getting a quality job done right the first time.  Dryer vent cleaning is all we do so we are the experts in Huntsville. 
 
Why Are Dryer Exhaust Vent Inspections Necessary?

The #1 thing you can do to reduce your clothes dryer fire risk is to schedule an annual dryer exhaust vent inspection. Annual dryer exhaust vent inspections are more necessary today than they were in the past. Why? Because of the complex construction of today’s homes.

Dryers in newer homes are typically located away from an outside wall – in bathrooms, kitchens, and hall closets. While this is certainly convenient, it is potentially dangerous from a safety standpoint. 

Here’s why: These locations mean longer venting distances and more bends typically. As a result, dryer ducts are harder to access, and the additional length creates more surface area for lint to collect and birds and animals to hide. 

If you’re keeping up with routine inspections, you’ll know when buildup, blockages, or issues are present, so you can take care of them before they become a serious threat.