You can always talk to dryer vent experts when you need to know how to fix your machine and dryer vent issues. Dryers can last for years and even longer if you properly maintain them. The issues begin to arise when you fail to clean the ducts regularly or when you ignore pressing issues that have been affecting your dryer.
When you start noticing that your dryer is acting strange, then it’s time to have it inspected. It could start with your clothes not being dried as fast as they were before hearing unusual sounds from your machine. If this happens, don't wait around until the problem grows.
Your machine will eventually stop working and worse, your home or building can now be prone to fire hazards. It’s because dryer ducts can cause fires when the machine overheats and ignites the lint from an unclean lint screen in your vent.
Deciding When You Should Contact a Dryer Cleaning Company
Once you’ve confirmed that there is something wrong with your dryer, then that is your cue to contact a dryer vent cleaning company. This is crucial, especially when you haven’t cleaned your machine for a year or haven't tried replacing any of its components.
It is recommended that you have your machine checked at least once a year to see whether it has developed any issues at all. This is part of maintaining your machine and needs to be done to ensure that it works optimally.
If you know that you have to schedule an annual inspection and repair, then do it beforehand. The longer that you ignore the issues present in your machine and ducts, the bigger they become and you end up paying more to fix them later on.
What to Look For in Dryer Inspections
There are certain signs you have to look out for when checking your machine and machine vents. One is if the ducts are clogged with debris and dirt. You will need to have them cleaned out or else they will continue to affect your machine’s performance.
Once the airflow in the vent is clogged, your machine could overheat because of all the trapped hot air in the vent. The air needs a place to pass through so that it can be safely exhausted from the house or the building that you’re in.
The lint screen is also one of the most crucial places to check. If there is a lint clog on the screen, you will have to clean it as soon as possible. Lint can cause fires and when the air circulation in the vent is hindered, all this heat and hint can start an unwanted fire.
Watch Out for Carbon Monoxide
According to the data compiled by CBC News, lint build-up in dryers is one of the leading causes of approximately 15,000 fires in Canada every year, but this isn’t the only thing you should worry about. Unclean ducts can also start producing carbon monoxide.
Having a carbon monoxide buildup in your ducts can be extremely risky and pose similar harm to you and the people you are living with because of how it can poison you. It’s because the carbon monoxide trapped in the ducts can find its way back into your home or building and affect the air you’re breathing.
What makes it worse is that you won’t find out that you are inhaling carbon monoxide until it’s too late. That’s why homeowners must ensure that the vents are always clean and free from debris or clogging.
When you are affected by carbon monoxide poisoning, you will start to feel symptoms such as lightheadedness, headaches, confusion, and an upset stomach. If you start feeling these symptoms, take that as a sign to stop using your machine and call in professionals.
Signs Your Dryer Needs Professional Cleaning Services
If you know what to look for, then it will be easier for you to determine when you have to call for experts. Certain indicators could tell you that your machine is blocked and needs cleaning. Some simple signs include burning smells, sudden changes in laundry room temperature and longer drying times.
When your dryer starts functioning slowly, it could be a sign that something is hindering its regular processes. A machine with issues will make you run the machine countless times before it can fully dry your clothes. This isn't normal and you have to stop using your dryer for the time being.
Cleaning your machine immediately will help protect your clothes and your home from heat damage and fire risks. If you own the home you have the machine in, list down the dates when you’ve had it inspected and cleaned. If you are renting, call your landlord and ask them about the last time that the dryer vents were cleaned.
Stay Away from DIY Cleaning Processes
Unless you are a licensed professional, you should never attempt to clean your dryer vents on your own. You can cause serious trouble and make risky mistakes if you insist on disassembling and cleaning your machine without expert advice.
DIY solutions that promise immediate answers could lead you to pay more and possibly break your machine and vent all the way. Always consider the safety risks of cleaning a dryer vent. Amateur cleaning can lead to various disasters and you won’t want it to happen to your home.
Professionals have the experience, knowledge, and proper cleaning tools to ensure the safety of the process. They will know where to look for the problem and how to address the issue safely and effectively. Dryer vent cleaning technicians can efficiently clean single vents in an hour.
Do You Need to Hire a Dryer Vent Cleaning Service?
If you are unsure of the problems your machine is experiencing, you can always call for a consultation. Many companies will have their contact details on their websites and social media pages for you to find. Set up a consultation schedule so that they can plan with you.
Dryer vent cleaning companies will ask you about your machine as well as the cleaning processes you might need. You can also ask them for a quote if you’re curious about the charges the services will include.
You can avoid future risks and spend more when you hire professional dryer vent cleaners. Try to look for reviews about the companies you are planning to ask for a consultation with. The dryer vent experts will give you helpful advice on how to properly maintain your dryer and dryer vents.
