Dryers need ventilation to operate efficiently. Cleaning out the lint from the dryer’s once or twice a year ensures that the appliance works well and helps save energy. If you use your dryer every day, it’s a good idea to look into cleaning it more frequently so that you know you won’t have any issues down the road with it.
If you avoid it, then there may be extra costs and high electric bills. But how do you perform it? And what factors determine how often you need to clean your dryer vent? In this article, we will give you the answers you are looking for.
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How To Clean Your Dryer Vent Yourself?
First, you will need to know how your dryer is getting rid of all the hot air. Most dryers have a vent that is attached directly to the back of the appliance and it usually has a seam in between two pieces of metal, plastic, or fiberglass.
This venting system runs up through your walls and outside. There should also be a cap on top that helps keep out insects, leaves, and other debris from moving in.
If you have decided that this job looks like an easy task, then just go high up with your plunger and pop open the top so you can see inside. In some cases, however, there may still be some lint or dirt somewhere along the way that you can’t see.
In this case, use a dryer brush or a vacuum to take care of the lint and dirt clumps that may be causing your appliance to not work as well as it could. The process of lint removal is the same whether you’re using a vacuum or brushing it out. Just make sure the vent is dry before you reattach it to your appliance.
When To Call In Professionals
There are some instances where you should contact a dryer vent cleaning service instead of trying to clean your machine out on your own. If you have never cleaned before, then it’s best to call someone in.
A professional has the experience and knowledge with how dryer vents work that may be hard for you to figure out on your own. They will also have the equipment necessary to get into small areas that are harder for people without this special training to access. There are also some situations where you can’t easily clean the appliance yourself because of its design.
One example is when there is no way for you or any other person to reach the top of your appliance when standing outside on a ladder or platform when it’s already outside. Another instance of when you need to call a professional is if your appliance is up high and the only way to access it is with a ladder that doesn’t reach or can’t be moved close enough to where you want it. Either way, use the resources around you to help determine whether or not a professional is needed.
How Often Do You Need To Clean Your Dryer Vent?
There are a few factors that determine how often you should clean out your dryer vent. Even though you should do it at least once or twice a year, different aspects will affect how often you need to clean out the lint. The main reasons include the following:
How Often You Use It
The more frequently you use your dryer, the bigger of concern it becomes to make sure the vent stays clear and clean. If you’re using it every day or multiple times a week, it’s best to check back on it at least once each month. If you have a family of four, and pets around the house, it’s best to check the appliance every 2 weeks. This ensures that you won’t have any issues with your dryer overheating or not working properly.
The Location Of Your Dryer
The location of the appliance also affects how much care you will need in checking on it and its venting system. If it is placed in an area that is not easily accessible, this makes it more likely for lint or dirt to build up. In this case, you should check on it as often as once a week.
The climate can also affect your venting system and how often you need to check on it. If the area where you live is very humid, this can cause a buildup in the vents. In this case, you should check your appliance every two weeks instead of once a month.
The Type Of Dryer You Have
An electric dryer will need to have its vent cleaned more frequently than a gas dryer. The reason is because of how hot it can get inside your appliance with the electric one, and the lint will start to burn if not taken out within a few months or so.
The lint that is burnt inside the dryer with an electric appliance will build up faster than one that is heated by gas. Therefore it’s wise to check on your dryer vent at least once every two months for an electric dryer and once per year for a gas model.
As you can see, cleaning your dryer vent is a simple process that you can usually do on your own. Just take into account the different factors that will affect how often you need to clean it, so you will have a better idea of when to check back on it next time. By using these tips and tricks you can be sure to keep your dryer venting system running at its best and not have to worry about any issues.
