The Importance of Dryer Vent
Cleaning in Richmond
A clothes dryer is a
relatively simple piece of machinery, but it will still need periodic
servicing. Dryer vent cleaning is particularly important in assuring that the
appliance continues to work safely and efficiently for the residents of
Richmond and elsewhere.
A dryer works by spinning
wet clothes around in hot air, which whisks the moisture off of them. The
moisture is then carried from the machine to an outside area through a vent. As
they are tumbled around in the dryer, the clothes will often produce lint.
Although most of this lint is captured by a trap, some of it can get caught in
the vent. Regular dryer duct cleaning can solve this problem.
There are several
indications that the dryer vent has become clogged with lint. Clothes may take
longer to dry, and they may still feel damp after extended drying. The dryer
itself may feel hotter, and the lint screen may be clear, indicating that the
material has collected in the vent. A dryer that runs longer and less
efficiently will be costlier to operate. Excessive lint can even be a threat to
safety when considering that thousands of house fires every year are believed
related to clogged dryer vents.
Dryer duct cleaning can
usually be done by in less than an hour by trained professionals, who will use
powered air equipment, vacuums and brushes. Most manufacturers recommend dryer
vent cleaning at least once a year, although this depends upon the size of the
unit and the length of the corresponding duct.
Dryer duct cleaning will
reduce the chance of a fire and can also reduce the household electric bill. It
can also lessen the time needed to dry clothes and extend the life of the dryer
itself. Residents of Richmond should consider their safety and their living
costs when scheduling a dryer vent cleaning.
