According to the U.S. Fire Administrations National For Incident Reporting System, there are approximately 15,500 dryer fires every year, resulting in as many as 34 deaths, 430 injuries, and $209 million in property damages. But there are a number of reasons to clean your dryer duct regularly, with fire safety being the most notable one.
Read on to learn why dryer and dryer duct cleaning should be an essential part of your home services routine.
Overall, the frequency of dryer and dryer duct cleaning will depend on how often you use the dryer and how long the run is for the dryer duct. That said, a good rule of thumb is to have the dryer and dryer duct cleaned and inspected at least once a year.
Here are six benefits of dryer and dryer duct cleaning, and why every household should keep up with it.
1. Reduce the Risk of Dryer Fires:
As mentioned above, the main reason for cleaning the dryer duct is to reduce the chance that a fire will occur. That’s because the leading cause of dryer fires is a failure to clean this device and its duct regularly, which accounts for 34 percent of the cases. To stay safe, clean out the lint filter before each load, clean the lint from the dryer duct at least once a year, and have the dryer inspected regularly.
2. Save Energy, Save Money:
A clogged dryer duct will make it take longer for the dryer to work. This will increase its energy expenditure and reflect on your energy bills. The accumulation of lint and dust in the dryer and dryer duct will cause it to become less efficient or stop working altogether. An annual cleaning can be less expensive than dealing with a dryer that’s wasting energy.
3. Prevent Clogged Ducts:
Clogged ducts will end up costing you more in future repairs. It saves you the trouble and the cost to prevent them in the first place.
4. Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Gas Dryers:
Another safety reason for duct cleaning is its role in reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If lint blocks the exhaust of a gas dryer, this odorless gas can build up and cause life-threatening situations. Protect your household by keeping the duct clean and installing a sensor nearby for safety.
5. Prolong the Lifetime of Clothing:
The more clogged a dryer duct is, the more heat the dryer will produce over time. This can lead to the degradation of your clothes faster than normal. A clean dryer duct will preserve your clothing for longer and save you money.
6. Make the Dryer Last Longer:
Finally, a clean dryer with a clean dryer duct is one that will last longer as this prevents it from overheating. The lifetime of your appliance and its functionality will be extended through regular cleaning and maintenance.
Don’t put off the cleaning of your dryer and dryer duct. With these compelling benefits it’s important to take proper care of this appliance. Regular maintenance will increase the safety of your home, preserve your clothes, reduce the amount of energy used, and ensure a long life for your dryer.