Dryer Vent Service | Prevent A Dryer Vent Fire | Clogged Dryer Vent Cleaning
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Is your dryer vent a fire hazard? Many homeowners may be surprised to learn that over 3,000 dryer fires cause more than $200 million in property damage every year. Moreover, one out of three dryer fires is due to a clogged dryer vent, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The Certified Chimney Professionals at Bethesda Chimney are experts in cleaning chimney flues and vents for all types of heating appliances, including your clothes dryer in Greater Washington DC, Montgomery County, MD, and Northern VA area. Our annual dryer vent cleaning and monitoring service will give you peace of mind knowing that your dryer vent is not a fire or safety hazard. It will also tell you when the vent needs cleaning before it gets clogged.
Why Clean Your Dryer Vents?
I clean the lint tray before every use, so why do I still need to clean my dryer vents? Your clothes dryer is connected to an external exhaust vent. It may be a direct vent behind your dryer on an exterior facing wall, or it may be routed through ductwork to an external vent in the roof. In this scenario, there are several areas in the duct where lint and debris can accumulate, like around curves, before exiting the vent. Also, the external vent itself can get clogged or even damaged, restricting the release of heat and exhaust, which can cause a fire.
Fire Prevention
The lint tray catches some particles while drying your laundry, but not all of it. Some lint and other debris get stuck in the exhaust hose, ducts, and the external vent, preventing the heat from escaping outside. When the dryer vent gets hot enough, the lint can spark a fire that quickly spreads to combustible materials like walls, ceilings, flooring and the roof.
Warning Signs Your Dryer Vent May Be Clogged
Even though you may be diligent in cleaning the lint tray, your clothes dryer can still be a fire and safety hazard. Here are six warning signs that your dryer vent may need cleaning:
- It’s been more than 12 months since your last dryer vent cleaning
- There is a burning odor when your dryer is operating
- Your laundry room is more humid than usual
- Condensation on the walls near the dryer
- It takes longer to dry your laundry
- Lint or debris is behind your dryer or around the exhaust hose connection
Dryer Vent Cleaning Services in Greater Washington, DC
Ensure your dryer is performing at its best and prevent dryer vent fires by having Bethesda Chimney clean your dryer vents. We have the proper tools to unclog and clean out your dryer vents without the mess! Also, ask us about our new dryer vent monitoring system that notifies you when it's due for a cleaning.
We service chimneys, fireplaces, and dryer vents in Rockville, MD, North Bethesda, MD, Centreville, VA, Garrett Park, MD, Montgomery Village, MD, Tysons, VA, and communities in Montgomery County MD, Washington DC, and Northern VA. Call 301-969-4444 or 703-935-4444 to schedule an appointment today!
We may discover that the dryer vent was constructed improperly or with the wrong type of venting that will prevent us from cleaning your system.