Some systems can be complex. Professional dryer vent service companies have special tools to take good care of your system and can be a wonderful resource for regular maintenance.
Cleaning a dryer's exhaust system is so much more than routine cleaning of the lint trap, or lint screen, with each load of laundry. It's more than wiping the dryer's drum with warm, sudsy water and a cloth.
It's entirely possible that the dryer's warranty wouldn't be honored by the manufacturer if the system wasn't routinely maintained, once per year at a minimum.
The most important reason to maintain the dryer's exhaust system is to avoid a potential hazard. Lint accumulates in areas other than the lint screen, as the lint screen captures roughly only 90% of the lint produced. The lint that escapes the lint trap is moved through the dryer's exhaust duct by the hot, humid airflow and it adheres to the moist passageway, building up over time. This flammable lint poses a fire risk as it restricts airflow, affecting the dryer's performance by causing it to overheat.
Cleaning frequency could change from annually to a six-month cycle based on the following criteria:
- How many loads of laundry you do per week
- Length of your dryer's exhaust duct
- How many bends are in the entire length of your dryer's duct
- Pets? Fur and animal dander are huge contributors to blockages
- The exterior wall vent type and the condition of it
- What brand of laundry detergent you use (some of the less expensive brands are very sticky and leave a residue behind)
- Dryer manufacturer's requirements
Dryers in summer and winter homes are used less frequently and maintenance can be stretched, depending on the washing frequency of heavy blankets and winter clothing, as well as the presence of pet fur and dander.
When it comes to maintaining your home, checking to see what is going on behind the dryer is a crucial part of this maintenance. It keeps the dryer working at peak performance and helps to avoid the buildup of hot, humid air in your home and subsequent introduction of mold. While you are checking the dryer's exhaust system, ensure you have the safest, most efficient transition duct behind your dryer. DryerFlex is the transition duct that's safe, efficient and easy to install.
It is important to be certain the entire system is well maintained including the inside of the dryer.