It's essential to have your dryer's exhaust vents inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year. As a general rule, you should clean the dryer vent annually to remove any lint build-up. However, if you use the dryer frequently and the dryer duct is very long and has several turns, it may be necessary to clean the ventilation grille every six months. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
There are variables that affect how often you must clean the dryer's ventilation system. Generally speaking, the clothes dryer itself, as well as the ventilation, should be cleaned every 1 to 3 years. Set aside a few hours at least once a year (more if it gets clogged) and clothes will dry faster and more evenly. If the ventilation grille gets clogged and isn't cleaned, you could run the risk of the dryer overheating, which can cause a fire fairly quickly. The easiest way to determine if the dryer vent needs to be cleaned is to turn on the dryer and check the air flow in the outdoor vent hood.
Cleaning the dryer's ventilation grille inside or out depends on whether you want to do the thorough work or reduce complications. Lint accumulates inside the dryer even when the exhaust ducts are properly ventilated and with a properly maintained lint filter. The reduction in air flow is due to damaged transition ventilation behind the dryer, prolonged ventilation systems, multiple system curves, and excessive lint accumulation. The dryer vent cap is likely to be covered in lint, threads, and dirt if you go out and look at it. This is all because the clogged ventilation grille absorbs moisture from the dryer and does not release it properly, which in turn causes clothes and the ventilation grille to get too hot.
Turn off the dryer right away if you notice a strange smell, such as a burning smell, and make an appointment with a cleaning professional. Another great way to check the exhaust performance of the dryer vent is to use an anemometer. For families with four or more members or households that use the dryer more than the average person, it might be wise to clean the dryer vent twice a year. Because they realize that many people neglect to maintain their dryers, some manufacturers are starting to require annual cleaning of dryer vents throughout their warranty period to meet any potential claims. However, it's very easy to clean a dryer's vent on your own and it shouldn't take more than an hour or so.
The subsequent drying cycle tends to expel fresh items wherever they are when the dryer vent tube is overloaded with lint and debris. Also, think about how much it would cost to pay a company that specializes in dryer cleaning to come and clean your vents once a year. I have been in homes where dryer duct fires occurred and obstructions in dryer vents are a common cause of fires in the U. S. UU.
If your vents are not cleaned regularly, your dryer will be forced to work twice as hard to dry your clothes.
