Week in and week out, we load our laundry into the clothes dryer without a second thought. We flip the switch and fully expect warm, dry clothes to be waiting an hour later.
Unfortunately, many of us overlook a hidden danger that could turn a regular laundry day into a catastrophic event. While your dryer vent is probably out of sight and out of mind, the reality is that it can easily become clogged with lint and debris.
As you probably know, our mission at Empire Heating & Air is to keep you informed of dangers lurking in your home. Today, we shed some light on the critical subject of dryer vent safety and what you can do to prevent a tragedy.
Facing the Threat Head-On
It comes as no surprise that a significant proportion of home fires are caused by home appliances. The National Fire Protection Association reveals a harrowing statistic: nearly 16,000 home fires annually are linked to laundry appliances, with clothes dryers accounting for a staggering 92% of these incidents.
The repercussions are enormous, leading to injuries, loss of life, and millions in property damages. It’s a sobering reality that many of these tragic events stem from a preventable issue: a clogged dryer vent.
Luckily, there are a number of warning signals that you can pay attention to. If you notice any of these occurring in your laundry room, then it’s probably your dryer letting you know it’s time to clean the vent!
Red Flags from Your Dryer
- Longer Drying Times: Lint from your clothing can impede the dryer’s ability to extract and expel moisture from your clothing. Not only is this inefficient, but it can cause a serious fire risk.
- A Burning Odor: This is a critical warning; a lint-clogged vent is a fire just waiting to happen. When you smell anything abnormal coming from your dryer, you need to call us immediately.
- Excessive Heat: If the exterior of the dryer feels hot to the touch after a cycle, it probably means it isn’t properly venting the heat. The likely culprit is a duct that is clogged with dirt, lint and debris which could easily catch fire.
- Lint Accumulation Outside the Vent: If you notice that lint is building up around the outdoor vent exit, it’s a red flag signaling that it needs immediate attention.
- Moldy Smell: A clogged vent can foster mold growth. A moldy smell warrants immediate inspection and cleaning of your vent system.
- Automatic Shut-off Activation: Modern dryers might cease operation mid-cycle to prevent overheating. If this happens consistently, then it’s a sign of potential vent blockage.
We Can Secure Your Peace Of Mind
At Empire Heating & Air, we strongly urge you not to ignore any of these potential warning signs. Don’t put your home and your family at risk needlessly. We can help you avoid a tragic loss with a routine vent cleaning service.
Our team is equipped with specialized tools to clean your vent duct thoroughly, ensuring your home is safe and your dryer operates efficiently. We take care of everything, even cleaning up afterward!
An Ounce Of Prevention…
Before tragedy strikes, take preventive measures. Remember, a simple cleaning service not only keeps your home safe but also enhances your dryer’s efficiency, saving you money in the long run.
Don’t wait for a disaster to happen. Call Empire Heating & Air at (682) 233-3367 today and let us safeguard your home!