Residential dryer vent cleaning is one of the household tasks that most house owners forget about. Not only will the blocked dryer vent decrease the efficiency of your appliance, it will also be a fire risk.
U. S. Fire Administration has claimed that the results of not cleaning dryer vents are one of the leading causes of home fires. Our guide will provide more information on how to carry out residential dryer vent cleaning and related warning signs of dirty ducts.
Indications That You Need Residential Dryer Vent Cleaning
It is possible to identify the symptoms of a clogged dryer vent and resolve the problem before it leads to a severe problem. The following are some of the major symptoms that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned:
- It is taking longer to dry your clothes: When your clothes take longer than normal to dry, then it may be an indication that your dryer vent is clogged and you need residential dryer vent cleaning Toronto. A clogged vent limits the amount of air travelling through it, and therefore, your dryer will have difficulty in discharging hot and damp air.
- Burning smell: You are feeling a burning smell when using your dryer, and that is a big red flag. This odour may indicate that the lint may have accumulated in harmful amounts and is overheating.
- Overheating: Clogs may cause overheating in the dryer and the laundry room. When you realize that your laundry room is unusually hot, or your clothes are extremely hot due to the drying process, then it is time to clean your vent.
- Sticky odour: A musty smell of clothes that have been placed in a dryer indicates that the dryer is not completely drying the clothes.
- Lint in excess: The unusual lint accumulation after the use of the dryer may be a sign of a blocked vent.
Step 1: Disconnect the Dryer from the Power Source
This is the first step in the residential dryer vent cleaning process. It simply involves switching off your electric dryer by unplugging it. Always make sure not to disconnect the gas from the supply valve. When you have a gas-powered dryer, you must turn off the gas valve so it is not running to the dryer when you are working on it.
In case you have problems with using your gas-powered dryer, we advise you to contact a professional in order to maintain your equipment.
Step 2: Dislodge the Duct to the Dryer
Wear a protective dust mask when doing residential dryer vent cleaning Toronto. Cautiously proceed to move the dryer out of the wall, keeping the rear dryer vent of the machine open. At this point, the exhaust duct can be disconnected from the machine. Generally, the connections are merely held by clamping them into the metal, although in other situations, a screwdriver might be required. Check the dryer vent, which typically is a tube of flexible plastic or rigid or semi- rigid metal, to ensure that it is not broken or damaged.
Fix any little tears with non-paper tape, such as duct tape or metal duct repair tape. In case the duct is highly damaged, change it.
Step 4: Clean the Exterior Vent
Unscrew any cover and also examine the cover to check whether there is damage and it requires repair. Again, you can vacuum out, or with your vent brush attachment, you can vacuum out the lint and debris, then use your vacuum to vacuum out the lint.
Step 5: Reconnect the Vent and Test Run
Once you are convinced that you have removed all the contents of your dryer vent, reconnect the outer vent cover. Next, reconnect the interior vent to the actual dryer, and make sure that it is fastened.
Return your dryer and put it back to the electrical outlet or switch on the gas valve.
Test your work by passing your hand over the machine and checking to ensure that there is only flow that is outside or a small load of laundry is on and the vent is in place and functioning correctly. Your residential dryer vent cleaning is done, enjoy and remember to note the next cleaning in your to-do list!
