Dyer Vent Maintenance & Installation

Thousands of structural fires occur, every year, because of dryer vent clogs.  This can be prevented with the proper regular cleaning.  A small percentage of lint from your clothing is collected in the lint trap.  The larger percentage collects in the venting system.  This restricts airflow, and causes the dryer to utilize more energy.  Lint is a highly combustible material.  Reduced airflow, highly combustible material, and high heat is a recipe for a potential home fire.  Pull out the lint trap and take a look under and around the inside where the trap sits.  If you see large chunks of buildup, more then likely there is more along the vent line where you cannot see, and you should call a professional to inspect, clean the line if needed, or repair / replace the line if needed.  

Some of the most common dryer vent mistakes are:

Dryer vent lines too long / or having too many bends.  Shorter and straighter is better, though you may not have any control over how the home was built.  

Metal vents should be used, which is specified by most manufacturers.  Plastic or foil extenders can be flammable and flimsy.  The metal vents additionally resist crushing better then the plastic or foil, allowing for better airflow.  

Not leaving enough space between the dryer and wall is another mistake.  Many people place their dryer up against the wall, thus crushing any venting materials.  This reduces airflow, increases buildup, and prevents the dryer from drying at a normal rate.  As a result, the high temperature limit safety switch will cycle on and off in order to control the heater.  This continuous cycling on and off causes the switch to fail over time.

Lastly, failure to clean the dryer duct.  As stated above, clogged vents restrict the airflow with highly combustible material.  

Call JBB Heating, AC, and Plumbing at 703-368-9626, to schedule your air duct inspection, and let our technician professionally determine whether or not a cleaning is indeed necessary for your home.        

                                                                     Dirty Lint Trap

                                                                     Bent / Constricted Vent Line

                                                                    Lint Buildup Inside the Dryer

                                                                     Buildup Inside the Vent Line