Reducing Your Fire and Health Risk

The startling fact is that clothes dryers are the number 1 source of fire damage in the home. In 1999 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission determined that most home fires originate from the lint traps and vents of dryers. Your lint trap catches about 60% of dryer lint, while the other 40% is expelled through your dryer vent system. Most of your dryer vent system may not be seen because it is in a confined area inside walls, floor joists, or crawl space. Fire that starts in this area may go unnoticed for some time.

Boosting Your Dryer's Performance

The following symptoms typically mean that it is time to get your dryer vent cleaned, thus boosting your dryer's performance: Clothes take longer to dry or don't fully dry. Clothes are hotter than normal at the end of the drying cycle. The outside of the dryer feels excessively warm to the touch. The outside vent flapper does not open much, indicating low exhaust velocity. The laundry room becomes more humid than usual. A burnt or musty odor is evident in the laundry room.

Save Money by Improving Dryer Efficiency

Every time your dryer completes a cycle of 45 to 60 minutes, you add about 70 cents to your power bill. If your clothes fail to dry properly in one cycle, think of the time and energy wasted.

How Often Should Your Dryer Vent Be Cleaned?

If you only dry 4 or 5 loads of laundry per week, a yearly cleaning should be sufficient. However, if you dry as many as 4 or 5 loads a day, it is probably a good idea to have your dryer vent professionally cleaned every 3-6 months.

HomeLife Now Offers Dryer Vent Cleaning

Call us anytime to schedule cleaning of your dryer vent (stacked washer/dryer combos not included at this time). Current prices start at $88. If your venting hose is longer than 4-5 feet, additional charges may apply. Vista Office - (760) 643-2150. Fallbrook Office - (760) 728-0906