When it comes to appliance repair, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The National Fire Protection Association reported that clothing dryers were the cause of more than 15,500 home fires in 2010. According to Niceley’s Appliance Repair in Erlanger, KY, this hazard can easily be avoided by routine maintenance and easy tasks such as keeping your dryer vents clean. Here are three reasons why you should be cleaning your dryer vents annually.

Fire Prevention

As mentioned above, the most important reason to keep those vents free of debris is to reduce the likelihood of your appliance catching on fire. When lint, dust, and other materials build up in your dryer hose and vent duct, this reduces airflow and backs up exhaust gasses. This might eventually result in a fire while you’re trying to dry your clothes. Not to mention, breathing in those toxic fumes is hazardous to your health.

Energy Efficiency

When there is lint buildup on your screen or your dryer vent is clogged, you are using more energy than necessary to dry your clothing. This not only runs up your electricity bill as you spend twice the time to finish one load, but also reduces the lifespan of your dryer thanks to increased use. Cleaning your lint filter in between cycles will improve your energy usage by 30% by allowing heat and air to circulate efficiently.  

Pest Deterrent

Household pests see clogged dryer vents as an invitation to move into your home. Lint buildup can prevent your duct hood flap from opening and closing properly, makes it easy for unwanted guests to make themselves at home. These warm, soft spots present desirable living spaces for small animals, especially in the winter.

For nearly 20 years, residents of the Northern Kentucky area have turned to Niceley’s Appliance Repair for their home heating and air conditioning needs, including appliance parts and repairs. They are a local family-owned business that treats every customer like family, providing a one-stop shop for all your home appliance needs. View a full list of their appliance repair services online, or call (859) 342-9900 to speak with a knowledgeable member of their team about your next project.