From replacing damaged locks to installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, homeowners strive to keep their properties and families safe. Little do they know these efforts should include regular dryer duct cleaning, too. To understand why this task is necessary, here is a look at dangers associated with dirty dryer ducts and how to proceed when it needs cleaning.

What You Should Know About Dryer Duct Cleaning

The Dangers of Not Cleaning

Dryer air is vented out of the house through a dryer duct. Lint not caught in the lint trap accumulates in the duct and on the heating element.

Lint is flammable, and static electricity, a blown fuse, or a spark from the heating element could cause it to ignite. Approximately 15,500 fires each year are caused by dirty or faulty clothes dryers. Carbon monoxide can also build up in your home because of a clog.

Insects and rodents also take up residence in lint-covered ducts, increasing the risk of disease-spreading, property-destroying pests ending up inside the house.

Signs Cleaning Is Necessary

A clogged duct can cause clothes to stay soaking wet or damp after you take them out of the dryer. The fabric might also have a burning stench due to the buildup of hot air in the drum. The warm air could also seep from the appliance, leaving the area hotter or muggier than usual.

Why You Should Call a Professional

There are several appliance upkeep tasks you can perform, but dryer duct cleaning is not one of them. It’s best to hire a professional, as there’s plenty of room for error with the DIY approach.

Depending on where the dryer is located, the ductwork can extend several feet, snaking around beams and other structural supports. In an attempt to clear the intricate channel, you could dent or crack the interior lining. The brush used could also get stuck inside the passageway. A repair technician would have to dismantle the assembly to get it out.

If you can’t remember the last time the clothes dryer duct was cleaned, contact the professionals at Always On Call Mountain Mechanical in Anchorage, AK. The licensed technicians not only have the equipment to remove lint from ducts, but they will also provide plumbing repairs to cut back on water waste and heating system maintenance to keep your family warm during winter. To schedule duct cleaning, call (907) 344-0700, look online for special offers, and keep up with news alerts on Facebook.