1. A new dryer costs a lot of money.
A clogged dryer vent causes your dryer to work harder. As with most things that have to work harder, this decreases its lifespan. Regularly cleaning your dryer vent helps it function better both now and later, helping you avoid a costly replacement.
2. Protect your favorite shirt!
To compensate for a clogged vent, a dryer will often produce more heat. The extra heat is hard on your clothes, wearing them down much more quickly.
3. Quit wasting time and money waiting for the laundry to finish.
A common belief among homeowners is that the older a dryer is, the more it “wears down,” causing longer drying times. Many people think nothing of having to run their clothes through several cycles, chalking it up to an old dryer. In reality, a clogged vent prevents proper air flow, which restricts the functionality of the dryer. To save drying time, you may simply need to clean the lint out of your dryer vent.
4. Be nice to the environment.
When the running time increases, your machine consumes more energy. Not only is this a waste of environmental resources, it increases your utility bill.
5. Breathe freely and quit sneezing!
Allergens thrive where there is excessive moisture. When your dryer does not fully dry your clothes, moisture gets into the walls of the vents, where mold and bacteria build up and release pollutants and allergens into your home. Many times, an increase in allergy symptoms can be traced back to a clogged dryer vent.
6. Carbon Monoxide is VERY BAD!
A buildup of lint in your dryer vent prevents your dryer from properly disposing of harmful gases. Carbon monoxide has no odor, taste, or color, so it is difficult to detect. If the fumes begin to overpower your home, it puts you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. To keep you and your family from ingesting harmful fumes and gases, it is important that you clean your dryer vent regularly.
7. Lint Is Highly Flammable
Not only does a clogged dryer vent threaten your home with dangerous gases, it is also a fire risk. The dry lint combined with the heat have caused countless dryer fires and will continue to do so as long as homeowners do not properly clean their vents. While it may seem like a small matter, cleaning your dryer vent is important both for your health and for your wallet. Taking the time to care for your appliances can save you a major headache in the future.