Hiring someone to fix your plumbing or paint the exterior of your home is commonplace, but many homeowners don’t realize the importance of hiring someone to clean or repair dryer vents. And unlike a busted pipe or chipping paint, unkempt dryer vents can lead to life-threatening outcomes.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 13,800 dryer fires occur in homes annually. That’s 40 dryer fires a day or one every 37 minutes! Many Recently, publications like Consumer Reports and Reader’s Digest have documented dryer fire dangers, and the public is becoming more aware of the hazard.
The Unseen Dangers of A Clogged Dryer Vent
Dryer Vent Wizard is the nation’s leader in dryer vent repair, cleaning and maintenance, so we know exactly what kind of problems can arise from a dirty, faulty dryer vent. Aside from being a fire hazard, there are three poisonous toxins and gases that may arise from a dirty dryer vent:
- Mold: One of the most important functions of a dryer vent system is to eliminate moisture during the drying process. If the moisture isn’t properly escaping through the dryer vent due to lint back up or crushing of the vent, mold will grow, leading to both structural damage and health problems such as allergies and irritation in the nose, throat and lungs.
- Carbon Monoxide: Gas dryers can be a carbon monoxide poisoning risk if not properly maintained. Clogged, damaged, or obstructed dryer vents prevent exhaust fumes from properly exiting the vent line and when the line is obstructed, harmful gases can build up inside the home, creating a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Bacteria Growth: Dryer vents clogged from lint, nests and other debris can result in increased bacteria growth in the area. With germs spreading throughout the home’s air will increase allergies, headaches and overall sickness.
With toxins and bacteria potentially growing in your dryer vent, homeowners risk the health of their family and even risk losing their home due to a fire starting in the dryer vent. So why not give your local Dryer Vent Wizard a call today to inspect your vent?