Owning your home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with new responsibilities. Handling your own maintenance and repairs can be an adjustment, particularly if you’re used to having a landlord handle it for you. Learning about how often different parts of your home need to be serviced can be tricky, but it’s necessary if you want to keep your home and appliances in good working order. Dryer vents are easy to forget about, but dirty vents can have a noticeable effect on your health and comfort if left untouched. If you’re not sure if you need cleaning for your dryer vents, read on to find out how often you should plan to schedule one.
How often should you schedule cleaning for your dryer vents?
The vent is the part of your clothes dryer that moves the moisture outside. Regular dryer vent cleaning is essential if you want your home to stay safe. There are several warning signs that your dryer vent needs cleaning that you should keep an eye out for. For example, a clogged vent can cause your dryer to take twice as long to dry your clothes. You may also notice a faint burning smell when the machine is operating, and the machine itself can become unusually hot to the touch.
Take the time to check the outside vent opening, too. If there’s lint or debris coming from the opening, it’s probably time to have your dryer vents cleaned. If the duct hood flap doesn’t open, lint may be blocking the system’s air flow, which is another sign that it needs to be cleaned. Even if you haven’t observed any of these red flags, you should still schedule a dryer vent cleaning at least once per year. Many homeowners don’t realize that a dirty dryer vent hose can also lower the quality of their indoor air.
What else can you do to improve indoor air quality?
If you want to improve the quality of your indoor air, there are plenty of steps you can take after you’ve had your clothes dryer vent cleaned. As a matter of fact, even just deep cleaning your home can benefit your air quality. Experts say that vacuuming once or twice a week with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter can help to eliminate contaminants and allergens in your home. Bedding, drapes, and other items that can trap dust and allergens should also be laundered frequently.
An air purifier is a great investment if you care about the air quality in your home. You can place purifiers in high-traffic or frequently used rooms, like your kitchen or bedroom, to help capture some of the contaminants in the air. Air purifiers are useful for anyone with allergies who wants to try to minimize the presence of pet dander. Damp areas can also benefit from a dehumidifier, which can prevent mold growth.
The truth is that breathing in polluted air can have a major impact on your overall health and wellness. Poor air quality has been connected to many heart and lung problems, including coronary artery disease, emphysema, respiratory infections, stroke, and cancer. It can also exacerbate or worsen the symptoms of conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Air quality isn’t discussed as much as it should be, but it should be a priority for every homeowner. The quality of your indoor air will affect many different aspects of your quality of life at home, and air pollution can create serious risks for your health and safety. Dirty dryer vents can cause poor air quality, especially when neglected for a longer period of time. You should schedule a dryer vent cleaning at least once a year, though if you notice any signs of disrepair, it’s always best to have a technician inspect your dryer if you want to avoid a potentially costly breakdown.