Dryer Vent Cleaning Services in Cook, Lake, and McHenry County

It shocks many people to hear that clothes dryer fires are responsible for more than 15,000 house fires every year in the U.S., and that “failure to clean” is the leading cause of these fires. The fact is, if you don’t follow the recommended steps for maintenance and cleaning, a simple load of laundry can turn into a tragedy. Both house fires and incidences of carbon monoxide poisoning have been linked back to neglected clothes dryers.

Sometimes fires start in dryers that function perfectly, but oftentimes they start because great clumps of lint have collected in the vent where they become a major fire hazard. For your continued safety, this lint should be removed annually by an Aelite Chimney Specialties professional. Our line of work—the chimney business—naturally extends to dryer vent cleaning because the dryer vent acts much like a chimney, directing unwanted byproducts and fumes out of your home. Dryer vents can also be obstructed by many of the same things we see in chimneys, including nesting animals and insects. A clean dryer duct will allow your dryer to run safely and efficiently, drying your clothes faster and saving you money on utilities.

There are several steps you can take on your own to reduce the risk of fire (see below), but if you can’t remember the last time you had your dryer vent professionally cleaned—or if you never have—we recommend making an appointment with one of our certified dryer vent technicians today.

Tips To Avoid A Clothes Dryer Fire

• Have your clothes dryer professionally installed. Make this a “DIY” project, and you’re putting yourself at risk of a fire.
• Don’t leave your dryer running when you leave the house or after you’ve gone to sleep at night.
• Use metal dryer ducts instead of foil or plastic dryer ducts, which can sag. Also avoid ducts that have ridges because the ridges can trap lint. Metal ducts are also better able to contain a fire should one start.
• Clean your dryer duct regularly. Most of us assume that cleaning our lint trap out after each load of laundry will suffice, but it’s extremely important to also get inside of your dryer duct to vacuum out accumulated lint. A professional will be able to thoroughly remove any fire hazards lurking there.
• Once a year, pull out your washer and dryer and clean away the lint or any dirty or filmy substance that’s gathered inside, behind, and underneath these appliances.

Schedule With Us Today

For more information on dryer vent safety or to schedule your annual maintenance, call Aelite Chimney Specialties at (815) 363-1242 or click here to schedule an appointment.

Having your chimney swept regularly is one of the simplest things you can do to ensure your family’s safety. Let the team at Aelite perform this professional chimney service today.