Cleaning dryer vents is something on a honey-do list, but in essence, it’s better to have a professional do it.

Here’s why.

The National Fire Protection Agency estimates that clothes dryers were responsible for over 17,000 house fires in 2023, a staggering number that accounts for 5% of all house fires.

The lint in your dryer vent is extremely flammable, creating a significant fire threat as it accumulates. Additionally, exhaust fumes can get backed up when airflow is blocked, creating a danger of carbon dioxide.

In addition, excess lint can cause higher energy bills—up to 30%—and shorten the life of your dryer because you have to run it more often to get the clothes dry.

So, it’s really important to get your dryer vents cleaned at least once a year by a professional, especially if your vent runs a longer distance from the dryer to the outside. You may have the urge to do it yourself; however, if you’re not a qualified expert, you might not remove all of the lint—and worse, you might compact the lint.

Stay safe with this easy but important cleaning, which is quick, efficient, and affordable.