In this blog entry, the expert Chicago dryer vent cleaning team here at EmDuct will describe the main differences between dryer vents and lint traps.
What exactly is a lint trap?
Lint traps, also called lint screens, are an essential part of your dryer. They are located inside or on top of your dryer door, and trap loose dust, fibers, or other particulate matter from clothing as it dries. The main role of lint traps is to prevent lint from entering your dryer vent which can block it and reduce air flow. It’s essential to regularly clean your lint traps, especially after every load of laundry. This encourages maximum airflow. Ignoring this can cause your dryer to overheat, take too long to dry, and consume too much energy.
What exactly is a dryer vent?
Dryer vents are exhaust systems that are built to funnel out hot air, small particulates, and moisture from dryers to the exterior of your home. Dyer net systems include nuts that connect dryers to outdoor vent covers, usually constructed of flexible or rigid metal that can resist high temperatures and minimize lint build up.
Since they lead to the outdoors, dryer vents are much harder to clean and access than lint traps. Clogged or dirty dryer ents can cause a range of issues including mold growth from moisture stuck inside, overheating, and possible dangerous fire risk. This is why regular dryer vent cleaning is very very important.
Why do lint traps and dryer vents require regular cleaning?
It’s essential to maintain both lint traps and dryer ents for safety and efficiency. If you forget to clean your lint trap, a bunch of lint will enter the dryer and clog it, reducing airflow. This reduced airflow will cause the dryer to work much harder to expel out moisture, which will increase energy costs and overheat your dryer, potentially causing fires. Only through professional dryer vent cleaning services can you make sure that your dryer is optimally functioning.
Main Differences Between Dryer Vents and Lint Traps
- Dryer vents extend from the rear of the dryer to the exterior of your house, usually running through floors or walls
- Lint Traps are located inside dryers, usually at the dryer door or just inside the opening of the door
- Lint traps capture lint and particulate matter to prevent them from entering dryer vents
- Dryer vents carry hot moist air from dryers to the exterior of your home, which removes mature and heat from your living space
- Lint traps should be cleaned after every load of laundry to ensure the dryer stays working well
- Dryer vents should be professionally cleaned once a year, and more often than this if you notice any problems with drying times or air flow issues
What are the benefits of regular lint trap cleaning and dryer vent cleaning?
- Improved dryer efficiency
- Enhanced safety – protection against the risk of fires caused by lint igniting
- Energy / cost savings associated with increased dryer efficiency