(BPT) - Did you know nearly 16,000 house fires each year involve a clothes dryer or washing machine, with 92% of them caused by dryers? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of dryer fires were caused by a failure to clean out lint and other debris.

Over time, dryer vents accumulate a significant amount of lint, which is highly combustible. Because dryers produce heat, a simple spark from the heating element could ignite lint in the dryer vent, starting a fire. Because dryer vents may travel through the walls of your home, fire spreading through a clogged vent can be disastrous. That's why it's essential to know how to prevent lint from accumulating in the first place.

This is even more crucial during the cold winter months, when everyone uses more blankets and heavier clothing, which increases dryer usage and creates more lint buildup. If your dryer vent is obstructed by too much lint, dust or debris, airflow is reduced, making the dryer work less efficiently - as well as increasing fire risk.

To help prevent house fires and improve your dryer's performance, longevity, and energy efficiency, the experts at Dryer Vent Wizard, a Neighborly Company, offer tips to keep your dryer working more efficiently, cleanly, and safely.

Start with the basics: The lint trap

If you're not in the habit of clearing your dryer's lint trap before every load of laundry, start now. That simple step addresses one part of the dryer's system that's easily accessible and within your control, helping to reduce some lint accumulation.

Check your installation

In many cases, dryer vents work less efficiently and cause problems if they weren't installed correctly in the first place. To ensure that your dryer vent system is set up correctly, schedule service with a local dryer vent professional. They can verify that your dryer vent is installed correctly, in good working order, and free of clogs or damage that could impede the venting process.

A dryer vent professional will also check that the outside vent is not obstructed by debris, foliage, or other obstacles. Once everything checks out and looks good, they'll suggest a routine maintenance schedule to ensure everything remains in working order.

Schedule regular vent cleaning

The majority of dryer fires could be avoided by regular vent cleaning. Removing highly flammable lint from inside the dryer vent system is one of the most effective ways to prevent dryer vent fires. Thoroughly cleaning your dryer vent goes way beyond checking the lint trap. Dryer Vent Wizard professionals are experts in vent cleaning, utilizing professional tools and techniques to ensure your dryer vent is thoroughly cleaned.

When to get your dryer vent cleaned

Are you unsure when your dryer vent was last cleaned? It's probably overdue. Experts recommend annual cleaning to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Watch for these warning signs, which may indicate that you need to have your vent cleaned immediately.

• Overly hot clothes: If your dryer is running too hot, you may notice freshly dried clothes are consistently hot to the touch. The cause may be a vent blockage, a serious safety issue that needs to be addressed promptly by cleaning the vent and ensuring proper airflow. For dryer vents that are too long or not correctly designed for the system, a dryer vent professional may recommend installing a booster fan to improve airflow.
  
  
• Too much lint: You may start noticing excess lint around the dryer vent, the dryer's opening, and on your clothes. This is a surefire indication that lint from your dryer is not being vented properly.
  
  
• Increased drying time: Are your clothes taking longer and longer to dry? This is another indication you may have a clogged or damaged vent. A load of clothes should dry in a single cycle, about 45 minutes, depending on the material and load size. If it's taking longer to dry the same size load, you may have a problem that needs to be addressed.
  
  
• Higher energy costs: A less obvious sign you have a dryer vent issue is rising energy costs. If you track monthly utility expenses and notice a steady increase over the last 3-4 months, it could be the result of a less efficient dryer. A clogged or damaged vent will lead to increased drying times, which means your dryer is running longer and working harder to dry clothes.

Having your dryer vent professionally cleaned will reduce unnecessary strain on the system, helping to prevent major repairs and extending your dryer's lifespan. Most importantly, having a clean dryer vent offers you and your family peace of mind.

Visit DryerVentWizard.com for more information and to schedule service today.