Dryer Vent Safety Checklist: Protect Your Sacramento Home and Family

When most homeowners think about dryer maintenance, they picture cleaning the lint screen after a load of laundry. While that’s important, what many don’t realize is that lint also builds up deep inside the dryer vent system—creating one of the leading causes of house fires in the United States.

Beyond the fire hazard, a clogged vent forces your dryer to work harder, wastes energy, shortens the appliance’s lifespan, and reduces indoor air quality.

At Breathe Better Inc., we specialize in professional dryer vent cleaning in Sacramento County to help families protect their homes, lower utility bills, and breathe cleaner air.

To make it easier for homeowners, we’ve created this Dryer Vent Safety Checklist so you’ll know how to maintain your system, recognize warning signs, and understand when it’s time for professional service.

Dryer Vent Safety Checklist

Every Load

• Clean the lint screen before or after each cycle.

• Check the dryer door seal for lint buildup.

Weekly

• Vacuum around, behind, and under the dryer to remove dust and lint.

• Make sure the vent connection is secure.

Monthly

• Inspect your outdoor vent cover (if you have one). It should open easily when the dryer runs and remain free of lint, leaves, or animal nests.

• Watch for signs of poor airflow, such as clothes taking longer to dry or your laundry room becoming unusually hot or humid.

Annually

• Schedule a professional dryer vent cleaning in Sacramento to remove lint and debris from the entire system.

• Confirm your vent is made of rigid metal ducting, not foil or plastic, which are fire hazards.

• Keep vent runs short and as straight as possible for better airflow.

Warning Signs of a Clogged or Unsafe Dryer Vent

• Clothes require more than one cycle to dry.

• A burning smell becomes noticeable while the dryer is running.

• Lint is visible around the outside vent cover.

• The laundry room feels hotter or more humid than usual.

These signs should never be ignored—what seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly turn into a serious fire hazard.

Look at all that lint built up! No wonder it was taking the dryer a long time to work.

Why Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Matters

Even with consistent maintenance, lint naturally collects where you cannot see it. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends professional dryer vent cleaning at least once a year to reduce the risk of fire.

At Breathe Better Inc., our Sacramento dryer vent cleaning services are designed to:

• Remove hidden lint and fire hazards

• Improve indoor air quality

• Reduce energy bills by improving dryer efficiency

• Extend the lifespan of your dryer

• Provide peace of mind for your family

See all that lint hidden at the top of the dryer vent duct.

Free Dryer Vent Inspection in Sacramento County

At Breathe Better Inc., we’re proud to help families across Sacramento County breathe cleaner air and live in safer homes. To make it simple, we offer a free, no-obligation inspection of your dryer vent, air ducts, and chimney.

Call us today at (916)620-7090 or schedule your free inspection online. Protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind with the dryer vent cleaning Sacramento homeowners trust.