Photo: Mike Fig Photo (Shutterstock)
While dryer sheets are often touted as being versatile odor absorbers, they really only belong in the dryer. It might seem like a simple and cost-effective way to cut down on smells coming from vents in your HVAC, but that’s a bad idea. Some claims have even been made that dryer sheets will extend the life of your air filters, but this is sadly not the case. There are several reasons you shouldn’t be using dryer sheets in any of your HVAC vents.
The chemicals in dryer sheets can negatively affect your health
According to the National Institute of Health, chemicals used as scent in laundry products can cause asthma attacks and migraines, as well as eye, skin, and throat irritation. Because dryers vent to the outdoors, these scents travel mostly out of the air supply in your home. However, if you’re intentionally circulating them inside, they will be present in higher concentrations. Manufacturers aren’t obligated to reveal the ingredients in scented products, so you wouldn’t necessarily know which irritants, some of which are classified by the EPA as hazardous air pollutants, are present in your dryer sheets.
Dryer sheets pose a fire risk when used in a heating vent
If the medical risks don’t dissuade you from using dryer sheets in your HVAC, consider that constricting the air flow in a heating vent can cause a fire hazard. Anything blocking the vents in your HVAC system can cause the fan to eventually overheat due to overworking the machine. This can cause a fire and ignite anything in the vents, including dust and debris like dryer sheets that have been sucked into the vents. The National Fire Protection Association names heating equipment as the number one cause of house fires, so keeping yours clear of hazards and obstructions is very important.
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They will cause higher utility bills and repair costs
Even if you don’t cause a fire, obstructing your HVAC vents in any way can cause your utility bills to rise, as the fan will need to work harder to push air through the system. Your electric bill will go up, and the efficiency of the fan unit will go down, making your system cost more to do less work. Increasing the load on the air circulation system can also shorten the life span of your HVAC system, causing it to need to be repaired or replaced sooner. If a dryer sheet gets sucked all the way into the air filter, it will stay there until you remove it, obstructing air flow and potentially damaging the fan. One of the best things you can do to keep your utility bills low is to keep your vents clear from everything, including dryer sheets.
What to do about HVAC system smells
If the air from your HVAC system smells bad, that could be a sign that maintenance is required. Having your vents cleaned and inspected and making sure that there’s no moisture build-up where it shouldn’t be is a better fix than using a dryer sheet. Mold and mildew can be bad for your health, so covering up the smell rather than addressing the cause can be dangerous. Keeping the vents clear, you can use some essential oil mixed with water sprinkled on the vents to improve the smell in your home without damaging the system–just make sure your essential oil doesn’t contain lung or eye irritants.
