The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that clothes dryers are associated with approximately 15,600 fires yearly. Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.
According to recent industry studies, an excessivly clogged dryer vent may add an additional $18-$24 dollars to your home's energy bill. That translates to almost $300 a year in unnecessary fees.