Clean Your Dryer Vent

Over 15,000 house fires happen every year due to clothes dryer fires. Debris can build up in your dryer vent and reduce air flow to the dryer. A reduction in air flow can cause the clothes in the dryer to overheat and ignite. Experts suggest that the primary cause of clothes dryer fires is failure to clean and maintain them. You should clean your dryer annually and perform inspections of the hose and vent for any blockages twice a year.

Indication that it's time to clean your dryer vent:

• Clothing do not dry completely after drying cycle

• Drying time for clothing takes longer than normal

• Musty odor in the clothing after drying cycle

• Clothing are unusually hot to the touch after drying cycle

• Notice debris outside the dryer vent opening

• Room where dryer is located becomes excessively hot while in operation

• Excessive amount of lint in lint-trap during dryer operation

• Excessive odor from dryer sheets during dryer operation

Cleaning Your Dryer Vent

Failure to clean often leads to home clothes dryer fires!

• Remove accumulated lint from the exhaust duct at the back of the dryer.

• Use a long-handled brush to clear the vent that leads outside.

Tips to decrease debris

• Limit the use of dryer sheets used when drying clothing.

• Instead of dryer sheets, use liquid fabric softener.

• Only operate clothing dryers for intervals of 30 to 40 minutes per load of laundry to allow more air circulation within the dryer.

• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.

• Clean the lint filter before and after each cycle.

• Check the venting system behind the dryer to make sure that it is not damaged, crushed, or restriction.

• Make sure that the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is operating.

Dryer Safety Tips

Use Only Rigid Or Flexible Metal Venting Material

Most clothes dryer manufacturers specify the use of flexible or rigid metal venting material for sustaining proper drying time and airflow. Any plastic or coiled wire foil dryer venting should be replaced immediately with rigid non-ribbed metal ducts.

Make Sure Air Exhaust Vent Pipe Is Unrestricted

Blocked dryer vents are one of the leading causes of dryer fires. Lint can accumulate within the hoses and cause restriction and or complete blockage. The build-up restricts airflow, which may cause overheating and fire.

Never Run the Dryer When You Leave Home or Are Sleeping

Fires cannot be noticed or dealt with early if no one is home. In addition, if you are asleep, it may be too late before you realize that your house is on fire. For safety, consider running the dryer only when you are home and or awake. Keep a fire extinguisher in your laundry room for safety.

Hire A Professional

Dryer vent cleaning typically costs between $100 and $150. A cleaning can actually pay for itself through the improved efficiency (reduced drying times). You can purchase vent cleaning kits and do it yourself, but most store-bought kits are not as effective as ones used by professionals. Hiring an experienced professional will provide you with the assurance that the job was done correctly.

Report: NFPA's "Home Fires Involving Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines"

Author: Richard Campbell

Issued: March 2017

Report highlights 

• In 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 15,970 home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year.
• These fires caused annual averages of 13 civilian deaths, 444 civilian injuries, and $238 million in direct property damage.
• The vast majority of fires (92%) involved clothes dryers.
• The leading items first ignited in dryer fires were dust, fiber or lint (26% of total) and clothing (26%), while items first ignited in washing machine fires were part of the appliance itself, including wire or cable insulation (26%), appliance housing or casing (24%), and drive belt (11%).

If you need help or would like to learn more on how you can protect your home and family, please contact us. 

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