Dryer Vent Cleaning
Lint buildup is a fire hazard you can prevent
Today it is hard to imagine a modern residence without a washer and a dryer. But with the convenience you get by using a dryer, you expose your place to additional hazards. It is known that dryer vents are a potential fire hazard. Many people think cleaning the lint trap inside the dryer is all that needs to be done for dryer vent cleaning. Many do not realize that a lint trap catches only 60-70% of the lint produced by their dryers. The rest accumulates inside the actual dryer venting and only a small amount of lint is taken outside. These lint buildups can lead to very serious problems, including home fires.
Over 15,000 home fires have been linked to dryers and lint buildup. These home fires are caused by clogged dryer vents and are easily preventable. Lint is an extremely flammable substance and can be ignited either by the dryer itself or by the heat on a hot summer day.
There Are Warning Signs You Need to Watch:
- Clothes are taking longer than normal to dry
- Clothes seem hotter than usual at the end of a drying cycle
- The flappers on your dryer vent exhaust do not open when the dryer is on
There are a couple of factors that can make it worse:
- You have a plastic dryer vent hose, which is not fireproof
- Your dryer is located far away from the exterior exhaust
- The route your dryer duct takes to get outside has a lot of bends and elbows
- You wash a lot of clothes soiled with flammable materials (gas, motor oil, cooking grease, etc.)
Tips to Reduce the Chance of Clogged Dryer Vents:
- Clean the lint trap at least once a week
- Use a metal dryer vent hose instead of a plastic one
- Do not operate the dryer without the lint filter in place
- Have the dryer vent hose cleaned regularly
- Ensure the outside flappers can open and close freely
- Avoid overloading the dryer
- Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions
- Keep flammable chemicals away from your dryer
- All duct joints should be secured with metal tape
- Never try to clean a dryer vent yourself. Inexperienced homeowners can make it even worse.