Dryer vent cleaning
Today it is hard to imagine a modern residence without a washing and a dryer machine. But with the convenience you get by using a dryer machine, you expose your place to additional hazards. It is known that the dryers vents have potential fire hazards. Many people it is sufficient to clean a lint trap inside a dryer and it is everything needs to be done relating to dryer vent cleaning. Many do not realize that a lint trap catches only 60-70% of the lint produced by their dryers. The rest is accumulated 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 build up. These home fires are caused by clogged dryer vents and are easily preventable. Lint is extremely flammable substance and can be ignited either by a dryer itself or by the heat in 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 the dryer is on
There are a couple of factors thatcan worsen the failing process:
– You have a plastic dryer vent hose, which is not fire proof
– Your dryer machine 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 a lint trap at least once a week
– Use metal dryer vent hose instead of a plastic one
– Do not operate a dryer without the lint filter in place
– Clean the dryer vent hose 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. Unexperienced home owners can make it even worse.