Dryer vent systems which are clogged with lint will overheat and ignite; this type of fire spreads quickly. Other things that lead to dryer fires are cleaning rags soaked with flammable chemicals. These should be line dried, even if they have been washed, as residue can remain. The heat from the dryer can cause the materials to ignite inside your dryer.
Your dryer vent removes heat, moisture and lint from your home; however, some of the moist lint sticks to the sides of the dryer ducts, forming a paste-like substance that dries and hardens. As more lint accumulates, air flow is restricted, the dryer vent system overheats and ignites..
Here are some tips for maintaining your clothes dryer vent system:
Clean the lint screen after every load ? your dryer will operate more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and reducing the risk of a fire
Wash the lint screen periodically to remove residue from softener sheets
Inspect and clean your dryer vent often ? check to see that it is expelling air when the dryer is running
Do not place rags soaked in flammable chemicals in your dryer
Do not store flammable chemicals near the dryer
Have a qualified dryer exhaust professional inspect and clean your dryer vent system at least once a year
Do not leave your home or go to sleep when the dryer is running
Appliance maintenance is essential in saving money on utility bills, reducing wear and tear on your appliance and preventing clothes dryer fires.
Rhonda Nole is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent cleaning and repair professional who inspects dryer vent systems to be sure they are properly installed and up to current safety codes. Read Rhonda's new blog for more dryer vent cleaning and safety tips.
Dryer Vent Cleaning System
UL Rating
Underwriters Laboratories is the trusted source across the US for product compliance. They have tested products for consumer safety for more than a century. The UL rating should be printed on a label in your clothes dryer, or the owner’s manual. If your clothes dryer is new it is most likely UL approved. If you just purchased your new dryer and connected it to your existing dryer vent system, you still have a potential problem. Older dryer ducts, made of vinyl or plastic do not meet current city, state and manufacturer’s codes. A professional dryer vent service and repair technician can quickly spot problems and install the proper system to keep your new (or old) dryer functioning safely and efficiently.
Length
Your dryer vent and duct systems carries lint, heat and moisture from your clothes dryer to the outside of your home. The longer the vent is, the harder your dryer will work and the greater your chances are of lint build-up within the system. The moisture from your wet clothing causes lint to stick to the sides of the duct work. As lint builds up, air flow is restricted, causing overheating and fire hazard. With a shorter duct system, the lint has a greater chance of making its way to the outside.
Twists, turns and sags
A sagging, vinyl dryer vent tube or one that has many bends will also cause air flow problems and reduce the efficiency of your clothes dryer. Like any appliance, one that works harder costs more to operate. Dryers that are located in the basement, on upper floors or on inside walls have longer duct systems that are more difficult for the average homeowner to access and clean. A dryer vent cleaning specialist has special tools for performing this task.
Smooth Material
What does the inside of your dryer vent tubing look and feel like? Are there screws protruding where pieces are joined together? The duct should be as smooth as possible on the inside to allow lint to escape instead of catching on screws and fasteners. Newer systems are made of semi-rigid metal and parts are designed to connect to each other without the use of screws to prevent this problem.
This article was written by Gina Fazil, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Sacramento, California. DVW specializes in dryer vent cleaning, repairs & alterations, while educating consumers on dryer vent maintenance and fire prevention. Gina Fazil of http://www.dryerventwizard.com services Sacramento, El Dorado, Solano, Yolo, Folsom, Vallejo, Vacaville, Roseville and neighboring communities.
Both Dayne & Dayne Benson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dayne has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interview Questions, Franchise and Home Management. Dryer Vent Wizard is a nationwide company, Dryer Vent Wizard professionally inspects and cleans clothing dryers for homeowners and in commercially-owned buildings. Poorly maintained dryer vents cause fire hazards and cost substantially more to operate.At. Dayne's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.
Dayne Benson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Anger Control, Anger Control. Dryer Vent Wizard is a nationwide company, Dryer Vent Wizard professionally inspects and cleans clothing dryers for homeowners and in commercially-owned buildings. Poorly maintained dryer vents cause fire hazards and cost substantially more to operate.At. Dayne Benson's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.
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