Dryer duct cleaning is often neglected by homeowners; failure to clean dryer ducts is the number one cause of over 15,000 clothes dryer fires reported annually.
Other Causes of Dryer Fires
Improper dryer exhaust ducts are also a fire hazard. Vinyl dryer exhaust ducts tend to sag, allowing flammable lint to build up. Flexible foil dryer exhaust ducts can be crushed behind the clothes dryer, trapping lint and restricting air flow.
An early morning house fire was recently reported in Las Vegas, NV where a family of six was lucky to escape without injury. Firefighters were called around 2:00 in the morning; when they arrived they noticed flames and smoke pouring from a side door, windows and from the roof vents of a single story home.
A total of 29 people from the fire department responded, including fire trucks, rescue units, fire chief officers and support personnel. The fire was under control within 15 minutes.
All residents were home at the time of the fire as the smell of smoke alerted them to get out of the house. The fire was caused by the clothes dryer igniting materials stored in the laundry room. The fire spread up the wall and into the attic causing significant smoke damage to the home. Total damages were estimated at $150,000.
Dryer Safety Tips
- Have your new washer and dryer professionally installed
- Electric Dryer - A licensed electrician should inspect the electrical service to be sure the dryer has the right size breaker and that it is properly grounded
- Gas Dryer - A licensed plumber should inspect the gas fittings and flex hose for gas leaks
- A dryer exhaust specialist should install a proper dryer vent system of rigid or semi-rigid metal
- Clean the lint trap after each load of laundry; wash the screen every few months with soap and water to remove residue from dryer sheets
- Do not store combustible materials, cardboard boxes or flammable chemicals near the clothes dryer
- Check the dryer vent outside when the dryer is running to be sure it is working properly; you should see it opening as the dryer exhaust vents are releasing hot air
- Schedule a professional dryer exhaust cleaning at least once a year
If you notice your clothes dryer taking longer than usual to dry a load of laundry there is most likely lint clogged in the dryer exhaust ducts, restricting air flow. Call a dryer vent service technician to inspect immediately.
D. Benson of Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation and all dryer exhaust services to make clothes dryers operate safely and efficiently. Dryer Vent Wizard has made a commitment to make 1 million clothes dryers safer and greener by the year 2010.
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