Dryer Vent Cleaning Can Help Prevent Dryer Related Fires

27% – Percentage of residential home fires due to failure to clean dust, fiber or lint build up within dryers, dryer vents and dryer exhaust vents.

14,692 – Estimated home fire involving clothes dryer machines each year.

$218,960,000 – Annual average cost in direct residential home property damage related to dryer fires from 2010-2014.

Clothing is slow to dry and there is musty odor following a drying cycle

As dryer vents become clogged, you will notice the clothing is not completely dry and may require a second or third dry cycle. When dryer vents become blocked the hot moist air cannot be vented properly causing your clothes to remain damp. This extra running time also puts extra wear and tear on the dryer.

Dryer and clothes are excessively hot

Excessive clothing heat at the end of a dryer cycle can be a warning sign that the dryer vent is not exhausting properly. This also puts extra load on the blower and heating element and can also results in higher energy consumption.

You notice a burning smell

Lint, which is very flammable, can build up in the exhaust tube, lint trap and even in the drum casing. If it gets too hot, it can catch on fire, causing a burning smell. Discontinue use of your dryer and have it inspected as soon as possible.

Lack of maintenance is the number one cause of dryer fires. Regular cleaning of your link trap, ducting, vents, booster fans, exterior exhaust covers, screen and dampers can help to reduce the risk of dryer related fires.

Perform periodic checks to ensure that the air exhaust vent pipe is unobstructed.

Do not run the dryer without a lint filter.

Read manufactures’ warnings in manuals that accompany new dryers.

Make sure whatever you put in your dryer is approved and safe to be put in a dryer.

Ensure your dryer has rigid or flexible metal venting to help sustain airflow.

You are encouraged to not leave the dryer running if you go out, in case it malfunctions.