Categories Dryer Fire Prevention, Dryer Fire Safety, Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer Fire Prevention

dryer fire preventionDryer Fire Prevention

Dryer fire prevention is overlooked by many home owners, property managers and landlords, simply because they are not aware of the dangers that are associated with the dryer. Many things have changed over the years especially the length of the dryer vent and also the location of the dryer. Gone are the days where the dryer is in the basement close to the outside wall. Now they are situated in the middle of the home on the main or second floor, meaning dryer fire prevention is extremely important. Whats wrong with this is it’s hard for the homeowner to reach the exterior vent to remove lint and it’s a long run makes it hard to remove that lint accumulation. Dryer vents for dryers on the second floor tend to be located on the roof or on the side of the home, needing a 24 foot ladder or longer depending on the height of the ceilings.

Dryer Fire Prevention Stop Fires Happening

Over time lint builds up through the whole dryer exhaust system especially if the basic dryer fire prevention (maintenance) is not carried out . This then slows down the airflow which means the damp air is not able to make it to the end of the dryer vent so more moisture in the ducts, causing more lint to stick to the sides of the dryer ducts. This then accumulates back towards the dryer, if the dryer then gets clogged several things happen.

  • More lint will be present in the laundry room
  • The dryer will be hot to touch
  • Clothes take longer to dry
  • The laundry room gets humid
  • A dryer fire takes place

All the while lint is building up inside the dryer, circulating and settling inside the dryer, possibly escaping through the vents on the back of the dryer, also settling on top of the dryer heating element housing and element. This is where the real hazard lies, lint is easy to ignite and all it takes is one clump that’s settles on top of the element housing or by the element to spark and get moved through the dryer for a dryer fire to start.

Dryer Fire Safety Features inside a Dryer

Dryer manufacturers know the hazards exist and do their best to tell the homeowner what they need to do. However they have built in the following safety features to reduce the risk of a dryer fire. If the dryer vent gets clogged and is sufficient to block air flow, the thermal fuse may blow (one time fuse needs replacing). If the inside temperature of the dryer gets too hot the high limit fuse will cut off the element to cool the dryer down and reduce the risk of a dryer fire. The dryer thermostat will cut the dryer element signal so it only heats for a short while again to prevent dryer fires and reduce the risk of a dryer fire.

Dryer Manufacturers Recommend Professional Dryer Cleaning as Dryer Fire Prevention

The dryer manufacturers recommend having the dryer vent cleaned and having the inside of the dryer cleaned by a professional to prevent a dryer fire! However even the appliance service companies do not know who to refer homeowners to when the dryer vent needs cleaning. Dryer companies also recommend that plastic (vinyl) and thin foil transition hoses are not used to connect the dryer to the wall. All home owners can do is search the internet for terms like “Dryer Vent Cleaning in Burlington” or whatever your city name is this is the best way to prevent a dryer fire.

Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Prevents Dryer Fires

Professional dryer and dryer vent companies are fully equipped to assist dryer fire prevention, by removing all lint build up inside the dryer and through the dryer vent system. Be sure to find your local dryer vent cleaner to help clean your dryer vent.

 

Author VentExpert
Categories Dryer Vent Cleaning

Why Choose Us

Why Choose Us for Your Dryer Vent Cleaning?

We specialize in dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent installation and dryer maintenance, we do not clean any other ducts just the dryer exhaust system. We ensure your dryer exhaust system is fully to code and your dryer is running efficiently and as safe as can be. We use the best equipment to ensure the whole dryer vent is clean from the back of the dryer through the walls to where it terminates outside. When we come to clean your dryer vent we show you exactly what we are doing, explaining the process and educating on how you the homeowner can do essential maintenance to keep the dryer running efficiently.

Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning

We ONLY clean dryer vents, we do not offer to clean the dryer vent if you pay to have all your ducts cleaned. Many duct cleaning companies say they can clean dryer vents but to be honest they are not knowledgeable enough, there are codes that should be met, sometimes we need to access the roof, go in the attic, and even re-route the dryer vent. It is not just a matter of using an airline to try and blow out the lint, whilst we have compressors and airlines we have determined the bets way is the way we do dryer vent cleaning. We use special brushes and rods (we have compressors & air lines but they are not up to par) that brush over every inch of dryer duct to ensure all lint is removed, here at dryer vent cleaner we will advise on any issues and offer solutions to make your system safe.

Dryer Cleaning

Our qualified technicians are also able to clean inside the dryers. We strip the dryer down, removing the drum, removing all lint, cleaning around the heating element, inspecting the dryers drive belt and apply heatproof grease to any bearings. This when coupled with our dryer vent cleaning service ensures all lint is removed from the whole system. Dryer cleaning is recommended by dryer manufacturers, they say it should be done every couple of years.

Dryer Vent Cleaner Your Dryer Vent Cleaning Professionals

Servicing Ontario we are based in Burlington covering dryer vents in Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Dundas, Waterdown and other local areas. We offer prompt service and a no obligation free inspection to determine any issues and the condition of your dryer vent and dryer.

 

Author VentExpert
Categories Dryer Vent Cleaning

How Dryer Fires Happen

dryer firesDryer fires are one of the major causes of house fires since the demise of the chip pan! Dryers are the forgotten appliance! When it comes to the lack of consideration the builders and architects apply when installing and choosing the location for the dryer, and what the building codes regard as safe practice in terms of length and material used.

Many homes we see and that includes newer homes have excessive lint build up for various reasons as detailed below.

Reasons for Lint Build Up

  • The outside vent’s louvers are not opening freely so lint and damp air cannot escape
  • Foil hose at the back of the dryer is kinked and therefore restricting air flow
  • Crazy installers have cut the end of the duct connected to the vent and just shoved it in. This makes a restricted exit that traps lint leading to a clogged dryer vent.
  • Time – if the dryer vent has not been cleaned for a number of years it is like cholesterol as lint builds up slowly before it becomes a real issue.
  • Termination vent location – dryers that vent to the second floor or to the roof are virtually impossible for most home owners to access and maintain, out of sight out of mind.
  • Excessive lint build up below the lint trap – this causes a plug so airflow is restricted.
  • Excessive 90 degree elbows and bends – reducing air flow causing lint to build up.
  • Roof vents! – We see so many roof vents that clearly state “Not for use as a dryer vent” hard to believe but these roofing companies in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and Mississauga cannot read! Warnings are put there for a reason yet many choose to ignore them. The main reason they are not suitable is because they have a very tight mesh that prevents lint getting through, this cause a plug then lint builds up through the whole system. We actually modify these screens so it is easier for lint to escape.

Dryer Fires Start Inside a Dryer

There is a reason scouts carry lint to start fires when they are at camp … it burns really well and is easy to ignite! Inside the dryer you have a heater element that reaches as high as 190 degrees which circulates hot air around the dryer and vents out the dryer vent. But if there is a blockage through the dryer vent the lint and damp air does not escape, the lint then starts to build up inside the dryer around the element. Then all it takes is for a piece of lint to touch on the dryer element and it to start smouldering then land on the lint that’s already accumulated and the fire starts.

Why You Need Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer vent cleaning reduces the risk of fire and ensures the dryer is running efficiently. Modern homes have longer dryer vents meaning the lint builds up, airflow starts to get reduced and lint and damp air remain inside the dryer vent.

 

Author VentExpert
Categories Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer Vent Cleaning Could Save You up to $300 Yearly in Energy Costs

save money dryer vent cleaning

Everyone is looking for ways to save money, and quite rightly so. Nothing is getting any cheaper and if it is then the packet is getting smaller or the service being cut back. Around the home there are many ways to save money but what we want to concentrate on is what we know best … the dryer vent and having your dryer vent cleaned!

Save Money With Dryer Vent Cleaning

We all take the dryer for granted after all it always works when we go to use it, out of site out of mind. The clothes dryer is the second biggest consumer of electricity after the AC unit but that’s not used all year round. We see many dryers where the homeowner just was not aware of how badly the dryer was performing, as it happens gradually.

Newer dryers have moisture sensors that determine when each load is dry, this is a great idea but it can also be a costly feature. When new dryers are installed the appliance company never check the condition of the dryer vent even though it could be clogged. So the new dryer gets connected to the dryer vent it works fine, drys the clothes every time. However since the dryer has the intelligent moisture sensor you never note how long it takes to dry. It’s a great feature the utility companies love as it just lets the dryer burn energy like there’s no tomorrow.

Why Dryer Vent Cleaning?

Dryer vent cleaning is actually recommended by all dryer manufacturers, they also say you should have the dryer cleaned out regularly. With having your dryer vent cleaned you will save money in energy fees as much as $30 each month that’s over $300 per year – the service pays for itself. Also you reduce the risk of a dryer fire which happens in over 15,000 homes every year.

Looking for a Dryer Vent Cleaner?

Simply search online for a local dryer vent cleaning company, choose one that specializes in dryer vents, some duct companies say they clean dryer vents but the results we have seen are far from satisfactory. Live in the Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Milton, Ancaster or Hamilton area of Ontario then we would love to clean your dryer vent call 905 966 0838 today.

Author VentExpert
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