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 Fire Prevention, Dryer Fire Safety, Dryer Vent Cleaning

Why You Should Not Use Foil or Vinyl Dryer Vent Hoses

dryer warning label
Click to View Large Dryer Warning Label

The fact that some stores still sell those flimsy white vinyl dryer hoses (known as transition hose) is unbelievable, in fact it is almost criminal! Some stores are also using the Thin foil transition hoses when they install a new dryer, totally ignoring what is clearly written on the dryers warning label. The dryer vent should be of 4 inch diameter, however when the thin foil or vinyl is used and compressed it as well as reducing the diameter to 3 inches it has lots of ridges to trap and accumulate lint and reduce air flow.

Do Not Use Plastic Dryer Transition Hose

All dryer manufacturers say that you should not use plastic dryer hoses, or thin foil, this means that in the event of a dryer fire if your insurance company were to pick up on this, they would not accept your claim as you failed to follow the recommendations stated by the .

In the states there have been several class action cases against retailers who were installing foil or plastic hoses, this follows insurance companies failing to pay out after a fire based on the wrong transition hose installed.

* The lawsuits state the retailers’ installers attached metal foil or plastic vents to dryers sold to consumers instead of heavy metal ones recommended by manufacturers, creating conditions that could cause fires or death.

Dryer Warning Labels

This dryer warning label which is located on the back of all dryers clearly states you should use a heavy metal vent and “DO NOT USE PLASTIC OR THIN FOIL DUCT”. The reason they say this is because these type of dryer hoses will feed the fire, the vinyl will melt and spread a fire should one occur.

What Sort of Hose is best for Your Dryer?

best dryer hoseThe best dryer hose is semi-rigid or rigid metal duct these are fire proof and are what your dryer manufacturer recommends.

Maintain Your Dryer

Your dryer needs maintenance to ensure it runs efficiently.  It is recommended you clean your dryer vent out and have it inspected annually, and have your dryer cleaned out every couple of years. We offer professional Dryer Cleaning as well as dryer vent cleaning in and around Burlington, Ontario. Call 905 966 0838 today to schedule a visit from the Dryer Vent Cleaner.

 

*source of lawsuit http://fr.reuters.com/article/idUKN2144007020080521

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

Why it is Important to Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned

dryer lint removed from dryer ventFar too many people fail to have their dryer vent cleaned at least annually because they don’t understand the dangers associated with not doing so.  This is to their and their family’s detriment. Failing to have one’s dryer vents cleaned puts everyone in the house in danger. This is because clogged or blocked vents can cause fires. In fact, each year, more than 15,000 house fires are attributed to this very cause. These are 15,600 fires that can be avoided. Calling and having a company unclog the vents is simple enough to do.

Save Money on Utility Costs With Dryer Vent Cleaning

In addition to avoiding fire and related dangers, a clean dryer vent can also help homeowners and apartment dwellers save money on electricity. People waste hundreds of dollars each year powering dryers that have clogged vents. This is because it requires additional energy to power a dryer that has dirty vents. Cleaning them out can help a person save a significant amount of money that could be better spent on something else or even pocketed.

When a dryer’s vents are clogged, there will a number of tell-tell signs. Understanding what these are and being able to accurately identify them so that something can be done, will help individuals avoid disaster and save money.

When a dryers vent needs to be cleaned, a person may notice the following, a buildup of lint on the back of the dryer, clothes that are covered in lint after being taken out of the dryer, a warm and/or humid laundry room or area and clothes that are damp and very warm to the touch. Another thing to look for is difficulty opening the damper on the exhaust termination when the dryer is on.

Clothes that require more than one cycle to dry may also be evidence that it’s time to clean the dryer vents. Any dryer, whether or not it is exhibiting any of the above signs, needs to have its vents cleaned if it has been a year since its last been cleaned.

The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning

The importance of having dryer vents cleaned out cannot be overstated. Thousands of homes catch fire each year and an untold number of deaths occur because of clogged dryer vents. These, fortunately, are preventable. Having dryers vents unclogged at least once a year and/or when they begin exhibiting signs of being clogged is very important. In addition to possibly saving one’s life (and that of their family) or one’s home, it can also help reduce a person’s electricity bills. Most people spent an additional $288 each year towards their utilities because clogged dryer vents require that additional electricity is used to power the dryer.

Author VentExpert
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