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

Why Screens Should Not be Used on Dryer Vent End Caps

Clogged dryer vent

Screens Should Not be Used On Dryer Vent!

Screens should never be used on dryer vents for the simple reason they prevent lint escaping. Whilst this does not happen straight away it does so slowly over time, damp air escapes first followed by lint that sticks to the dampness inside the dryer vent and if a screen or grill is fitted the lint starts to bond to it too. Over a period of time this then forms a lint plug like you see in the photo.

Keep Pests Out Can Increase The Risk of a Dryer Fire?

Some people put screens over the end cap of their dryer vent to prevent birds or critters from moving in. Whilst this may seem to make sense, the truth is it is not the best of decisions as once the vent gets plugged at the end the lint has no where else to go. Just like cholesterol it builds up over time and starts to restrict the airflow thus lint starts to accumulate inside the dryer itself. Lint starts to settle inside the dryer cabinet and on or around the dryers heating element.

Dryer Fires Start Inside The Dryer

So the screen on the end of the dryer vent caused a lint plug, this then causes the lint to accumulate more through the dryer vent and inside the dryer. The lint inside the dryer is what causes dryer fires, the heating element glows red and reaches temperatures as high as 190 degrees fahrenheit all it needs is for a clump of lint to sit on the element and you can have a dryer fire on your hands.

Never Leave Your Dryer Running When No One is Home

The dryer should only be run when someone is in the house, also you should not run the dryer when sleeping at night this is not to scare you but just to draw attention to the fact there are hidden dangers in the home and the dryer is one of them.

 

Categories Dryer Fire Prevention, Dryer Vent Cleaning

Think Your Dryer Vent Does Not Need Cleaning

So Did Over 15,000 Home Owners Last Year Before They had a Dryer Fire!

dryer vent cleaning before and afterSo you think you Dryer Vent is fine and does not need cleaning, the sad truth is most home owners think the same! Here at Dryer Vent Cleaner our job is to educate the home owner as well as to clean the dryer vent and inside the dryer itself? Being out of sight makes it so easy to assume all is well inside the dryer vent and dryer, however we always find this not so.

Dryer Manufacturers Recommend Dryer Vent Cleaning

There is a reason dryer manufacturers recommend dryer vent cleaning – they know just how much of a hazard lint accumulation really is. A 1/2 inch accumulation of lint in your dryer vent reduces your dryers efficiency by 50%, this means your dryer will take twice as long so uses double the hydro & double your time.

Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry

“Dryer takes too long to dry” “dryer not drying, we hear this so so often even from customers with nice new dryers they bought because they thought the old dryer was exhausted! When we take a call from customers with dryer takes longer to dry problems we ask if the dryer is getting hot? If the dryer is hot then the dryer itself is working fine and we just saved the customer from calling out an appliance company only to find they cannot clean the dryer vent! Then we explain the process we use to clean the dryer vent and the options we offer including cleaning out the dryer itself – this is recommended if the dryer vent is clogged as lint cannot escape via the vent so builds up through the vent and inside the dryer cabinet.

If you are having issues with your clothes dryer taking too long to dry,have been advised by an appliance company to get your dryer vent cleaned, have moved into a new home and are unsure of the dryer vent and dryer, or are just thinking you might need to get your dryer vent cleaned we are happy to take your call. Call your local professional dryer vent cleaning company Dryer Vent Cleaner on 905 966 0838

 

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.

 

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.