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.

 

Author VentExpert
Categories Dryer Vent Cleaning

How Dryer Vent Cleaning Can Prevent a Devastating Fire

dryer vent cleaning prevents dryer firesDo you realize that your home may need its dryer vent cleaning? In Canada, dryer vents are responsible for about 10 dryer fires every day, up to 5 deaths annually, and about 10 million dollars of property damage. 80% of Canadian homes have clothes dryers, and yet the majority of home owners are unaware of the severe dangers that dryers pose.

Proper Dryer Vent Cleaning Can Reduce Your Risk of a Fire

Dryer fires are caused by a lack of dryer vent cleaning, when a build-up of lint results in incredible heat being generated. It’s not only the lint that builds up in the removable dryer lint filter, but the unseen lint that builds up in the dryer’s exhaust, and around the dryers heater element. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission believes that everyone who owns a clothes dryer needs to understand the danger and make sure they have proper dryer vent cleaning.

Warning Signs That You Need Your Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer fires are caused by a combination of heat and blockage of proper venting. When there’s a build-up of lint in the dryer’s exhaust pipe, there is combustible material present to start a serious fire. Warning signs include needing higher temperatures and multiple dryer cycles to dry clothes. The lint screen should always be cleaned before and after every load of clothes. Additionally, the dryer vent and exhaust duct needs to be cleaned periodically. Plastic or foil accordion type ducting should be replaced with rigid or corrugated metal ducting. The area behind the dryer also needs to be cleaned where lint and debris can built up. But beyond keeping a close eye on lint buildup, the best way to prevent a dryer fire is have professional dryer vent cleaning done periodically.

Dryer Vent Cleaning in Ontario

If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Waterdown, Carlisle, Kilbride, Milton or Aldershot area of Ontario we can help clean your dryer vent. Call Dryer Vent Cleaner today on 905 966 0838

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