Prevent House Fires by Cleaning out Dryer Vents

8/21/2019 (Permalink)

Preventing Fire Damage from Clogged Dryer Vents

One of the leading causes of a house fire is an appliance we look at as harmless.  Lint and other debris can build up in your dryer hose and vent duct, reducing air flow, backing up exhaust gases and eventually creating a fire.   The National Fire Protection Association reports nearly 17,000 home clothes dryer fires each year. These clothes dryer fires cause around 51 deaths, 380 injuries, and $236 million in property loss.  34% of dryer fires are due to not cleaning the dryer.  Overloading your dryer is as much a big deal due to excessive lent that causes poor ventilation.   When there is no where for the excessive lent to go it can cause overheating of the dryer which can turn into a fire hazard.  Dryer vent ducts should be inspected at least once a year to reduce the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.   

 When a dryer becomes clogged it gives off signs that we need to pay attention to and resolve.  Acknowledging these signs immediately can reduce the chances of severely clogged ducts and a potential fire hazard.  Below is a list of things to look for when determining if your dryer hose and vent duct could be clogged:       

• A musty odor is discovered in the clothing following the drying cycle
• Clothes seem unusually hot to the touch
• Excessive heat is noticed in the room in which the washer and dryer are operated
• The dryer vent hood flap to the exterior of your home does not open properly when you use the dryer
• Debris is noticed within the outside dryer vent opening
• Large amounts of lint build-up in the lint trap during each cycle
• Odor noticed from dryer sheets used during the drying cycle

Taking steps to prevent a dryer fire can start by reading the manual for instructions and warning signs during installation.  After each load of laundry the dryer vent should be cleaned of lent and the dryer checked for any debris that could have fallen out of clothing.  Listed below are more safety precautions to take to ensure your dryer is working properly and not a fire hazard:

• Clean the filter with a nylon brush at least once every six (6) months or more often if it becomes clogged
• Completely clean lint out of the vent pipe every three (3) months
• Check occasionally through the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it isn’t damaged
• Put a cover on outside wall dampers to keep out the elements
• Ensure the outdoor vent cover opens when the dryer is on

These recommendations should be followed and practiced by all that utilize a dryer in their home.  Taking precautions can save lives, millions in property loss and reduce the risk of injury.  Call today for your inspection and scheduling of duct cleaning at your SERVPRO of the Quad Cities.  We are available 24/7 servicing our community.