Santa's Friend Chimney Service Blog

The Importance of a Clean Dryer Vent

Being a homeowner carries many responsibilities and even the small ones can make a big difference. Many appliances require regular maintenance and the clothes drying system is one of them. Debris and lint can build up in the ductwork of a clothes dryer, decreasing operating efficiency and creating a potentially hazardous situation.

Buildup within the dryer duct can inhibit the dryer exhaust process. If the dryer is not vented properly or debris or lint is blocking the duct, carbon monoxide may be forced back into the home, endangering occupants. The situation can also increase the possibility of a dryer fire. A certified dryer exhaust technician will inspect and clean the dryer venting system and verify the correct sizing and installation.

Plastic ductwork is flammable, so it should be replaced with a metal version. Annual inspection of the dryer exhaust vent and ductwork is recommended. As venting distances become longer in modern home construction, safety hazards increase because lint has a greater surface area in which to collect. Improper vents can create comfortable hiding spaces for birds and other animals, increasing the safety risk to humans and creatures.

The U.S. Fire Administration reported that dryers were responsible for 15,600 structure fires, 400 injuries, and 15 deaths annually from 2002 to 2004. In residential buildings, failing to clean the appliance is the leading cause of a clothes dryer fire. The Chimney Safety Institute of America certifies dryer exhaust technicians to perform inspections and cleaning, making this preventable.

A clean exhaust venting system makes the dryer operate more efficiently and prevents moisture and heat from becoming trapped in the home. Clean ducts for gas dryers prevent trapping of carbon monoxide within the home. Extending the life of the clothes dryer while preventing damage to the home and its occupants is the goal of annual dryer duct inspection.

Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips

Ah, Christmas is just about here and homes everywhere are being decorated for the season. Lights, trees, and Santa’s are going up everywhere. While this is a time where everyone looks forward to seeing each other’ s displays as well as getting together to decorate, it is also a time to keep safety in mind, especially when it comes to Christmas trees. Here are a few tips to keep your home safe this Christmas.

• When choosing a natural Christmas tree, choose one that is fresh. You can do a quick check by checking the needles on the branches, as they should not fall off when touched.
• If using an artificial tree, make sure the tree is properly labeled and certified as being fire retardant by the manufacturer.
• A natural tree should have approximately two inches cut off from the bottom before placing in the tree stand.
• Do not place the tree near any heat sources, such as a fireplace or radiator. There should be a distance of at least three feet.
• The tree should not block any fire exits for the home.
• Fill the stand with water and refresh the water every day to ensure the tree stays as moist as possible. Allowing the tree to dry out is a definite fire hazard.
• Check your lights to ensure they have been tested and are safe to use for indoor use.
• If any lights are broken, replace the bulbs before decorating the tree. You should never have any more than three strings of lights attached. Also check for frayed wiring and discard any strings that show this type of wear.
• No natural flame decorations should be used on the tree, as they could easily catch fire.
• Never leave the lights on the tree on without supervision. This means before leaving the home or going to bed, turn them off and unplug them.
• When the tree begins to drop needles, it is time to dispose of it, as it is drying out. Put the tree by the curb or take it directly to the dump.

Chimney Fire Facts

We always hear about the romantic features of a chimney as well as the heating benefits when buying a home. What the real estate agents or existing homeowners do not tell you is about the dangers of fires. Now, this is not to scare you away from buying a home with a chimney or in having one installed; you just need to be aware of these dangers and how to prevent a fire from happening out of sheer ignorance.

Creosote buildup is one of the leading causes of chimney fires. Wood burning fireplaces can generate significant creosote buildup within the lining of the chimney. It only takes one eighth of an inch to be considered dangerous. This is a highly combustible material, and it is one of the main reasons we recommend an annual chimney inspection and cleaning.

When purchasing a home, there are several signs for which you can look to see if there was previously a chimney fire. You, or a professional, should look for these signs prior to purchase, as they could result in costly repairs in order to operate the fireplace safely again.

1. Honey-combed creosote buildup
2. Cracked flue tiles or tiles that have large chunks missing
3. A discolored chimney cap
4. If the TV antenna or satellite dish is located close to the chimney, check for discoloration
5. Creosote flakes found inside of fireplace or in surrounding area outside of home (they may have been discharged from the chimney and carried by the wind)
6. Warped metal damper
7. Discolored or cracked masonry work on exterior of chimney

If you see any of these signs, call a certified chimney sweep immediately to have the chimney professionally inspected. There are multiple levels of inspections related to potential problems. In this case, you may have the upper tier of inspections to outline and problems as well as a plan of action to have the chimney repaired.