Dryer Vent Safety
One of the leading causes of house fires is due to neglecting the care are maintenance of dryer vents. Be sure to have regular cleaning and inspection done.
One of the leading causes of house fires is due to neglecting the care are maintenance of dryer vents. Be sure to have regular cleaning and inspection done.
Many homeowners think that dryer vent cleaning is a DIY job, when in reality, dryer venting systems can be complicated and hard to access, and can sometimes cover great distances. Without professional skill and equipment, safe and thorough cleaning can be next to impossible. Here are some tips on how to go about choosing the right company for the job.
Your next door neighbor may be a great help when it comes to a variety of household jobs, but dryer vent maintenance should never be one of them. It is important to find someone who has the proper training and the required experience to do the job properly.
When beginning the search, it is a good idea to inquire of friends and family who have recently had their vents cleaned. They will be able to narrow down the search and recommend a professional with whom they were pleased. Word of mouth can save you from having a bad experience, and can help make sure that your money is well spent on a job well done.
Once you have narrowed down your search, it is important to speak with each professional about their experience and certifications. A professional will be able to explain the entire process and its benefits, answering any questions you may have, and giving you peace of mind.
If you are satisfied with his or her knowledge and experience, ask yourself whether or not you feel comfortable having them in your home. Are they courteous and professional? Do they seem trustworthy? Do they guarantee a mess-free cleaning? If the answer to these questions is “yes”, then you’ve found the right professional.
Having the dryer vents cleaned on a regular basis is an important part of dryer upkeep. It helps ensure the safety of your family and home, and preserves the life of your dryer and clothes. Once you’ve found a trustworthy, qualified professional to service and clean your venting system, you’ll have no problem making annual maintenance a priority in your home.
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.