Every homeowner wants to be sure that all appliances are in good working order. You don’t want to be in a position where you have to replace any piece of equipment too quickly. Properly functioning appliances can help to lower your monthly expenses as well. One appliance you will want to take good care of is your dryer. Even when is working perfectly, it can become a fire hazard, so here are a few things you should know.
Lint Accumulation
All dryers produce lint, and this is where the problem starts. As the hat air leaves the dryer, it transports the lint through the vents. Some of this gets stuck on the inside of the vent pipe, and each time you use the dryer, a little more will attach itself to lint that is already there. As it starts to choke off the air flow, heat will build up in the system. This creates an environment where a fire can easily start, as the lint is highly combustible.
Vacuuming out your vents can slow lint accumulation, but it will not prevent it. At some point, the system will require a professional cleaning to ensure that your dryer does not increase the risk of a house fire. A significant amount of lint can also build up inside the dryer.
Cleaning put the lint trap regularly is a good idea but this will not be enough. Heavy lint can remain underneath the trap, and some of it will make contact with the heating element. Once the dryer starts to overheat, this increases the risk of a fire.
Poor Vent System Design
According to experts, a poorly designed vent system can be problematic if you want to use the dryer without worry. The length of the vent can affect the flow of air. If it is too long, lint accumulation will be more rapid. This will also happen if there are too many bends in the line. The quality of the material used to make the vent can also become an issue. Plastic ducts can be flammable, so it is best to replace them with metal or semi rigid ducts to keep your home safe.
Give the dryer enough space from the wall to prevent damage to the vent connection. This can also affect the flow of air, and cause lint to settle. For a safe and lint free dryer vent system, talk to your local chimney sweep. Like the chimney, the dryer vents need an annual inspection and cleaning, and we’re certified for both.
No matter what type of vent system you have, you can greatly reduce the risk of a fire with regular maintenance, which includes visits from a chimney sweep. Lou Curley’s Chimney Service is a local, family-owned and operated company with two CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps to better serve homeowners along the Main Line. Give us a call at 610-626-2439 to schedule an appointment for a dryer vent hose cleaning or inspection. Also follow us on Facebook for even more great information about keeping your dryer safe for years to come.