Mid-Winter is a Perfect Time for Dryer Vent Sweep
What? Why would dryer vent sweep be done in February? It doesn’t seem logical to have the service done now as the cold months are still in full swing, however, this is the perfect time. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, most home clothes dryer fires occur in the Fall and Winter months, peaking in January. There are about 2,900 fires each year with an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss.
What is a Dryer Vent Cleaning?
A dryer vent sweep by a certified chimney sweep works to keep you and your home safe. The chimney technician inspects the vents, ducts and filters for lint build-up and other debris. If cleaned and checked on a yearly basis, you’ll maximize your energy consumption and reduce the risk of fires. Here are some of the causes of dryer vent fires:
Stuffing
Nobody likes to do laundry, and taking a shortcut by stuffing the washing machine and dryer with too many articles of clothing have proven to be a cause of dryer vent fires. In addition, be sure to read the tags on toys, stuffed animals or other children’s items. With the combination of kids putting items in their mouth, dropping it outside or in the dog’s water bowl, we automatically want to throw it in the washing machine and dryer. Before doing so, be sure to read the label to find out if the materials are safe for the washer and dryer.
Dirty Filters
As the primary clothes washer, we know to clean out the dryer lint vent after each use. But others…maybe not so much. Lint can easily back up and flow out of the lint filter causing backup to occur even at a faster rate. Let’s not forget dirt, grass or other debris that can remain after the washing process is complete.
Obstructed Vents
All that lint and debris needs to end up somewhere. Over time, the dryer vents and ducts can become clogged preventing the hot air from escaping and lint and debris build up. The built up is what causes the risk of fires. Depending on your dryer vent configuration, a dryer vent cleaning by a certified technician may be the best way for you to go in order to keep risks to a minimum.
How Can You Prevent Dryer Fires?
Let’s start by ensuring your dryer is connected to a 240v outlet and not the standard 120v. Next, be sure the ventilation duct is properly connected from the back of the dryer to the ventilation duct. I know my dryer has been moved plenty of times since you need to pass it in order to get into the garage. I’ve had to make it a regular activity of checking if the dryer is properly connected.
Be sure to:
- Clean the lint vent after each use of the dryer
- Have the dryer vent ducts cleaned and inspected
- Remember not to overstuff the washing machine and dryer
- And use the dryer according to the manufacturer
Now that we’re in prime season for dryer vent cleaning, contact Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349 and get the lint and debris out!
This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net
