Our Company Blog

Avoid Fires With Dryer Vent Cleaning

When Talking about household appliances it’s important to note that low maintenance does not mean no maintenance, and neglecting routine maintenance can lower efficiency, shorten the life of an appliance, and likely cause fires and extensive damage.

Your Dryer Vent and Fire Risk

A clothes dryer is a heat appliance and should be treated as such. Just like a chimney should be cleaned to avoid flue fires, the dryer vent should be cleaned to avoid dryer vent fires. These fires are the leading cause of dryer-related fires. Every year hundreds of people are injured, dozens are killed, and thousands of dollars worth of property is damaged due to dryer vent fires.

You may not think it will happen to you, but if you’re like most Americans you assume cleaning the lint trap is enough maintenance for your dryer. This isn’t true!

If you have a dryer or are thinking of purchasing one, keep these things in mind:

1.  Have it professionally installed.
   A common cause of dryer vent fire is a buildup of lint inside the ventilation hose due to improper installation. If the hose is especially long, has several corners, and is compressed to fit behind furniture or into walls, the risk of fire increases. It is best to have your dryer professionally installed to avoid this risk. Most home improvement stores offer professional installations. An even better option would be to choose a CSIA Certified Exhaust Technicians® who is trained to install, clean, inspect, replace, and repair dryer vents.
2. Schedule semi-annual cleaning.
   If you have your dryer vent cleaned in the fall and winter, you will have the best results. Your certified exhaust technician will be able to remove the lint that builds up inside the vent, as well as any nesting animals and their nests. The way that the vents are designed often allows for small animals to climb inside. In spring animals search for a warm, dry place to nest, and in winter they do the same. Schedule your appointments during these times and your dryer vent will stay clean, and you can avoid the increased risk of fire when an animal and its nesting materials restrict airflow.
3. Do not clean your own dryer vent.
   During a routine dryer vent cleaning your certified exhaust technician will not only clean the ventilation hose with a high-powered vacuum, but will also recognize any risk factors or issues with the dryer vent. It’s important for a professional to see the vent periodically in order to notify you of damage that may cause leaks or other problems. Leaky ducts can cause carbon monoxide poisoning over time, as well as slow the airflow, which can cause hot hair to ignite flammable debris such as lint.
4. Lint passes through the lint trap.
   It is impossible for the lint trap to collect all of the lint. Lint is made up of single fibers that collect on the screen of the lint trap. These fibers slip through and around the screens with every load of clothes that is dried. These fibers collect inside the ventilation system and become the fluff we’re so used to seeing in the lint trap. It is highly flammable and should be removed often.

The dryer vent is an essential element that keeps the dryer functioning, but needs to be maintained and cleaned regularly. Schedule an appointment with Chief Chimney Services today to avoid a fire in your home.

5 Reasons to Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned

In America 85% of households own a tumble dryer, and neglected dryer vents are the leading cause of heating-appliance house fires. These fires don’t just cause damage, but cause hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths per year. As a homeowner, it’s better to prevent this damage by scheduling regular maintenance for your dryer vent.

1. Protect your family against carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is a natural byproduct released when fuel is burned, which is toxic to humans. Carbon monoxide escapes through the dryer vent safely outside the home unless there is a problem. Unfortunately carbon monoxide is odorless and if a leak occurs a homeowner may not know until it’s too late. A professional will check for carbon monoxide leaks in your dryer vent during a regular cleaning and can correct this damage before it harms your family.



2. Nesting animals cause blockage and odors in the dryer vent

Since dryer vents sometimes only have a metal flap to cover the outside vent, this allows easy access for small animals to nest. The animals are drawn to the dryer vent because it’s warm and seemingly safe, but they often end up dying. If this occurs they can not only become trapped and die in the dryer vent, but they also leave behind nesting materials in addition to the lint already present.

3. Leaking ducts can lower efficiency as well as cause carbon monoxide poisoning

As ducts leak heat and vapors from the hose, the flow slows and blockage is more likely. Also a leaky dryer vent causes the dryer to work harder in order to get the job done, costing your family more time, energy, and essentially more money.

4. Let a professional check for correct size and installation of dryer vent.

Oftentimes during a hasty move or after a large purchase, homeowners don’t bother with professional installation. A dryer vent should work efficiently and without leaks if it is installed correctly. However, if the hose is too small for the appliance, it is more likely to experience blockage and low efficiency.

5. Prevention today saves money tomorrow.

A standard dryer vent cleaning is cheaper than the cost of fire damage and injury. It’s cheaper than making a claim to your home owners insurance, and the nuisance of doing without a dryer during repairs. With any household appliance it is best to take steps of prevention to ensure that safety is first.

The reasons to have your dyer vent cleaned regularly far outweigh the cost, and Chief Chimney Services offers an affordable cleaning. It’s important to hire a CSIA Certified Exhaust Technician®  because they are trained in the safe installation of dryer vent ducts and experienced in repairs.

Chief Chimney Services offers only the best professional service and expert technicians to keep your dryer vent clean and efficient. This is the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of your family.

Call Chief Chimney Services today and schedule your dryer vent cleaning.