Did you know that lint buildup in clothes dryers is one of the most common causes of house fires? Believe it or not, almost 3000 house fires per year are caused by dryers in America, and just about every one of them is preventable.
Here are some of the most common dryer vent fire hazards you should avoid in order to keep your home and family safe and secure.
Clogged Lint Filter and Vents
Accumulated dryer lint and dust will act as kindling for a house fire if the places where they gather are not regularly maintained. Your lint filter will fill up with every load of laundry, so be sure to check it every time you put in a load and clear it every time you take out a load. Your vents also need to be regularly cleared of dust and lint. Make sure to clean them every three months.
Accordion-Style Ductwork
The more bends and ridges your ducts have, the more space there is for fire-causing dust and lint to collect. Choose metal ductwork that is rigid and smooth rather than foil or plastic, accordion-style ducts.
Vent Pipe Blockage
Next time you run your dryer, hold your hand up to the outside exhaust vent. If you feel little to no air coming from it, it’s likely that there is a clog that can lead to overheating and potentially a house fire. You can learn how to unclog the vent outlet yourself, but you can always contact a qualified technician to ensure the job is done properly.
Flammable Materials in the Surrounding Area
Keep the area around your dryer clean and clear of any potentially flammable materials. This includes dust and debris, as well as storage containers, chemicals, and laundry baskets.
An Unmaintained Dryer
You can do a lot to ensure that your clothes dryer is not a fire hazard on your own, but there are qualified technicians who are trained to mitigate the risk of dryer fires. Consider making an annual appointment with one so that they can clear the whole system of dust and lint blockages and inspect it for any other potential fire hazards.
If you’d like to know more about preventing dryer fires, contact us today.