What You Should Know About Your Dryer Vent

Normally, we wash our clothes to keep ourselves clean and comfortable, and of course, we have to dry them so they can be worn. The usual method of drying clothes is to hang them somewhere. However, there are circumstances where one’s location makes it difficult to do that, or the weather isn’t favorable.

Because of that, dryers are an essential appliance in most homes. They help provide a convenient and efficient way to dry clothes. However, many people are unaware that it’s a potential fire hazard. According to the US Fire Administration, there are an average of 2,900 fires caused by clothes dryers reported each year, resulting in five deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million worth of property loss. The leading cause is the failure to clean their dryer vents.

One homeowner who experienced the potential dangers of a dirty dryer vent firsthand is Kim Grugle. In 2017, Grugle’s dryer caught fire, and her home suffered extensive damage. When she had her vents cleaned by a specialist after the incident, she discovered that her vents had not been cleaned correctly, placing her at risk of another fire. Grugle’s experience highlights the importance of understanding the warning signs of a clogged dryer vent and taking the necessary measures to reduce the risk of fire.

Signs It’s Time to Clean Your Dryer Vents

Several signs indicate it’s time to clean your dryer vents. These include:

• Clothes not drying after a normal drying cycle
• Musty odor in clothes after the drying cycle
• Clothes feeling unusually hot to the touch
• Excessive heat in the laundry room
• Dryer vent hood flap not opening properly
• Debris in the outside dryer vent opening
• Large amounts of lint buildup in the lint trap during each cycle
• Odor detected from dryer sheets utilized in the drying process

If you observe any of these warning signals, you should clean your dryer vents right away to avoid the chance of a fire.

How to Prevent a Dryer Fire

Proper installation of the dryer by a knowledgeable professional is the first step in preventing a dryer fire. Furthermore, there are various precautionary actions that households can take to lessen the chance of a fire, such as:

• Cleaning the dryer lint filter before and after each load of laundry
• Cleaning the filter with a nylon brush at least once every six months
• Completely cleaning lint out of the vent pipe every three months
• Checking the venting system behind the dryer occasionally to ensure it isn’t damaged
• Putting a cover on outside wall dampers to keep out the elements
• Ensuring the outdoor vent cover opens when the dryer is on

By following these preventative measures, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of a dryer fire.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re concerned about the safety of your dryer, there are several things you can do right now to reduce the risk of a fire. These include:

• Checking inside the venting from the outside of your house to ensure it’s not clogged with lint or debris
• Checking your lint traps inside the dryer and cleaning them thoroughly
• Having a BPI Certified Professional inspect your venting as part of an energy audit

Homeowners must be aware of the potential fire hazard of dryer vents and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of a fire. Signs that indicate it’s time to clean dryer vents include clothes not drying, a musty odor in clothes after the drying cycle, and excessive heat in the laundry room.

Properly installing your dryer and having it maintained regularly is critical in preventing dryer fires. Therefore, it’s recommended that homeowners consider having their venting system inspected by a professional. Taking these steps can increase the chances for homeowners to ensure that their dryer is functioning safely and avoid potentially devastating consequences of a dryer fire. Sharing this information with others is crucial to raise awareness and encourage others to take preventative measures as well.

If you want to know more about dryer vents, vent cleaning, and dryer fires, give us a call! Our team at Grand Rapids Duct Cleaners will be more than happy to assist you.