Beware of Fire Damage from Your Clogged Dryer Exhaust Duct

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Most of us don’t think about maintenance on our clothes dryers, but we should! The U.S. Fire Administration reports that every year there are thousands of home fires started by clothes dryers. Lint and debris can build up in your dryer vent, reducing air flow to the dryer, backing up dryer exhaust gases, which can result in a fire hazard. It is recommended you have your dryer exhaust system cleaned at least twice a year.

How to tell if you dryer vent is clogged

• Normal drying cycle is not drying clothes
• If it takes more than 40 minutes to dry a load of clothes
• Clothes smell musty after normal cycle
• Clothes are hotter at the end of the cycle
• Large amount of lint accumulates in the lint trap
• Your laundry area is more humid
• Burnt smell in your laundry room
• Outside dryer vent cover is not lifting

What you can do to reduce the risk

• Clean your lint filter after each load of clothes
• Use dryer sheet and fabric softener sparingly
• Remove the back of the dryer to vacuum out lint that is trapped
• Keep area around dryer free of dust and debris
• The duct line that vents outside should be as short as possible

There are tips online on how to clean you dryer vent system, but it is recommended you hire a professional. The cost is $100 - $150 depending on the length and location of the vent. In addition to the reduced threat of fire, a cleaning can pay for itself in less than a year through the improved efficiency with less drying time required.