Clean your vent: Dryer fires have surpassed chimney fires
Lint and debris build-up in dryer vents can easily lead to fires. The NFPA recommends dryer vent cleanings at least once a year.
Fire Department officials say fire fighters respond to several fires each month caused by lint build-up in dryer vents.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, “failure to clean” is the leading cause of the annual U.S. average of 12,700 clothes dryer fires that occur in residential buildings, resulting in 15 deaths and 300 injuries.
SoBellas Home Services performs dryer vent cleanings among other services, says in recent months, dryer fires have actually surpassed chimney fires, and the National Fire Protection Association now recommends dryer vent cleanings at least once a year.
The standard we go by for cleaning a dryer vent is set by the National Fire Protection Association which is once a year or less, being that as of last year the dryer fires have passed up chimney fires in the number one cause of house fires.
Lint has a very, very low flash point. It has a flash point less than a piece of paper, so it doesn’t take much to ignite. When the dryer vent gets clogged and there’s a motor near the dryer opening, any small spark that can touch that lint can make it combust into a flame. The idea of a dryer vent made of metal pipe going all the way outside your house is to contain any fire. The metal can house the fire and keep it in check for 5-10 minutes until emergency services can respond.
Rigid metal vents contain fires best. Flexible aluminum vents are another option and serve as a radiant heat barrier, although they usually contain flames for only up to five minutes. The worst choice are plastic PVC hoses. Do not use plastic dryer vents!
The USFA recommends the following steps to help insure dryer vents are clear of lint build up:
Disconnect, clean, and inspect the dryer duct and venting every couple of years, or hire a professional company to clean the dryer components.
Outside wall dampers should have a covering that will keep out rain, snow, and dirt. However, do not use wire screen or cloth of any kind to protect the exhaust opening. It can collect lint and clog areas of the dryer vent.
In order to deter birds and small animals from nesting in vents, make sure the dryer vent system and damper are working suitably.
Several recommendations for clothes dryer safety include the following:
Never put synthetic materials such as rubber, plastic, foam, or pieces of cloth that have been used to sponge up flammable liquids in the dryer, even if previously washed.
Clean the lint out of the exhaust pipe and the rear of the dryer regularly.
Inspect your lint filter for rips each time you use it. If you see any rips, replace immediately.
The exhaust pipe should be as short as possible and have limited bends to allow for adequate airflow.
The American Household Appliance Manufacturers Association (AHAM) recommends the use of UL- listed rigid aluminum or steel duct or spiral-bound aluminum flex hose, NOT white vinyl hose.
Never let your clothes dryer run while you are out of the house or asleep.
Have gas-powered dryers inspected by a professional annually to ensure that the gas line and connection are intact.
SoBellas Home Services
915-585-2811
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