Preventing Dryer Fires and Proper Vent Piping Installation
Air Duct Cleaning and Dryer Ventilation Fire Prevention
Preventing Dryer Fires and Proper Vent Piping Installation
Lack of maintenance and cleaning your homes dryer vents, and lint traps is the number one cause of dryer fires. Air duct cleaning should be maintained regularly. Most importantly dryer vent cleaning is important for both your health and economic reasons.
Few people realize that dryer vent cleaning significantly reduces the risk of a dryer vent fire and improves the efficiency of the dryer, thereby lowering utility costs. According to the Fire Prevention Canada, your dryer vent exhaust duct should be professionally cleaned once every 1 1/2 to 2 years. Not only does dryer vent cleaning help ensure the safety of your family and your home, but economically, dryer vent cleaning can result in improved efficiency of the washer/dryer. This improved efficiency helps cut down on the cost and energy spent operating the dryer, perhaps extending the dryer's useful life.
According to the Canada Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 20 deaths, 25 injuries, and cases of carbon monoxide poisoning associated with improper maintenance of dryer vents. It's also important to check with your home insurance company to see if your home is covered if such a fire should occur, and if you are required to show proof of maintenance air duct cleaning to reduce from premiums on your policy.
According to the Fire Prevention Canada, your dryer vent exhaust duct should be professionally cleaned once every 1 1/2 to 2 years. Not only does dryer vent cleaning help ensure the safety of your family and your home, but economically, dryer vent cleaning can result in improved efficiency of the washer/dryer. This improved efficiency helps cut down on the cost and energy spent operating the dryer, perhaps extending the dryer's useful life.
Chris Chapsalis, an Air Duct Cleaning Technician for over 30 years from ExtremeCleanCare.com based in Toronto, had the following tips for us on fire prevention and proper installation of ventilation systems. Although metal pipes are now the standard for dryer ventilation systems, many dryers still use white plastic vent hose kits. These are combustible and deadly when improperly used. All manufacturers now state not to use plastic flexible dryer ducts. December 2006 the Underwriters Laboratories established UL-2158A which is approved for flexible high temperature exhaust duct rated to 430°F (220°C) , that can also be used on both electric and gas dryers. Do not make the mistake of getting the UL listing of UL-181B, these are not for dryer vents but standard for flexible plastic and metal heating and cooling ductwork and vent fans such as in your bathroom. Lets also take into consideration how we load up our dryers. In Canada we have long winters, and some families will be doing a few loads of laundry per day. Make sure your dryer is running with a lint filter. Make it a routine schedule checking to clean out the lint traps on a regular basis. Do not overload your dryers. Be cautious of the fact that woollen and fleece clothing will accumulate more lint in the traps, which makes it more hazardous for a fire. Visit our website's blog section for more tips on air vent safety measures for proper maintenance and fire prevention measures, as well as many spring cleaning tips for your home.
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