Tuesday, December 2, 2008

How to Prevent Dryer Fires with Proper Dryer Vent Cleaning

By Mory Matias

All major appliances require some regular maintenance in order to operate efficiently. Failure to properly maintain appliances increases their chances of breaking down, or causes them to labor or work harder to perform their task. This leads to increased energy bills and a chance of an appliance repair or replacement bill. When dryer vent cleaning and maintenance is neglected, there is yet another danger; a clothes dryer fire.

Here are some items you should know about clothes dryers and dryer vent systems:

Check the lint trap before each load; clean it after each load

Wash the lint screen with warm, soapy water, every month or two, to remove residue build-up caused by dryer sheets

Do not dry fabrics soaked in combustible substances, even if they have been washed; line drying is recommended

Store flammable items far away from your dryer

Order professional dryer vent cleaning and maintenance at least once a year

Make sure the dryer vent system is up to code according to city, state, and manufacturer criteria

Do not use vinyl or plastic material for your dryer ducts; use only semi-rigid or solid metal

Check the outside vent often to be sure it is not blocked or damaged

These tips are useful in preventing dryer fires and saving on energy costs. When your clothes dryer is working efficiently, and is properly maintained, it has less chance of breaking down. The cost of annual professional dryer vent cleaning is little compared to the damages suffered after a fire. The service fee will quickly pay for itself in energy savings and increasing the life of your clothes dryer.

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