Dryer vents cause house fires. In fact, according to FEMA , 2,900 house fires occur each year due to clothes dryers, causing 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. These numbers can be scary, and even more so when you realize when these fires occur–and why. Most clothes dryer fires occur in winter, peaking in January, and the majority of them are caused from dirty dryer vents.
100 Percent Preventable
When it comes to clothes dryer fires, they are preventable. When the majority of these fires are caused by dirty vents, the prevention is obvious–clean the dryer vents. This is where we come in. A company like Hudson Chimney, which specializes in venting services including dryer vent services, can clean dryer vents annually to prevent dangerous buildup. Spending a little money now can prevent catastrophic costs and injuries later.
What a Dryer Vent Service Includes
Your dryer vent services will start with a diagnostic check. Many dryer vents are improperly installed, violating fire safety codes and causing your clothes dryers to be overworked, wearing them out and using extra utilities. When you schedule dryer vent services we’ll check out the installation, making sure the vent isn’t too long and doesn’t have too many angles. We’ll also make sure the dryer vent is venting outdoors and has a backdraft flap preventing airflow from wind gusts and air pressure. During the visit, we will also check for leaks that can slow airflow and add to build up. Our technicians will detach the vent from the dryer and clean lint out of the vent or hose with soft brushes and a high powered vacuuming system. This will clean out the system without damaging the vent itself.
Signs You Need a Dryer Vent Cleaning
Your dryer vent most likely needs to be cleaned if your clothes dryer isn’t working properly. Most homeowners mistakenly assume the clothes dryer is just fine, but wearing out. This is generally not the case.
–The dryer takes more than one cycle to dry a load of clothes.
According to manufacturers, the dryer should last ten years. If it fails to dry clothes in one cycle and is less than 5 years old, the dryer vent is likely clogged. Not only does running multiple cycles add to the clog, but it also uses 2 to 3 times more electricity, and shortens its life by 2 to 3 times! That means a unit that should last 10 years only lasts 3-5 instead. This is not only dangerous, but a bad investment.
–The dryer puts heat and moisture into the home.
When your dryer runs, it heats the house, or puts moisture into the air. This may be nice in winter–seemingly helping with heating costs–but it is dangerous. Most clothes dryer fires occur in January! This is not the time to allow a dryer to run dangerously in your home. It the dryer heats or puts moisture in the home, it means this heat and moisture isn’t being properly vented outdoors. This means there is a clog.
The time to schedule dryer services is as soon as you notice a problem with the dryer function. Call a professional who can assess and correct the situation before a dangerous accident occurs.
Schedule dryer vent cleaning or installation with Hudson Chimney today.