According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Residential Fire Loss Estimates
15,700 residential fires originated from dryer vents.
$99 million in property damage resulted from these fires.
15 deaths
The previously reported number from 1995 was 13,700. The number of residential fires attributed to dryer vents is on the increase.
Reasons for inspection and cleaning:
Increased drying time? (jeans & towels)
Is the dryer operating hotter than normal?
Reduces chance of dryer vent fire. When the dryer is used, over time lint will collect and adhere to the inside of the dryer vent walls. The larger the buildup, the larger the risk of having a dryer vent fire.
Reduces "wasted electricity" and "appliance stress". Use of a dryer with a dirty vent can cause the dryer to run longer to dry the same amount of clothes because the hot air being expelled cannot freely exit the vent. Longer drying time takes more electricity and puts added stress on the appliance.
All connection pieces to the dryer vents should be inspected to make sure they are properly attached and up to the newer building code requirements (max 25' of pipe). Regular maintenance will keep the dryer vent clean and the dryer working properly.
What we do:
Depending on what type of dryer you have stackable, side by side, gas or electric and how your dryer is vented through the wall, up through the roof, across the inside of the ceiling, etc. the basic procedure is the same.
Our service technician will come inside and unhook the connection piece that goes between the dryer and the vent. We use the ROVAC system of assorted rotary brushes to clean out the entire duct. Once the cleaning equipment has traveled the length of the vent enough times too thoroughly clean the vent, we'll clean out the connection piece, reattach your dryer and recheck the vent while your dryer is operating.
