Usually, people wouldn’t care about dryer duct cleaning until there’s a problem, at least not until it’s too late.
Apart from the fact that a clogged vent can reduce the efficiency of your dryer, it can also be a risk of fire. So dryer users need to follow dryer vent safety rules or guidelines seriously.
The Occurrences of Accidents for Lack of Dryer Vent Safety Guidelines
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), over 18 thousand buildings were caught up with fire accidents, mainly caused by dryers or washing machines, in 2010.
The USEPA further warns that the primary cause of these fires is failure to clean them appropriately and on a regular basis.
You may replace your lint traps after each wash or every couple of washes, but what about the vents that transfer the airflow, especially hot air? They are moved outside or sometimes even inside; the dryer vent installation is indoor through a dryer vent or exhaust vent.
These vents are one of the key elements of the dryer for which we can operate the machine properly.
Dryer Vent Safety Guidelines
You can’t afford to overlook this possible danger in your house. Clean up vents all by yourself or contact a professional home and business duct cleaning service to do that for you at the absolute minimum.
To help you avoid danger, here are a few other essential dryer vent safety precautions or measurements you should take.
1. Cleanse the Lint Traps & Dryer Vents
Cleaning the vents in your dryer should be part of your regular maintenance practice. You can empty the lint traps between washes on your own, and most users do so because there is a lot of lint left on clean garments otherwise.
Cleaning the dryer vents at least once a year is recommended. Larger households who use their dryers frequently should do this often.
2. Expert Dryer Inspection should be Scheduled
If you’re skilled enough, you might be able to clean the dryer vents all by yourself. But, we would recommend you hire a dryer vent cleaning professional to handle work for you for comfort, safety, and efficiency.
These specialists can clean all of your vents simultaneously, guaranteeing that not only your dryers but also your Ventilation air ducts remain healthy and tidy to use.
For worried individuals, you are advised to contact reliable business and residential vent cleaning services once a year is a wise decision.
3. Recognize the Credentials
Anyone who installs or repairs your dryer should be well-versed in regulatory guidelines and follow them, especially knowing the codes or credentials for fire safety.
Still, ensure your vent has been more than 10 cm in width, the same size as the dryer exit, the exhaust pipe or duct is no more than 750-765 cm long, the dryer vent flows to outside, and the connections are tight to prevent emissions from seeping further inside.
Following these safety regulations will not only guarantee that your dryer complies with regulatory requirements, but it would also assist in decreasing the danger of fire and other risks.
4. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
The placement of fire extinguishers or smoke detectors at your home is a personal choice. Even so, the optimum location is near risk areas and emergency exits. Sprinkler systems should be placed near doors such as entryways and in the kitchens and laundry area.
5. Never Leave a Dryer On When You Leave the House
If you’re not at home, typically wouldn’t leave the stove, toaster, or press on, but this is a smart safety approach to use for all of your devices, big and little. This is highly crucial for appliances that are susceptible to catching fire.
However, routine home dryer vent cleaning helps guarantee that your dryer is safe to us; you ought to be prepared to act quickly if something goes wrong. Remember that operating appliances at peak daytime affects your power cost.
So keep up with vent maintenance work to retain your dryer in excellent condition, and rinse your clothes when you get home after work.
6. Don’t Keep Garments on Top of Dryer
Keep items that would fire from the surface near your dryers, such as cartons, sanitary items, and fuel containers. If you leave clothes on top of the machine, it may fall backward, obstructing ventilation or causing damage to the vent.
7. Without Proper Knowledge Don’t Experiment with Circuits
Ensure you’re using the correct socket and adapter and that the appliance is safely plugged. You might face the threat of an accidental fire if you’re using a convertible plug or try to alter the sockets without any of the help of an expert electrician or specialist.
This might harm the dryer’s interior components.
8. Use Your Dryer According to the Product Guidelines
Maintain the condition of your dryers. A competent specialist should examine gas washers to ensure that the fuel line and interface are also in good working order and clear of leakage.
Electrical washers do not require the exact amount of care as those, but they must be serviced according to the product’s guidelines. This ultimately helps to keep the vent away from causing malfunction and fire breakout.
9. Use Proper Venting Duct for Dryers
To maintain adequate air circulation and thermal efficiency, utilize rigid and pliable metallic ducting elements. They allow you to ventilate your machine while keeping at least a 10 cm circular path open.
10. Check the Dryer Vent from Outside to See the Emission Exits
Get a dryer lint cleaning service to clean out the venting duct thoroughly outside for you yearly, or more frequently if your clothes are taking time to dry than usual. Check to see if the dryer vent is not blocked.
They might be able to inform you about code violations and fire risks.
Conclusion
A faulty clothes dryer increases the chances of a fire. Look for signs that your dryer isn’t working correctly, as well as any potential red flags, and take steps accordingly if the need arises.
Take your dryer out and clean the vents at the back with your vacuum at least once a year to keep it well to function & prevent unwanted calamities.
