In the U.S. a total of 2900 dryer fires are reported annually, accounting for several fatalities, numerous injuries and substantial property damage. Failure to clean the dryer properly is the no. 1 cause of dryer fires.
The fact is, there’s a lot more to know about dryer safety than just cleaning the lint trap — although that is important. You should also know something about dryer ventilation.
Dryer Ventilation
Dryers work by tumbling wet clothes in a spinning drum while hot air, heated by an electrical or gas element, is blown through them. The moisture-laden air is exhausted through a ventilation duct in an exterior wall with dryer vent exit to the outdoors. Quite often the lint that is not trapped ends up in the ventilation system and is also exhausted outdoors. But sometimes, a kink or bend in the ventilation duct will trap lint, creating a fire hazard.
Why Dryer Fires Occur
Dryer fires often occur when a spark ignites trapped lint in the ventilation duct. A dryer installed against an exterior wall usually has a short duct, so there is less chance of lint being trapped. However, in modern home construction, dryers are increasingly being located in the interior of homes, from which longer dryer vents are extended. Often these longer vents must make turns and bends on their way to the exterior. The longer the duct, the more opportunity for lint to accumulate, and the greater the chance for a fire. The shorter the distance and the fewer the turns, the less chance for a fire.
Experts recommend rigid metal ducts in most cases, saying homeowners should avoid installing plastic or flexible ducts. The latter are easily crushed or can also sag, leading to the accumulation of lint and greater possibility for a fire.
Preventing Dryer Fires
Eliminate the chance of dryer fire by having yours professionally cleaned every year. A technician can get inside the dryer and remove lint in areas that you probably can’t reach.
For more on dryer ventilation safety, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning. We serve Lorain and the surrounding area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area