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Dryer Vents
Dryer Vent Safety and Cleaning
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Clothes dryers start more residential fires than any other home appliance. Statistics from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicate that, in one year alone there were 16,700 fires in the United States originating in clothes dryers. These fires resulted in 430 injuries, 30 deaths and over $84.4 million in property damage. The CPSC also reports that in one year, approximately 400 people were non-fatally poisoned by carbon monoxide as a result of gas dryers.
Inadequate maintenance is the leading cause of dryer fires, and lint is the material which usually ignites. Even well cleaned lint-screens remove only 75 percent of the lint produced. When lint builds up in dryer vents, the dryer motor has to labor harder and can overheat, thus igniting the lint.
Click any of the following tips to learn more and ensure the safest dryer operation and help you properly maintain your dryer vent:
Call MAXIM Cleaning & Restoration, Inc. to answer any other questions you might have or to schedule and appointment.
FAQ
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- How do I know my dryer vent needs to be cleaned?
- Clothes (especially towels or jeans) take a very long time to dry
- Clothes are hotter than usual at the end of the cycle
- Flapper on vent hood doesn't open when dryer is on
- If you notice any of these signs, schedule a professional dryer cleaning immediately. You could save money and even your life with this simple procedure
- Why should I clean my dryer vent?
- The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths, and 310 injuries associated with clothes dryers. Also over $84,000,000 in property damage. {link to www.dryerbox.com/dryer_fire_articles.htm} Accumulation of lint and reduced exhaust airflow provide conditions ripe for a fire. Lint is highly combustible.
- Protects your home and its contents from fires{link: www.dryerbox.com/dryer_fire_articles.htm , smoke and pollutants
- Significantly reduces energy operating costs
- Dryer runs more efficiently
- Dryers will last longer
- Clothes will dry faster
- Reduces your utility costs
- How can I maintain my dryer vent cleaning between visits?
- Clean the lint filter before or after each load
- Clean the back of the dryer where lint can be trapped
- Wash lint screen regularly as fabric softeners and dryer sheets can leave an invisible film in the screen
- Contact MAXIM to clean your dryer vent annually
- How often should I clean my dryer vent?
Annual dryer vent cleaning is recommended
- What is the right kind of dryer vent tubing?
- Replace plastic transition ducts (joining the dryer to the wall) with metal ductwork because it is non-flammable
- Make sure the dryer duct is made of solid metallic material. Both vinyl and foil are combustible and spiral-wound surfaces tend to catch lint more readily.
- How does MAXIM clean dryer vents?
- Cleaned from the outside using high pressure, compressed air tool
- Compressed air tool blasts lint, debris, and bird or other nests loose sending it to the outside and then caught in a special bag
- Clean the complete vent run no matter where it exists -- roof or side
- Homes with extra long runs may need cleaning from the dryer inside to the outside vent hood flapper
- No lint enters the dryer or residence
- Can I clean my own dryer vent?
Yes, you can; however, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have the time to do this?
Cleaning a dryer vent takes a professional with appropriate equipment approximately an hour to clean
- Do I have the right equipment?
Using the wrong equipment could potentially damage your venting and not thoroughly clean
- Do I want to clean this mess up?
- Could I do damage to my venting or dryer?
Again, using the wrong equipment could potentially damage your dryer and/or your venting
- Do I have the knowledge and experience to do this?
Hiring MAXIM will ensure a proper and thorough cleaning of your dryer vent -- GUARANTEED
- Can MAXIM service my dryer or replace my dryer vent?
MAXIM does not offer these services. Please see our related services and providers.
- What else do I need to know?
Additional Information
- www.dryerbox.com/dryer_fire_articles.htm
- Purchasing a new dryer will not eliminate the potential fire risks if the dryer vent is clogged with lint build-up
- A dryer vent that is clogged with lint, paper particles, bird nests or other items is the primary and most significant fire hazard
