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Dryer Vent Safety

Video, Safety and Security, Repairs and Installation, Interior, Ask Danny Published 03/24/2007 by Danny Lipford

Homeowners are often puzzled about why their clothes dryer takes longer to finish a load than it used to. The answer is usually a simple one, but it has some pretty serious implications. A build-up of lint in the dryer or its vent pipe can not only reduce the efficiency of the dryer but it can also be a fire hazard. The Consumer Products Safety Commission found that, in a single year, over 15,000 fires were attributed to the buildup of lint in dryers or their exhaust vents. This build-up reduces airflow, causing the dryer to work harder and heat up excessively, which can lead to a fire. There are two things you can do to stop this build-up. First, clean out your dryer’s vent pipe periodically, there are brushes designed specifically for this job. Second, clear the dryer’s lint screen every time you use it. These two simple steps will help your dryer should run more safely and more efficiently.