Dryer Vent Cleaning: Advice from the Fort Lauderdale Wizard

A recent dryer fire broke out in a home on Chrysanthemum Drive in Boynton Beach, Florida. The results were a devastating total loss to the home as well as several pets that sadly, perished in the fire. Animal trainer, Mrs. Pittman, did save her dogs, but, was unable to save the four cats. There was another tragic dryer fire earlier which claimed the life of Gena Brown of Lexington, MA, who sacrificed her life to heroically save the life of her two daughters.

Sadly, this happens all too often, with the US Fire Administration reporting over 15,000 annual dryer fires resulting in 15 deaths and millions in property damages. Most of these fires can easily be prevented by cleaning the dryer ducts and venting system. Consumer Reports, Underwriter Laboratories and the Consumer Product Safety Commission all recommend annual inspections and dryer vent cleaning.

How do dryer fires happen? Lint build-up is the leading cause. The lint that escapes being trapped in the lint screen should be vented outside; however, some is caught in the dryer vent system where it builds up, eventually causing the dryer to overheat. This eventually causes a fire. Other causes include improper installation of the dryer or an outdated venting system that does not meet today’s codes. Excessive pet hair is a common cause in homes with multiple pets. Small animals are attracted to the warmth of the dryer vent; they may crawl in side and become trapped or on occasion, bird nests have been found in the vent, blocking the path for dryer lint to escape.

Even if you are one of the lucky ones who do not experience a dryer fire, a clogged vent causes the dryer to work extra hard, run longer and cost more to operate. Cleaning the lint screen regularly and using a dryer with an automatic drying cycle are among the 10 most important rules for conserving energy. Unfortunately, these tips are useless if there is a clogged vent. Studies have shown that drying 6 loads per week, taking 2 hours each (instead of the ideal 45 minutes each) it will cost you an additional $435 per year. This figure varies in areas such as Florida, where electricity is more expensive and an overheating dryer vent system will cause the AC to run longer.

With this in mind, wouldn’t you agree that it makes good sense to have your dryer vent cleaned and professionally inspected annually? When dryer ducts are clogged with lint, hair and dust, they pose a fire safety threat and cause the dryer to run inefficiently, increasing utility bills and shortening the life of the appliance. The small fee for dryer vent cleaning is well worth it when compared to the devastating loss from a fire.