(613) 831-9695
Advanced Air Quality has dedicated an entire division to dryer fire prevention. We actively raise awareness about the importance of maintaining dryer vents, since more than 13,000 dryer fires occur every year.
DRYER VENT SAFETY
When you think of serious hazards in your home, lint probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Unlike mould or asbestos, it isn’t a direct health risk — but lint can ignite quickly and become a serious fire hazard. The risk increases as more lint accumulates in places it shouldn’t, such as your dryer vent.
Every dryer has an exhaust duct that allows warm, moist air and lint to escape outside the home. However, there are two major problems with dryer exhaust ducts.
First: exhaust ducts can, and often do, become clogged. The severity depends on the type of dryer, manufacturer, and whether the duct has been cleaned regularly. Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year.
Second: in some homes, the dryer doesn’t vent directly outside but into an attic or crawl space. This is a serious issue that will inevitably lead to mould growth and structural damage over time.
House fires caused by dryers are more common than many people realize. According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryer-related fires in North America were responsible for approximately 13,775 house fires, 420 injuries, 15 deaths, and $196 million in damages last year.
Most of these incidents occur in residences and are the result of improper lint cleanup and lack of regular maintenance.
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FORTUNATELY, THESE FIRES ARE COMPLETELY PREVENTABLE.
- If your clothes are taking longer than normal to dry, check for blocked pipes or lint buildup.
- Clean lint filters regularly. Doing so saves energy, improves performance, and reduces fire hazards.
- Replace ripped filters or cracked exhaust vents promptly.
- In winter, make sure dryer vent flaps are not frozen shut or sticking.
- Keep the area around the dryer clear of flammable materials.
- Check behind your washer and dryer for items that may have fallen behind.
- Choose aluminum or steel ducts over vinyl hoses, which can sag and create lint-trapping pockets. Plastic ducts can also melt, collapse, and fail to contain a fire.
- Exhaust ducts should not be connected with sheet-metal screws that extend into the duct. Screws catch lint, increasing the risk of clogs.
- Ensure dryer exhaust ducts are as straight as possible and no longer than 25 feet. Each 90-degree turn reduces this maximum length by 5 feet, as turns restrict airflow.
Dryer vent cleaning improves both safety and efficiency. Depending on your venting setup, vents should be cleaned or inspected every 6 to 12 months.
Resources: National Post; Mike Holmes (CBC News); Consumer Reports; Home Inspection TorontoBENEFITS OF DRYER VENT CLEANING
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REDUCED RISK OF FIRELint is a leading cause of dryer combustion and accounts for 28% of all residential dryer fires, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System. Failure to clean dryer vents is one of the most common contributing factors.
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LOWER ENERGY COSTSLint buildup in dryer vents makes dryers work harder and run longer, increasing utility bills. Cleaning your dryer vent improves efficiency, reduces drying times, and saves money.
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LONGER CLOTHING LIFEBlocked dryer vents can cause overheating, which damages fabric fibres. Longer drying times also cause extra wear. A clean dryer vent helps protect clothing and extend fabric life.
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SAVE TIME AND MONEY ON LAUNDRYOn average, a full load of laundry takes about 60 minutes to dry. A clogged vent can double that time. Clean dryer vents mean faster drying cycles and less time spent on laundry.
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EXTENDED DRYER LIFEA blocked vent makes your dryer work harder, causing it to wear out faster and increasing repair costs. Lint buildup can also cause overheating and damage to sensitive sensors. Regular vent cleaning helps your dryer operate efficiently and last longer.
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RESIDENTIAL
DRYER FIRE
Lint is a leading cause of dryer combustion and accounts for 28% of all residential dryer fires, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System. Failure to clean dryer vents is one of the most common contributing factors.
COMMERCIAL DRYER
FIRE
Regular maintenance of your Dryer Vent could significantly reduce the risk of fire. Your laundry room safety plan should include:
- 1. Annual Dryer Vent Cleaning
- 2. Monthly Inspection of the Exterior Exhaust Grille
- 3. Fire Extinguisher located in the Laundry Room
- 4. Smoke Detector installed in the Laundry Room
- 5. Carbon Monoxide Detector installed in the Laundry Room (if you have a gas dryer)
- 6. Lint Alert Monitor installed to monitor the Dryer Vent
- 7. Dryer Appliance Maintenance is done by a Certified Technician (follow the manufacturers' recommendation for frequency)
REPLACE IMPROPER
DRYER DUCTING
Replace any plastic or foil accordion-type ducting, as these materials may not be approved and do not meet safety standards. Flexible plastic ducts are flammable, and both plastic and foil accordion ducts trap lint more easily and are more susceptible to kinks and crushing, which can greatly reduce or block dryer air discharge.
ANNUAL CLEANING AND
MAINTENANCE
Clean lint filters regularly — doing so saves energy, improves performance, and reduces fire hazards. Replace ripped filters or cracked exhaust vents promptly. In winter, make sure dryer vent flaps are not frozen shut or sticking. Finally, schedule annual dryer vent cleaning to ensure there is no lint buildup.
DRYER
FIRES
STATS
Over
300Injuries Each Year
Dryer Fires in North America Result in Over
88Million Dollars in Damages
There Are Over
15,500Dryer Fires in North America Each Year
Over
15Deaths Each Year
CALL (613) 831-9695 IF YOU'RE LOCATED IN THE OTTAWA AREA AND LOOKING FOR DRYER VENT CLEANING SERVICES. WE'LL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND PROVIDE A FREE PHONE ESTIMATE.
(613) 831-9695 CALL US TODAY
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WE’LL REVIEW OUR WORK WITH YOU BEFORE AND AFTER THE CLEANING, AND WE DON’T CONSIDER THE JOB DONE UNTIL YOU’RE COMPLETELY SATISFIED.
DISCOVER WHY WE’RE THE #1 CHOICE IN OTTAWA FOR AIR DUCT CLEANING SERVICES.
TO GET A FREE ESTIMATE
(613) 831-9695 CALL US TODAY
OR VISIT OUR CONTACT PAGE