When was the last time you had your dryer vent cleaned?
Lint and debris can build up in your clothes dryer duct causing your dryer to work overtime, creating potentially hazardous conditions including dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home or even a fire. In addition to making sure you hire a CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician for an annual dryer vent inspection, the following tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) can help you keep your dryer venting efficiently while keeping your family safe.
- Be sure your dryer is installed and serviced by a professional.
- Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
- Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
- Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
- Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outerdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, have a dryer lint removal service come in and clean your vents .
- Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
- Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
- Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.
- Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.