To continue our discussion on the topic of the importance of proper and regular Dryer Vent Cleaning, we are going to focus on the fire hazards that the lack of maintenance leads to. Here you can read how you can clean your dryer and dryer vent yourself in between the professional servicing.
Let’s start by figuring out why filthy dryer vents are fire hazards.
The buildup of lint in the dryer vent obstructs the airflow and leads to accumulation of dry lint around the motor and the heating element. When this happens, there’s a potential fire risk due to lint’s highly combustible nature. A key part of dryer vent cleaning is checking the vent’s fire safety measures and ensuring the flexible hose is in top shape.
The lack of professional servicing may have unfortunate consequences.
Real-life scenarios to illustrate why it’s crucial to keep your dryer vent clean:
Prolonged Negligence
There was a case in New York City where a family had never cleaned their dryer vent since installing the appliance over a decade prior. The accumulated lint inside the vent became so thick that it restricted airflow entirely. One day, while they were out, the overheated dryer sparked a fire, causing extensive damage to their apartment. Had they maintained their dryer vent regularly, this disaster could have been prevented.
Poor Cleaning Standards
In another instance in Brooklyn, a homeowner hired a company to clean their dryer vent. However, the company performed the job without conducting a thorough inspection, missing a significant clog in a hidden section of the vent. A few weeks later, lint accumulated in the overlooked section caught fire, causing serious damage. This incident highlights the importance of hiring a competent professional who will perform a complete inspection and cleaning.
Location-Specific Factors
In cities like New York, where many buildings are old and closely spaced, a fire in one unit can quickly spread to others. We’ve seen cases where a fire sparked by a clogged dryer vent has resulted in severe damage to multiple apartments and even entire buildings.
Why We are a Good Choice for Your Dryer Vent Cleaning Needs
At MainDuct, we focus on factors such as lint build-up in the dryer, adherence to safety standards, and whether dampers and bird guards are installed and working correctly to prevent potential hazards such as the infiltration of carbon dioxide, excessive cooling, or nesting birds obstructing the vent. All these are important for your dryer’s optimal functioning and for maintaining its safety standard.
Next time we’ll discuss the appropriate frequency for professional dryer vent cleaning, how to determine it precisely and what it depends on. We’ll also find out what consequences poorly maintained dryer vent may have on your insurance costs.
Stay tuned and in the meantime contact us at +1 516-788-8558 to schedule your professional dryer vent cleaning.
Your air is our care!
