Anatomy of a Dryer Fire

Dryer fires usually startbeneath the dryer when the motor overheats. Overheating is caused by abuild-up of lint in the duct that increases the drying time and blocksthe flow of air. Naturally, any lint that has collected under the dryerwill burn and the draft from the dryer will pull that fire up into theduct. Since the duct may be coated or even blocked with lint, many timesa house fire results. Other contributing conditions may include failureof the thermostat and limit switches in the dryer, lint inside thedryer, a missing or damaged lint screen, a crushed hose behind thedryer, or a bird’s nest or other debris blocking the vent.

Dryer Fire Fact Sheet

Statistics andImplications

- Dryer exhaust fires nowsurpass creosote (chimney) fires in frequency on a national level. In1998, the most recent statistics available, the Consumer Product SafetyCommission reports that over 15,600 dryer fires occurred killing 20people, injuring 370 more and causing over $75.4 million in propertydamage. According to the CPSC, in most of these cases the culprit waslint getting into the machine’s heating element, sparking and fueling afire. Not surprisingly, some fire departments and insurance companiesnow require that dryer vents be inspected and cleaned regularly.

- With gas dryers, there isalso concern of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Since lint and fluegases use the same avenue of exit from the house, a blocked vent cancause CO fumes to back up into the house. These fumes are colorless andodorless and they can be fatal. Low-level CO poisoning mimics flusymptoms (without the fever): headache, weakness, nausea, disorientationand deep fatigue. At higher levels, occupants can fall asleep, lapseinto a coma and die.

Warning Signs

- Dryer is still producingairflow, no heat. It takes longerand longer to dry clothes, especially towels and jeans or any otherarticle of clothing.
- Clothes are damp or hotter than usual at theend of the cycle.
- Outdoor flapper on vent hood doesn't open whendryer is on.
- Airflow in the vent seems low.

 Benefits to Dryer Vent Cleaning Regularly

- Allows your dryer tooperate more efficiently, using less energy and saving you money.
-Protects your dryer from excess wear and premature death.
- Helpsclothes dry faster—a time savings for busy families.
- Reducesexcess household dust and humidity
- Helps preserve clothing, as thelife of many fabrics is damaged by excessive high heat.

PREVENTSA POSSIBLE DRYER FIRE!
 

Inspection Frequency

Most vents should be cleanedevery year. Dryer Vent Cleaning is the only solution.

Some dryer vents needattention more often. Determining factors include:

- How heavily the dryer isused
- How long the vent is / angles and the materials used. Shortervents usually blow better.
- The age and type of dryer and ventingused.
- The design of the vent. Those with a lot of turns and elbowsblow worse and build up more lint.

Dryer Vent Cleaning will increase the drying time of your dryer and prevent potential fires.

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