Thursday, July 25, 2013

Dryer Vent Cleanings Help Prevent House Fires

Did you know that your clothes dryer poses a fire hazard if the dryer vent is not cleaned regularly? The lint that builds up in your dryer vent is highly combustible, and can become the perfect fuel for a raging fire if the dryer vent becomes clogged to the point where the dryer overheats.

Each year, approximately 2,900 clothes dryer fires are reported to the nation’s fire departments in residential buildings, resulting in an estimated five deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The top factor leading to these clothes dryer fires was failure to clean, FEMA noted.

Dryer Fires Are for the Birds

Other surprising factors that can lead to dangerously clogged dryer vents are birds’ nests and other types of animal nests. When animal nests keep vents from exhausting properly, a fire can result.

A Matter of Efficiency

Aside from being a fire hazard, clogged dryer vents keep your clothes dryer from running efficiently. Not only does this mean your clothes will take longer to dry, but your dryer will become an energy drain, which contributes to higher energy bills.

Powers Chimney and Masonry Can Help

Powers Chimney and Masonry offers dryer vent cleaning in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and surrounding cities. We can help your dryer run more safely and efficiently. Our other services include masonry, chimney cleaning and chimney repair. Contact us by phone at 206.909.0166 or 360-691-9828 or via email to schedule a service.