Dryer vent lint cleaning and fire safety are a major focus during Fire Prevention Week in October. Fall is a busy time of the year for most people. It is also the time of year when most house fires occur; therefore, this is a good time to schedule your seasonal appliance maintenance. Lint build-up in the dryer vent system blocks air-flow, causes overheating, pre-mature appliance break-down, and eventually, a dryer fire. Dryer vent cleaning is especially important because your clothes dryer is one of the most likely appliances to cause a fire.
Fires are not the only danger; carbon monoxide poisoning is another threat associated with the Fall season. All gas appliances need to be properly maintained to be sure they are venting safely. Here are some safety tips:
Install a carbon monoxide detector near the area where the gas appliances are. If you already have one, be sure it is working properly.
Install smoke detectors throughout the house and be sure the batteries are good. They should have test buttons on them so you can check to be sure they work.
Furnace cleaning should be done periodically; at least once every three years if you have a gas furnace. Other furnaces usually need to be cleaned every year or two. Check with the manufacturer for recommendations.
Dryer vent cleaning should be done annually to remove dryer lint build-up and to be sure the dryer is operating safely and efficiently. A clogged dryer vent system is a fire hazard and it will cause your dryer to run longer and use more energy.
Be sure the area around the furnace, dryer, water heater and other gas appliances is not cluttered with combustible items, like cardboard boxes or flammable chemicals, like paint thinners or solvents.
Look around the house for anything that could be a fire hazard and take steps to make it safe. Have everyone in the house do this to be sure you don’t miss anything.
Plan and rehearse an escape plan if you should have a fire. Be sure children understand the plan and agree on a place to meet outside when you get out.
Remember, no matter what you do, accidents happen. The more you do to prevent a fire, the more you reduce the risk of experiencing a fire. Proper appliance maintenance helps prevent fires, prolongs the life of the appliance and saves energy.
John Moffat owns Dryer Vent Wizard, a company who provides dryer vent lint cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation, dryer vent inspections and all dryer vent services for homes and businesses in Hartford, Tolland and Windham Counties, Hartford, Bloomfield, Wethersfield, Glastonbury, Avon, Manchester, Windsor Locks, Enfield, Granby, Suffield, West Hartford, Bristol, Farmington, South Windsor, New Britain, Vernon Rockville, Ellington, Willington, Coventry, Andover, Amston, Mansfield Center, Woodstock Valley, Eastford, Thompson, Brooklyn, Hampton, Windham, Danielson, Plainfield Village, and neighboring cities and communities.