Today, at least in our household, washing and drying clothes is an everyday chore. In fact, washers and dryers are some of the most unappreciated appliances in our home. We seem to take them for granted and then when they break down, only then do we realize the importance and value they have in our lives. With that said, most people don’t realize the importance of maintaining these appliances, especially the dryer. It is very important to keep your clothes dryer in proper working condition, not just to ensure it is working properly, but to also maintain the safety of your home and your family.
Ensuring that you avoid these specific bad habits can help you avoid a potentially tragic house fire.
Ensure Air Exhaust Vent Pipe is Unrestricted. Clogged dryer vents are one of the leading causes of dryer fires. It’s not easy to tell when the vents are clogged. Some people are completely unaware that the vents require regular cleaning. However, it’s vital to understand that lint accumulates on a grand scale within the hoses, and when it compounds it can create a serious problem. The buildup restricts airflow, which may cause overheating and fire.
Clean the outside exhaust vent regularly. It is best to check this when your dryer is running by making sure that the exhaust air is escaping properly. If you cannot feel any air, it is likely that there is a lint accumulation clogging the vent outlet. This might require you to disconnect the exhaust vent from the dryer to remove the clog. Remember to reconnect the ducting to the outside vent and dryer before you use the dryer again. If you are unsure of how to do this, it is always recommended that you contact the manufacturer for help or hire a professional.
Do Not Overload. We all seem to procrastinate and then wash/dry several loads in one setting or have larger loads than normal. I get it, we all have very busy schedules. However, this can lead to you saving all of your dirty laundry to be cleaned on the same day, and it’s easy to use this as an excuse to overload your dryer, which can potentially be a safety hazard.
A heavy load is too hard on the dryer and is the most common cause of it breaking down. In addition to downtime and repair costs, an overloaded dryer can cause the drum belt, spindle bearings and pulleys to work overtime, producing higher than average temperatures. When this happens, the friction can ignite a spark and cause a fire.
Inspect Gas Lines. Leave this to the professionals. Qualified professionals should inspect the gas line and connection to ensure that they are free of leaks and intact. Gas leaks are incredibly dangerous and can cause many problems apart from a dryer fire. If you observe a burning smell when you run your dryer, immediately discontinue use of your unit and call the manufacturer as soon as possible. Avoid the area of the suspected gas leak at all times.
Never Run the Dryer When You Leave Home or Are Sleeping. We all have probably succumbed to convenience and thrown a load of clothes into the dryer before heading to work or running errands. However, if a fire starts while you are gone, you cannot stop it early. In addition, if you are asleep, it may be too late before you realize that your house has caught fire.
For you own safety, consider running the dryer only when you are home and awake. It is also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in your laundry room, just in case something does go wrong you will have it right where you need it.
Everyone should be aware that a clothes dryer that is not working correctly increases the risk of fire. Look for signs that your clothes dryer is not working correctly and any potential increases in the risk of fire. Additional indicators to look out for are clothes that come out hotter than usual and the dryer stopping repeatedly during a cycle.
About ABC Cleaning, Inc. of Orlando, FL
Serving Central Florida since 1992, ABC Cleaning, Inc. has been the acknowledged leader in air duct cleaning, chimney cleaning and dryer vent cleaning. We’re NADCA certified, we consistently invest in and have the most modern equipment and utilize the latest technology available with the best-trained service technicians in all of Orlando. If you need help deciding whether to replace or repair faulty ducts, please contact us at ABC. We provide quality HVAC service throughout Orlando and the surrounding communities. Please give us a call today at (407) 381-2120. We are here to help!
