Each year thousands are impacted by dryer vent fires that were caused by a ticking time bomb in their ventilation system. Unified Air Duct will be breaking down common causes of dryer vent fires. It’s important to be educated about these real issues in order to protect your home. Without a home then it will force you or your family into financial hardships.
Things To Know About Dryer Vents
A dryer vent is to capture any heat and moisture within the house and release it outside. Dead skin cells, lint and dirt are all particles that flow through your house daily. The dryer vent captures these particles and then throws them outside in a safe manner. However, over time these dryer vents can be a fire hazard if neglected. In fact, about 17,000 homes are burned down because of a neglected dryer vent.
Clogged Up Dryer Vent & Filters
One of the common causes of dryer vent fires starts from the dryer vent itself. As your home dryer vent picks up lint, dust and dead skin cells it gets clogged over time. What helps filter out those particles from heavily penetrating the dryer vent is the dryer vent filter. However, if both the filter and dryer vent are clogged then it’s the perfect recipe for a house fire. These trapped dust and lint particles are extremely flammable. The dryer vent goes out through the house so a fire can quickly spread throughout the home. Leaving anyone in it in danger and possibly displaced too.
Electrical & Mechanical Failures
The second common cause for dryer vent fires is electrical and mechanical failures. If a dryer vent filter is installed incorrectly then it becomes a hazard. Combine a dirty filter with old electrical outlets or exposed wires then it can start a house fire. It’s important to check the components of your washer and dryer to make sure it is functioning properly. The same can be said about old electrical outlets and appliances. Faulty circuits and components can start a huge house fire if it short circuits. Although electrical and mechanical failure fires aren’t as common you should still be aware of them.
Poor Insulation
Poor insulation can also start a dryer vent fire. It can leave the dryer vent exposed to rodents, insects and other outside elements. Las Vegas can easily reach up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Extreme heat trapped inside the home is the perfect fire hazard during the summer months.
How To Prevent Dryer Vent Fires
The best way to prevent a house fire is to get your dryer vent cleaned every year. Getting it professionally cleaned will make sure that anything clogging your home dryer vent is blasted out. Most homes overlook doing this so it leads to an extremely dirty dryer vent that can spread a fire quickly. It’s also best to maintain any parts on your electrical outlets and home appliances. By checking the parts it prevents any short circuits that can happen. Electrical fires aren’t as common, but you should still be aware of them. Lastly, don’t put any plastic, silicone or rubber in your dryer or washer. By adding these harmful materials then it can lead to it getting stuck in your dryer vent, which can cause a fire. Be sure to read the label on all items that you put in the washer and dryer.
Contact Unified Air Duct Cleaning for a free quote on how to get your home serviced.