General Safety

Dryer vent cleaning is one of the most important services we provide. After all, it is something many of us don’t even think about very often. Folks will often ask us why we preach dryer vent cleaning so much, and all we have to do is show them the statistics. There is an estimated 15,500 fires yearly that stem from dryer vents that have not been cleared of lint.

So, how do you go about getting these vents cleaned? Unless you have the equipment, we recommend calling us to do it for you. Because many dryer vents tend to stretch from one part of the house to the other, it is not likely that you will be able to clear it out yourself. We use a blower that pushes the lint out of the vent on one end. On the other, we have a long pipe and brush that pulls the lint not blown out to the outside of the house. Then, you can use the lint for things you may not have realized.

For instance, did you know that lint can be used to make clay? Also, you can use the flammability of lint to your advantage by making it kindling for your fire. If you wear organic clothing with natural fibers, you can even use the lint as mulch for your garden!

The bottom line is you want to make sure you take the cleaning of your dryer vent very seriously. There is simply no way to ignore it’s necessity. When you think about it, dryer vent cleaning is an easy thing to have done. Just call us, and set an appointment. We will come to your house, clean your vents and leave your home cleaner than when we arrived. Don’t waste another day, and put your home and family at risk of a preventable catastrophe.

Did you know that fires in dryer exhaust systems exceed those in chimneys in number, property loss and loss of life?  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.  Just last year Consumer Reports stated that more than 13,000 fires a year start in laundry rooms in the United States, resulting in 10 deaths and $97 million in property damage. Nearly 4,000 of these fires arise from lint buildup that occurs when people fail to clean their dryer vents.  Have your dryer exhaust system service regularly by a CSIA Certified Technician.

To help prevent fires:

• Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked.
• Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically. Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked. To remove a blockage in the exhaust path, it may be necessary to disconnect the exhaust duct from the dryer. Remember to reconnect the ducting to the dryer and outside vent before using the dryer again.
• Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Have a qualified service person clean the interior of the dryer chassis periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation. Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter.
• Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow.
• Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. If possible, wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothes and, preferably, hang the clothes to dry. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that has a cool-down period at the end of the cycle. To prevent clothes from igniting after drying, do not leave the dried clothes in the dryer or piled in a laundry basket.

Where should I place smoke alarms?
Install UL Listed smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms outside every sleeping area and near fuel-burning appliances.

How often should I change the batteries in my smoke alarms?
Some smoke alarms will beep when batteries need to be changed, but don’t rely on this. We recommend routinely changing the batteries in all smoke detectors at least twice per year. It’s convenient to remember to do this in the spring and fall when you adjust your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.

How many fire extinguishers should I have?
We recommend placing a fire extinguisher on every floor of the house. It is essential to have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and the garage. Remember to have your fire extinguishers regularly tested and replaced when necessary.

How often should my chimney be professionally inspected and cleaned?
The National Fire Protection Association states, “Chimneys shall be inspected at least once a year….” Click here to learn more about chimney inspection and chimney sweeping.

What can I do about a smoking fireplace?
Sometimes you need to call a professional, and sometimes you don’t. Click here for simple do-it-yourself solutions to common chimney problems.

Are halogen torchiere lamps safe?
Place halogen torchiere lamps in locations where they cannot be tipped over by children, pets, or a strong draft from an open window. Do not allow curtains or other combustible materials to come in contact with torchiere lamps at any time.

Can clothes dryers cause fires?
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 14,000 clothes dryer-related fires occur each year. Since dust and lint buildup is the major problem, CPSC recommends that you clean the lint filter after each load and make sure the dryer is operating properly. Check for dust and lint buildup in the exhaust duct and around other major appliances, such as washers, water heaters and furnaces. Take all the clothes out of the dryer after the cycle is done.

Making a plan and holding regular fire drills will give each household member the confidence and knowledge to act quickly in an emergency. Here then are some tips on developing a family escape plan:

1. Sketch a layout of each floor, including windows, doors, and stairways. Go over the plan with family members and post it in your home as a reminder of all possible exits. Keep the phone number of the Fire Department handy by the phone.
2. Have family members practice different escape routes (at least two per room). Fire drills also teach children that they must escape, not hide from fire.
3. Place one family member in charge of helping the elderly or the very young to escape.
4. Agree on a meeting place outside the home and instruct everyone to go there in case of fire. Discuss why you shouldn’t go back inside once you’re out. (People have died returning to a burning building).

Nearly one-third of home fire victims lost their lives in fires that were smoking-related. If you have a smoker in your home, install a smoke and fire alarm in his or her room and have large, heavy ashtrays placed in various locations.