Waterford Dryer Vent Cleaning
Wizard Commemorates Fire Prevention Month
Dryer fire prevention and energy savings are the Wizard’s main focus all year with increased effort during Fire Prevention Month in October
Waterford CA – The Waterford Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard observes National Fire Prevention Month in October by increasing his efforts to promote dryer fire prevention and energy savings. This is the time of year when the frequency of home fires and carbon monoxide accidents increases so residents should double check all gas appliances to be sure they are venting properly. Gas dryers need proper venting to avoid carbon monoxide accidents and house fires.
Over 17,000 dryer fires occur each year with dryer lint accumulation being the number one cause. Dryer fires are easily preventable with routine maintenance to remove lint build-up from inside the dryer and dryer vent system. Here are some dryer maintenance tips to help prevent dryer related fires:
• Clean the lint screen or filter before or after each load of laundry
• Make sure your dryer vent system meets city, state and manufacturer’s safety codes
• Replace plastic or flexible foil systems with semi-rigid or sold metal material
• Keep the dryer lint screen clean and wash it every few months with soap and water to remove residue from fabric softener sheets
• Have professional dryer vent lint cleaning done each year
• Don’t store combustibles, chemical cleaning products or chemical soaked rags near your clothes dryer or other gas appliances
• Do not leave the house or go to sleep when the dryer is running
• Check the dryer vent outside often for lint build up, blockage, damage or freezing
Professional dryer vent cleaning is the best way to eliminate a fire hazard and improve dryer performance. A certified dryer exhaust technician (http://www.californiadryerguy.com/) will also clean the interior of the clothes dryer chassis and inspect the belts and rollers for wear. Worn belts can cause the drum to become unbalanced and rub against other parts, causing the dryer to throw sparks which can easily ignite lint that is built up in the dryer vent system. This is one example of how a dryer fire starts.
Dryer vent cleaning removes the fuel so if the dryer does throw a spark, there is nothing to ignite, and a solid metal dryer duct is likely to contain the spark until it burns itself out. The plastic or vinyl could catch fire from sparks. This is why manufacturers and building codes do not allow plastic or vinyl for a dryer vent system.
James Smith owns Dryer Vent Wizard, specializing in commercial and residential dryer vent cleaning, repair and new dryer vent installation. He encourages everyone to have a dryer vent inspection and look for other fire hazards in the home while observing National Fire Prevention Month in October.
About Dryer Vent Wizard:
Dryer Vent Wizard is a member of the National Fire Protection Association and the largest chain of dryer vent cleaning, repair, replacement and alternation specialists in the U.S. with nearly 60 franchisees in major markets. Dryer Vent Wizard franchisees work to promote public awareness on the importance of dryer vent cleaning to prevent dryer fires and save energy. Consumer education while making clothes dryers safer and greener are the main focus of DVW franchisees. Dryer Vent Wizard was founded in 2004 by Dave Lavalle who is also the founder of the Mr. Handyman franchise.