Dryer Vent Safety
Ask Danny, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Danny Lipford
Homeowners are often puzzled about why their clothes dryer takes longer to finish a load than it used to. The answer is usually a simple one, but it has some pretty serious implications. A build-up of lint in the dryer or its vent pipe can not only reduce the efficiency of the dryer but it can also be a fire hazard. The Consumer Products Safety Commission found that, in a single year, over 15,000 fires were attributed to the buildup of lint in dryers or their exhaust vents. This build-up reduces airflow, causing the dryer to work harder and heat up excessively, which can lead to a fire. There are two things you can do to stop this build-up. First, clean out your dryer’s vent pipe periodically, there are brushes designed specifically for this job. Second, clear the dryer’s lint screen every time you use it. These two simple steps will help your dryer should run more safely and more efficiently.
January 7th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Hello, Please tell us where we can purchase the brush to clean out the dryer vent. We enjoyed your television episode. Thanks.
December 15th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
we totally enjoy your program…gives us lots of useful tips & helps us with ? don’t know who to ask … this latest dilemna …..should the clothes dryer be on when we remove lint screen to clean or not ? we are trying to eliminate any airborne dust travelling up to living quarters thru the furnace
even with an electronic air cleaner … we are pretty sure is lint from dryer … have had cleaned & have sealed hot & cold furnace ducts with chrome tape … also our dryer pipe is straight aluminum & also sealed w/chrome tape (not Duct tape)but still more dust upstairs than we think should be
thank you BB
Ben Erickson Says:December 16th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Bev,
I would turn off your dryer while removing and cleaning your lint screen.