Dryer fires cause $233 million in property damage every year, and they cause hundreds of injuries. Unfortunately, the tinder for dryer fires can build up out of sight and suddenly ignite without warning. Homeowners can reduce their risk of dryer fires by adding dryer vent cleaning to their six-month or annual cleaning to-do lists. Learn more about the causes of dryer fires and what you can do to keep your home safer from the experts at Steamatic of North Indianapolis.
The Main Causes of Dryer Fires
There is one main cause of dryer fires: lint.
Lint can build up, and because it’s a dry and fluffy substance that holds a strong static charge, the wrong spark or too much heat can set it alight. But what exactly causes dry lint to be such a problem? Here’s how it builds up:
- It can accumulate in your dryer vent, the hollow tube running through the wall behind your dryer. This tube may have a lot of twists or bends, so lint can get caught in the crevices and cause a blockage.
- Dryer lint stacks up on the dryer lint trap. Whenever you turn on your dryer, it’s important to empty the lint trap first. But if people regularly forget this part of the chore, layers and layers of lint will press onto it. Not only can it make your unit overheat, but all the hot air blowing through it will need to force its way past.
- Dryer lint gets inside the body of the dryer. Sometimes, lint, dirt, and fuzz will get into the interior of your unit, the cavity between the drum and exterior walls that are full of wiring. There, it can ignite and start a fire. Sometimes, lint will find its way inside through gaps in the seals. Other times, excess lint on the lint trap will push fibers into the cavity.
How Dryer Fires Can Be Prevented
Ultimately, you can prevent dryer fires by keeping dryer lint away from the heating element inside the dryer. All of the features we discussed above—dryer vents, lint traps, and seals—try to direct lint away from this heat source. Cleaning out your lint trap is an easy and everyday way to mitigate the risks of a fire. Keeping it empty reduces the pressure on the seals and reduces the risk of a thick chunk of lint obstructing the vent.
Another key step is getting your dryer vent professionally cleaned. With the right tools and expertise, professionals can clean the vent without damaging or tearing it, removing any potential buildup.
The Importance of Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning
There are tools on the market for cleaning your vent and the area around your trap. However, it’s an arduous, complex task. You have to uninstall the dryer, open up the vent by removing the tubing, and clean the entire length from the laundry room to the roof or exterior wall. Professional dryer vent cleaning services are quicker, more convenient, and more comprehensive.
Important Statistics of Dryer Fires
Dryer fires are relatively common—the National Fire Protection Association reports that there are nearly 16,000 fires every year due to dryers and washing machines. If you can take simple steps to clean your lint trap and hire a professional cleaning service once a year, you can significantly reduce your own risk of ever having your house among that count.
Professional Services
Taking active steps to prevent dryer fires protects your home and family. It can also give you the peace of mind of knowing one of the most common causes of housefires is under control, and at Steamatic of North Indianapolis, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our professional dryer vent cleaning services and to schedule a fast, convenient appointment.
