Posting Date: December 18, 2017
Posted by: Sarah Herd

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of about 3,000 home fires every year are caused by clothes dryers. The leading cause of those fires? A failure to maintain and clean the appliance and its venting system.

It’s true: when dust, fiber, and lint that accumulates in your dryer – especially in your dryer vent, where it blocks air flow – a fire can ignite easily and spread quickly. A dryer vent blocked by lint can also subject your family to the silent but deadly dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Why do I have lint build-up in and around my dryer vent?

There are many improper dryer vent practices which restrict airflow and lead to lint buildup. Four of the most common are:

• Dryer vents are too long / have too many bends – When it comes to dryer vents, short and straight is better. The more bends, the shorter the length you can safely use. If you must run a longer vent line, use a dryer duct booster fan, which helps push air through the duct.
• Use of cheap plastic or foil rather than metal duct extenders – Plastic and foil duct extenders can easily crush or crimp, causing a reduction in airflow that can lead to overheating and dryer malfunction. Metal vents resist crushing better than plastic and foil models and should always be used.
• Inadequate clearance – Pushing your dryer right up against the wall can crush your venting material, resulting in reduced airflow, lint build-up, and overheating – perfect conditions for a fire.
• Improper cleaning – If you haven’t looked at or cleaned your dryer vent in a while, you’re not alone.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to avoid these problems and dangers: have your dryer vents professionally cleaned by Broward. Our technicians will check the full vent line from the back of your dryer to your outdoor dryer vent cover, safely removing any obstruction that can limit air flow along the way.

From December through February, we’re offering a dryer vent cleaning for only $100! Contact us today to schedule your dryer vent cleaning.