Generally, homeowners do not notice the dryers vents when it comes to our laundry appliances. Even though they remove all of our clothing’s unwanted fuzz and lint without our knowledge, we only pay attention to them when something goes wrong. However, keeping dryer vents clean and replaced regularly is essential to reducing fire risk. This will help improve the dryer’s performance and avoid potential hazards in the long run.
Read on to learn more about dryer vents and safety tips to keep them in good working condition.
How Do Dryer Vents Function?
For each dryer, you will find a 4-inch diameter metal exhaust vent on the back of the appliance. This part helps release air safely and quickly. Thus, the air must be safely expelled outside rather than blasting the air throughout the house. And to achieve this, the tubing is hooked to the dryer at one end and to a side hole of the home at the other end.
The Setup Procedure
If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you can easily install a dryer vent in your house. You may purchase a complete dryer vent kit that includes all necessary parts. Sometimes, calling in the experts can be a smart idea, especially if you are not a DIY enthusiast. Installation is also often a breeze for an experienced and qualified individual.
What Are The Benefits Of Cleaning Dryer Vents
Maintaining a well-functioning dryer requires routine cleaning of the dryer’s exhaust vents. However, did you know that a clean dryer vent might also save you money in the long run?. Here are a few benefits of cleaning a dryer vent regularly.
Keeps Vents Clear of Clogs
If your dryer vent gets clogged, the cost of repairs will be more expensive. So, preventing them in the first place with regular cleaning saves you both time and money.
Reduces Chances of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Keeping dryer vents clean reduces the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is another incentive to do so. Lint can clog the exhaust system, trapping this odorless gas, which can explode and inflict severe injury or death. Maintaining a clean duct system and putting a safety sensor near the ductwork can help to protect your family’s health.
It Extends the Life of Your Dryer
Finally, a well-maintained dryer will last longer since it keeps it from overheating, extending its service life. You can extend the life of your appliance and improve its performance by performing routine maintenance.
Safety Tips for Dryer Vents
Use Dryer Covers with Gravity Flaps
When it comes to dryer covers, those with gravity flaps are the best option. This permits air to depart while allowing very little air to get into the building. Additionally, this helps to keep insects out of the house.
Check Your Dryer’s Vents Outside
Ensure that hot air is leaving properly from your dryer’s exhaust vent by checking it while it is operating. Lint has likely accumulated in the vent if you can’t hear or see any air moving. In this situation, clean the dryer vent ductwork.
Inspect the Dryer’s Enclosure
Cleaning the lint trap is not enough; it may also build up behind and beneath your washing machine. Dryer lint can catch fire from the heat it generates while operating. Remove any lint or clutter from the area where your dryer usually sits before using it.
Ensure a working fire extinguisher is within reach
You’ll never be in danger of fire hazards if you have a fire extinguisher within reach. For dryer vent safety, it’s a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in your laundry room and one in your kitchen. If you have a functional fire extinguisher on hand, it is possible to put out a blaze in your dryer or vent.
Fire Prevention – 10 Tips to Keep Your Home Safe
A fire can start in the blink of an eye, but the damage it leaves behind can last a lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to be proactive about fire prevention. Taking some simple steps to reduce the risk of a fire starting in your home is well worth the effort. Here are 10 tips to help you get started.
Radon In Your Home
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that you can’t see, taste, or smell. Indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and contributes to an estimated 7,000 to 30,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
Smoke Alarms & What You Should Know
As a reputable home inspection service, we always advise installing a functional smoke alarm in your house. Also, regularly inspecting them can ensure that they are functioning correctly
Roof System: 4 Tips to Protect it in Winter
Winter is approaching, and if you want to keep your roof and your house safe from harm and damage during these cold and snowy months,
Bathroom And Kitchen Vents: Why You Should Turn Them On
Generally, the bathroom and kitchen are the most commonly used part of a house. They are known to have the latest technical equipment and are
Dryer Vents: 10 Cleaning and Safety Tips for You!
Generally, homeowners do not notice the dryers vents when it comes to our laundry appliances. Even though they remove all of our clothing’s unwanted fuzz
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.
You can’t see or smell radon. Testing is the only way to know your level of exposure. Radon can have a big impact on your Indoor Air Quality. Which Radon Zone do you live in? Find Radon Zone and Supplemental Radon Information near you.
Mold is a fungus that grows on damp surfaces, such as the walls and floors of your home. Left unchecked, it can grow in colonies and produce allergens and irritants. It’s important to test for mold before buying or selling a home so you can remediate the issue prior to closing escrow.
There are many different types of mold that can occur in a home and lead not only to structural damage, but some health concerns as well.
Mold is difficult to find in many homes as it grows exclusively in dark and moist areas that are usually hidden somewhere in the structural areas of the home such as attics and basements.
Get more information about mold in your home from this FREE guide on mold in your home.
Find the typical life expectancy for most components that are normally found in homes
Typical life expectancies for most components found in homes are listed in this page. These life expectancies have been determined through research and testing based on regular recommended maintenance and conditions of normal wear and tear, and not extreme weather (or other) conditions, neglect, over-use, or abuse
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a veteran homeowner downsizing or trading up, these valuable tips can help streamline your real estate transaction by making it go quicker and smoother, with the help of your InterNACHI-Certified Professional Inspector®
