Modern appliances certainly make life easier – especially if you’ve got a big family.But did you know that your clothes dryer could actually be a fire and carbon monoxide hazard if you skip routine maintenance?
It’s true. Lint and debris can build up in your dryer duct, causing your dryer to work overtime and create potentially hazardous conditions – like dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or even a house fire.
In fact, according to the US Fire Administration each year, there are around 2,900 clothes dryer fires in the U.S. – resulting in multiple deaths, around 100 injuries, and an estimated $35 million in property loss.
At Bactronix, we think those numbers are too high. We aim to reduce those numbers, which is why we are C-DET® certified and put together some dryer safety tips for you.
Why Are Dryer Exhaust Vent Inspections Necessary?
The #1 thing you can do to reduce your clothes dryer fire risk is to schedule an annual dryer exhaust vent inspection. Annual dryer exhaust vent inspections (also known as dryer exhaust duct inspections) are more necessary today than they were in the past.
Why? Because of the complex construction of today’s homes.
Dryers in newer homes are typically located away from an outside wall – in bathrooms, kitchens, and hall closets. While this is certainly convenient, it is potentially dangerous from a safety standpoint. Here’s why: These locations mean longer venting distances and more bends typically. As a result, dryer ducts are harder to access, and the additional length creates more surface area for lint and debris to collect.
If you keep up with routine inspections, you’ll know when buildup, blockages, or issues are present, so you can take care of them before they become a serious threat.
Why Should You Have Your Dryer Vents Cleaned?
- To remove lint and debris – Lint and debris are fire hazards. They can ignite in the dryer vent and cause a fire if they aren’t removed, which is one reason why dryer vent cleanings are so important.
- To prevent trapped heat, moisture, and carbon monoxide – Clogged exhaust ducts also trap heat, moisture, and carbon monoxide (if you own a gas dryer) in your home. This forces your appliance to work harder than necessary to dry your laundry, and it puts you at risk of exposure to carbon monoxide. Not only that, but that moisture can damage drywall, wallpaper, ceilings, and other building materials.
- To reduce wear and tear on your dryer – A clogged exhaust duct will force your appliance to work harder than necessary to dry your laundry, which means more wear and tear on the appliance and a greater likelihood that you’ll need to replace it sooner rather than later. But when you keep your dryer vents clean, your dryer can work efficiently, without the extra effort and strain.
- To save time and money – Your most precious resources–time and money–are wasted when you have to run the dryer cycle after cycle. But a clean dryer vent will keep your dryer working efficiently and quickly, reducing time and energy waste.
Why Hire a C-DET Technician like Bactronix?
So, you’re ready to have your dryer vent inspected and cleaned. Who should you hire?
The truth is, anyone can call themselves a “technician” and advertise their services online or in the local newspaper. But that says nothing about their qualifications or experience. The Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (C-DET) credential is the ONLY nationally-recognized credential of its kind.
Hiring a C-DET Technician like Bactronix means you are trusting your home and family to someone who has spent countless hours studying for (and passing) an extensive exam. Our employees participated in a rigorous two-day workshop where they learned from some of the most respected experts in the chimney and venting industry; and all have proven they know their stuff – from proper inspection and maintenance of dryer vents to applicable codes and standards relating to these systems.
The bottom line? When you hire a Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (C-DET) you can be confident you’re getting an experienced and knowledgeable expert who is qualified and trained to do the job right!
