Dan's Papers - October 26, 2007 - Is Your Dryer Vent Safe?

Are your clothes taking too long to dry? Dryer Vent Wizard offers tips and tools and launches "Don't let your dryer start a fire" campaign during fire prevention month.

People who think it's normal for their dryer to take multiple cycles to dry one load of clothing don't realize this is a dryer vent clog warning sign and a fire hazard.

John Ryley, president of Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes, based in Miller Place, reminds us that October is fire prevention month. In an effort to increase consumer awareness of fire prevention, Dryer Vent Wizard has joined the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in fire prevention month by launching "Don't let Your Dryer Start a Fire, Keep Your Home Safe and Sound" campaign. "Preventing dryer fires is our safety message yet consumers are still unaware that maintenance of their dryer and dryer vent is the key to preventing dryer fires," says Ryley.

In addition to preventing a dryer fire, he points out that the most obvious results folks will have when they maintain their dryer and dryer vent are faster drying times and reduction in energy consumption and costs.

Ryley estimates that 90% of the population has a dryer vent clog and are unaware of it. "We spend as much time educating consumers on the importance of maintaining their dryer and dryer vent as we do cleaning, repairing, replacing and providing alteration solutions," says Ryley.

During this month, consumers will be encouraged to visit the Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes, Fire Prevention website section of www.dryerventwizard.com to become informed of the dangers that lurk in the laundry room, receive a free dryer vent check kit, and downloadable "tips" brochure.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, dryer fires account for an average of 15,000 fires with an approximate $88 Million in property damage, 15 deaths and 400 injuries annually. "Failure to clean" was citied as the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.

Mr. Ryley offers these tips on keeping your home safe:

Be aware! If your dryer is taking more than one cycle to dry a load, you likely have a dryer vent problem.

Be sure that dryer vent systems are up to code with city, state and manufacturer.

Replace any plastic or foil vent with semi-rigid or solid metal venting. Plastic and foil venting are a known fire hazard!

Clean screen lint trays before and after drying a load.

Wash lint screens with soap and water every few months to remove residue left behind by fabric softeners.

Have dryer vents professionally cleaned and inspected annually. Don't keep combustibles like chemical cleaning products or chemical-laden rags near dryers.

In cold winter months, check outside vent cover to make sure it's not frozen shut or blocked. Long vent runs cause dryers to work harder and take longer to dry clothes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), recommends a booster fan for vent runs over 25 feet. Warning signs to look for include: clothes are taking more than one cycle to dry, especially jeans and towels, no lint visible on lint screen, dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle. clothes have moldy smell after dry cycle.

To receive a free dryer vent check kit, downloadable "Tips" brochure or request a DVW spokesperson to speak at community events, visit www.dryerventwizard.com and click on "Fire Prevention Month," or call 877 498-SAFE, 7233.

Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes specializes in urgent response dryer vent maintenance, cleaning, repairing, replacing and alteration services for residential and commercial consumers.