You've probably heard plenty of horror stories about fires caused by
clothes dryers, and with good reason - according to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 3000 clothes dryer fires are reported in the U.S. every year. How do dryer fires start? The root cause in most cases is a lint-clogged dryer; when a dryer can't properly vent, it can overheat and potentially catch fire. The good news is that there are plenty of preventative actions you can take, and we've got some great tips to help you maximize your dryer safety. Here's a breakdown of what to do and what to avoid! (Please note that any specific manufacturer's instructions on venting included with your dryer override the general advice in this article.)
DON'T Attach a Dryer Vent Screen
In order to prevent birds and other creatures from nesting inside an open dryer vent, many people choose to place a screen over the exterior vent opening. DON'T EVER DO THIS! Even if the screen's openings seem too large to get clogged with lint, they inevitably will over time. Covering an exterior dryer vent with a screen is dangerous and should never be done... so what's the best way to safely keep your vent covered?
DO Use a Louvered Vent
A louvered vent has either a single hinged flap or multiple horizontal flaps that remain closed until air from the dryer duct forces them open. This means the vent's air flow is not obstructed in any way, while the opening remains inaccessible to birds and other small animals that may be tempted to nest inside. These vents also keep out cold air in winter and hot air in summer.
DO Use a Recessed Dryer Vent Box
When it comes to your laundry room's interior, a recessed vent box is a great way to save space and safely vent your dryer. These vent boxes are sunken into the wall, and the vent hose sits undisturbed inside the indentation. This allows the dryer to be pushed all the way against the wall without constricting the hose's air flow, saving space as well as allowing safe and unrestricted venting.
DON'T Install an Accordion-Style Vent Hose
Avoid these vent hoses! Accordion-style hoses have tiny bumps and ridges over their entire length, making them prime for trapping and holding bits of lint throughout their interior. There are much better and safer options for your dryer's venting duct.
DO Install a Rigid All-Metal Vent
Whenever possible, opt for an all-metal vent for your dryer. Rigid metal ducts have a smooth interior, which means significantly fewer opportunities for pieces of lint to snag on ridges or bumps. Be sure to use metal duct tape rather than screws during installation, as screws can catch lint.
DO Look Into a Ventless Dryer
Have you been thinking of buying a new dryer? If you want to eliminate any worry about the potential for dryer vent fires, a
ventless dryer might be a perfect choice for you. Ventless dryers recycle hot air instead of venting it out, making them more efficient as well as safer than vented dryers.
If you're ready to shop for a new
Electric Dryer or
Gas Dryer, let P.C. Richard & Son help you find the perfect model! Our amazing selection boasts today's most trusted appliance brands at the guaranteed lowest prices. We also carry a variety of
Dryer Accessories to ensure safe operation, or just make your laundry room more organized. For the best clothes dryer at the best price, shop P.C. Richard & Son now!