Is Your Dryer Vent a Fire Hazard?

For most people, the sound of the fire alarm is nothing more than an annoying beep signaling that it is time to replace the batteries. Unfortunately, the real sound of the alarm is a reality for some homeowners, the nightmare of their house catching on fire coming true.

As a homeowner, you want to do everything you can to ensure that you are keeping your family and your property safe, which is why looking at your dryer vent today is a must.

While often overlooked, your dryer vent can be a potentially dangerous fire hazard. Thankfully, it’s typically an easy problem to fix, so long as you don’t wait too long.

First and foremost, you must be sure that your dryer vent has been installed properly. The ducting used must be at least 4” in diameter and should be aluminum, never plastic or vinyl. And that is just the beginning. If you have purchased a home recently, this should be part of the inspection, but it’s always a good idea to have a specialist come out to ensure installation has been done safely and correctly.

Next, you need to be sure that your dryer vent is cleaned regularly, as clogs and build-up can also pose a potential fire hazard. Experts recommend that your dryer vent be cleaned and inspected every year - six months if possible.

While you may be tempted to clean your vents yourself, it is a specialized profession, and one that can result in major damage and injury if done improperly.