18 replies to this topic

[MSgt]

I can't see how hot air expelled from the drier is anywhere near hot enought to ignite lint stuck in the vent. While it may affect your driers ability to dry I can't see it starting a fire....

Just because you don't understand it doesn't make it any less true:
Lack of vent maintenance is leading cause of dryer fires, and lent which is a hidden fire hazard is the material most likely to ignite. Even a cleaned lint screen traps only 75% of the lint. When lint builds up in dryer vents, the dryer motor has to labor harder and can overheat, igniting the lint.
http://www.chimkc.com/dryerventcl.htm

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 1998, clothes dryers were associated with 15,600 fires, which resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries. Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.
http://www.cpsc.gov/.../PUBS/5022.html

[Dryer Vent Wizard(DVW)]

Hello Folsom Residents,

IMPORTANT TIPS TO PREVENT DRYER FIRES."MUST READ"

I am a little late out of the gate, however, I would like to share some important maintenance tips to prevent dryer fires!

I am a local business owner, and was saddened, as everyone else was to hear about the dryer fire in Folsom, CA on July 2, 2007. Our company is far too aware of the dryer fires that are occuring accross the Nation. Everyone thinks it could never happen to them, until it is too late!
There are over 15,500 dryer fires, 370 injuries, and 20 deaths, $88 million in property damage annually due to lint accumulation in the vent line. According to the United States Fire Admiinistration.

I personally feel the number is much higher. We witness first hand, dryer fires that are not reported by the consumer.(fires that are put out by the home owner) Here are a few maintenance tips to prevent a possible dryer fire, and reduce energy bills.


• Be sure that dryer vent systems are up to code with city, state and manufacturer.
• Plastic vent line no longer up to code. Foil vent line is not recommended by leading
manufacturer's.
• 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 softener's.
• Don’t leave the house or go to bed with the dryer running.
• Have dryer vents professionally cleaned and inspected annually.


Warning signs to look for:
• Clothes are taking more than one cycle to dry, especially jeans and towels.
• Burning smell (turn dryer off immeditaley, call professional to inspect).
Clothes are damp.
• Dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle
• Clothes have moldy smell after dry cycle
Excessive lint accumulaton behind dryer or in exhaust hood.

Dryer Vent Wizard are advocates for safety! We are the experts in all dryer venting issues accross the Nation. WE ARE WAIVING ALL $39.00 SERVICE FEE'S TO FOLSOM RESIDENTS to provide you with a complete vent inspection. Help us, to help you provide a safe environment for your family! Must mention Folsom Forum to receive your FREE inspection.

Dryer Vent Wizard *Dry Clothes-Safe Homes*
866 498-SAFE (7233) schedule appts
Additional Info call 916 519-4569
www.dryerventwizard.com

[Dryer Vent Wizard(DVW)]

I woke up at about 2AM smelling smoke. I thought it was fireworks at first until I noticed how late (early?) it was. I opened the patio door and the smell was very strong. I checked out the house to make sure all was ok and then walked outside and saw 6 fire engines on Orange Blossom cir. My neighbor woke up too and we walked down the street to see what was going on. The owners told us they think the dryer vent caught fire. He said the smoke alarm went off and they got out. According to the article on KCRA they left the dryer running and went to bed. YIKES - we do that all the time!

It looked like firefighters had to put a hole in the roof to get to the attic. How horrible for them.
Here is a link to a story about it. We were there when the guy took the pictures.
KCRA FOLSOM FIRE

If the owners we were talking to last night are reading this - we are so sorry you are going through this. We are so glad no one was hurt.

Ok so now what do we have to do to check our dryer vents? All the houses are about the same age - this could happen to any of us. I guess the dryer vents in Natoma Station go up the wall and exit high? I am going to check ours today. I don't even know where it comes out at. We have a single level home - the dryer shares the entry way wall (next to the front door).

Hello Folsom Residents,

IMPORTANT TIPS TO PREVENT DRYER FIRES."MUST READ"

I am a little late out of the gate, however, I would like to share some important maintenance tips to prevent dryer fires!

I am a local business owner, and was saddened, as everyone else was to hear about the dryer fire in Folsom, CA on July 2, 2007. Our company is far too aware of the dryer fires that are occuring accross the Nation. Everyone thinks it could never happen to them, until it is too late!
There are over 15,500 dryer fires, 370 injuries, and 20 deaths, $88 million in property damage annually due to lint accumulation in the vent line. According to the United States Fire Admiinistration.

I personally feel the number is much higher. We witness first hand, dryer fires that are not reported by the consumer.(fires that are put out by the home owner) Here are a few maintenance tips to prevent a possible dryer fire, and reduce energy bills.


• Be sure that dryer vent systems are up to code with city, state and manufacturer.
• Plastic vent line no longer up to code. Foil vent line is not recommended by leading
manufacturer's.
• 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 softener's.
• Don’t leave the house or go to bed with the dryer running.
• Have dryer vents professionally cleaned and inspected annually.


Warning signs to look for:
• Clothes are taking more than one cycle to dry, especially jeans and towels.
• Burning smell (turn dryer off immeditaley, call professional to inspect).
Clothes are damp.
• Dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle
• Clothes have moldy smell after dry cycle
Excessive lint accumulaton behind dryer or in exhaust hood.

Dryer Vent Wizard are advocates for safety! We are the experts in all dryer venting issues accross the Nation. WE ARE WAIVING ALL $39.00 SERVICE FEE'S TO FOLSOM RESIDENTS to provide you with a complete vent inspection. Help us, to help you provide a safe environment for your family! Must mention Folsom Forum to receive your FREE inspection.

Dryer Vent Wizard *Dry Clothes-Safe Homes*
866 498-SAFE (7233) schedule appts
Additional Info call 916 519-4569
www.dryerventwizard.com

[realtor]

I have to say that when I owned a home with the laundry room in the middle and the venting up through the 2nd floor I was manic about getting it cleaned every couple of years. I had four children at home and my laundry room was in constant use. That's another thing to look for when house hunting...sounds weird but I actually point that stuff out to people so they can pencil in the added maintenance cost. That and getting a pest inspection done at least every 7-10 years will save thousands of dollars.