Here are six tips from the National Fire Protection Agency to keep your dryer safe and sound.
- Be sure a professional installs your washer and dryer. Properly connecting the appliances will prevent overloading a circuit and generating an electrical fire.
- Never dry clothes without a lint filter, and clean the lint filter after each load of laundry. This will help prevent the buildup of lint in the line leading outside the home. In newer construction, be sure the dryer vent line runs to an outside wall and not into the attic or an interior space.
- A professional should inspect gas dryers to make sure the gas line and connections are intact and not leaking. A qualified professional should inspect your gas dryer at least once a year.
- Rigid or flexible metal venting materials should be used, and the outdoor vent flap should open when the dryer is operating. Chim Chimney recommends a cover on the vent to prevent birds and other animals from nesting in the cozy, warm opening a dryer vent provides them.
- Once a year, the vent pipe should be professionally cleaned – more often if you notice that drying times are taking longer.
- Don’t overload your dryer and turn it off when you leave the home or go to bed.
Need any more advice or tips on your chimney and/or fire place? Click here!
Until next time!
-Nick
