• Clothes dryer fires account for approximately 15,600 structure fires, 15 deaths and 400 injuries annually.
• 80% of clothes dryer fires in structures occur in residential buildings.
• "Failure to clean" is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.
• Modern construction trends place clothes washers and dryers in more hazardous household locations further away from exterior walls (i.e. upper level hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, closets and kitchens.  Safety is sacrificed for convenience.

Even with new federal regulations requiring appliance manufacturers to meet higher fire safety standards, improperly installed or vented dryers can still pose a serious risk.  The length of exhaust ductwork should not exceed 25'.  Long runs of ductwork will not properly exhaust all lint creating pockets of condensation to build up, which will dampen lint and further reduce and block air flow.  The shortest possible length of ductwork is ideal for maximizing the life of your applicance, and minimizing danger for you and your family.

Small animals and birds often like to nest in dryer vent exhaust duct.  The lint is a wonderful nesting material, and the space is warm and protective.  Minimize this possibility with a Bird Guard cover on the exhaust outlet.  This plastic, box-like cover has a flap that will open to allow lint and air to escape, and will close when not being blown by the exhausting air.  It has holes all over it large enough to let lint escape, but small enough to keep out intruders.  Do not use window screening or similar material as this will prevent lint from exiting, and will cause your dryer vent to clog very quickly. 

It's important to check your dryer exhaust outlet periodically to ensure proper air flow, and to have your exhaust ductwork professionally cleaned when necessary or if you are not able to do it yourself.  Call A&M today for a free estimate.