Dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually

Dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually by dryer manufacturers and the National Fire Prevention Association.

Over 17,000 dryer fires occur each year causing injuries, deaths and over $100 million in property damages. The frequency of home fires increases significantly during the fall and winter months.

According to Dave Lavalle, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, failure to clean dryer vents is the number one cause of dryer related fires. When asked why so many consumers fail to clean dryer vents, Lavalle answered, “Out of sight, out of mind. People take the clothes dryer for granted and since they cannot see the inside of their dryer ducts, they do not think about it.”

According to Dave, many people think it is normal for an older dryer to take longer to properly dry laundry. “This is a very dangerous misconception,” said Lavalle. “This is a sure sign of lint build-up blocking air-flow. If left unchecked, it can lead to a devastating fire.”

Dave recalls two dryer fires that were reported earlier this year. “Thankfully, no one was injured and damages were minimal,” said Lavalle. “Dryer fires are most devastating and easily prevented through proper dryer vent installation and maintenance.”

Canonsburg, PA: A dryer fire sent flames shooting through the second story of a Washington County home causing fire damage to the laundry area as well as heat and smoke damage throughout the home. The fire was put out in less than an hour and no injuries were reported.

Portsmouth, NH: A dryer fire caused heavy smoke damage to contents in the basement of a home while the resident was upstairs. She smelled the smoke but thought it was a neighbor having a BBQ. Minutes later, a neighbor knocked at her door to tell her that smoke was coming from her dryer vent. Thanks to an alert neighbor and the quick response from the fire department, damages were minimal and there were no injuries.
The above stories could have ended much worse than they did. Though damages were extensive, no one was injured. “Dryer fires are caused by a combination of intense heat and air-flow blockage,” said Lavalle. “If you have a build up of lint in the dryer vent system then you have the combustibles needed to start a rapidly spreading fire.”

Contact:
David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-886-7078
davidlavalle@gmail.com
www.charlottedryerventlady.com