This picture demonstrates one of the poorest dryer vent installations I've seen in a long while. The vent was full of water and was a real fire hazard because the dryer could not ventilate.
Dryer vent installation Charlotte, NC: Dryer vent installation when done right helps to prevent dryer fires and extend dryer life. The lint filter must be cleaned after EVERY load to be safe. When the lint filter is clogged, air flow is completely blocked. When heat and moisture cannot escape the dryer drum, clothes will not dry properly, the dryer will overheat, and eventually break down or worse, cause a fire.
The lint filter catches about 60% of lint removed from laundry. The rest escapes into the back of the dryer and the dryer ducts. This is why dryer vent cleaning is required annually to keep dryers operating safely and efficiently.
So, are lint filters dangerous? Only if they are not cleaned after each load. Without the lint filter, all lint removed from laundry would end up in the dryer ducts. If it weren’t for the lint filter, dryer vent cleaning would be required after only a few loads of laundry!
Lint can get caught on screws used to join dryer duct work when it is incorrectly installed. Dryer duct sections should be joined with foil tape or clamps, not screws that protrude to the inside to catch and trap lint.
Gas dryers with clogged dryer vents can be a lethal combination. Carbon monoxide is a deadly byproduct of combustion that is common in all fuel burning appliances. Poorly vented gas dryers can allow dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into your home.
Lint is highly flammable, so it makes perfect tinder to fuel a fire. All it takes is spark from the inside of an over-worked clothes dryer to ignite the lint. Blockages also cause over-heating which will reduce the dryer’s life span with risk to wiring and motor damage.
So, why have a dryer vent system? Warm, moist air from the dryer will help reduce heating bills in the winter time, right?
WRONG! Dryer exhaust is more than just heat and moisture. Actually, it’s too much moisture which will lead to mold and mildew damage to your home as well as mold related illness to residents. Many people are very sensitive to mold. They may experience upper respiratory congestion or a full-blown asthma attack when exposed to high levels of mold.
As I said earlier, there is also a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning with gas dryers. And don’t forget the messy lint! Remember, only about 60% is caught in the lint trap; the rest will be flying around the basement, crawl space or attic, if your dryer is not vented outdoors.
Why not vent to the crawl space or attic? These areas are not living space. Besides the danger of carbon monoxide and mold related illness, excess moisture in the crawl space or attic will cause insulation or exposed wood to rot. Moisture is one of a home’s worst enemies, especially if it is trapped in a crawl space or attic.
Proper dryer vent installation allows heat and moisture to flow freely and clothes to dry properly. Increased drying time is a common indicator of a clogged dryer vent system. Some newer dryers have a warning light or sensor that indicates the need for dryer vent cleaning; however, these features are not to be taken for granted. They don’t always work. Dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer vent installation is the only way to be sure your dryer is working safely and efficiently.
Here are some common characteristics of improperly installed dryer vent systems:
Plastic or vinyl dryer ducts
Flexible foil dryer ducts
Very long dryer duct with many bends and turns
Dryer ducts that are not sloped properly to allow exhaust to flow out
The flexible type of dryer duct is very common because it is very easy to install; however, manufactures do not recommend them. Dryer ducts should be constructed of rigid metal and be smooth inside to help reduce lint build-up and promote maximum air flow.
The flexible, accordion-type ducts can be bent into any postion, but they are easily crushed or they will sag, allowing lint to build-up and air flow to be blocked.
Upgrading your Dryer Vent System
The ideal location for a dryer is on an outside wall with a direct, short dryer duct leading to the vent outdoors. In basements, a straight, vertical run reaching above the foundation to vent outdoors works. Long runs will lead to problems with air flow. 45 – 90 degree elbows create more resistance. Bends should be limited as length increases.
Ducts should be joined with clamps or foil tape instead of screws as explained earlier, to keep the inside of the dryer duct smooth. Do not use duct tape; it doesn’t withstand heat and it can be combustible.
The dryer vent outdoors should be at least 12 inches off the ground and 3 feet away from entrances to meet current safety standards. Check it often to be sure it is not blocked by bushes or plants. Be sure it is not damaged or cracked to allow birds, bugs and rodents to enter your home or set up housekeeping in this nice warm area.
Even if all of these rules are followed and you have the very best, state-of-the-art dryer vent system, dryer lint will eventually build up in the dryer ducts. Dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year to keep dryers operating safely and efficiently.
Dave Lavalle owns Dryer Vent Wizard, serving Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, Davidson, Huntersville, Cornelius, Mint Hill, Matthews and Pineville.
Dryer Vent Wizard professionally inspects and cleans clothing dryers and dryer vent systems for homeowners and in commercially-owned buildings. Poorly maintained dryer vents are fire hazards and cause clothes dryers to cost substantially more to operate.
Contact:
David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-886-7078
davidlavalle@gmail.com
www.charlottedryerventlady.com
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