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Is your laundry room a fire hazard?

People often start the dryer and walk away without giving it a second thought. If dryers are not properly maintained, they can catch fire. Such fires have been responsible for nearly $100 million of damages in a single year.

Lint, dirt and other debris can accumulate in the vent due to improper maintenance. This limits air circulation and causes build up of heat. If the debris gets hot enough, it can catch fire.

There are some obvious indications that your dryer vent may need cleaned, including lengthy drying times, deactivation due to high temperatures, and increased heat and humidity in the dryer's area.

Maintaining your dryer vent can help keep this important appliance safe. Here are some tips on maintaining your dryer:

• Make sure the vent length does not exceed the dryer manufacturer's recommendations. Include elbows, transitions and outdoor hood assemblies in your measurement. If the vent exceeds the manufacturer's recommendation, move the dryer or consider installing a booster fan.
• Regularly inspect and clean the lint screen, duct and outdoor hood. Depending on the vent length, options include cleaning the vent yourself with the proper tools or hiring a professional.
• If you have a plastic, flexible duct, check it frequently for kinks. This type of duct is more apt to trap lint than ducts without ridges. You may want to replace it with a rigid or flexible metal duct.
• Never run the dryer when no one is home, or when everyone is asleep. In the event of a fire, you want to be able to respond quickly.

With regular maintenance, you can detect dryer vent problems before they become fire hazards.

Source: Nationwide.com