Saturday, August 7, 2010

Dryer Vent Cleaning San Diego – The Anatomy of a Dryer Fire


Dryer Vent Cleaning San Diego: Dryer vent cleaning is very important; yet, too often neglected or forgotten…the reason; out of sight, out of mind. We cannot see the lint lurking in the dryer ducts therefore we simply don’t think about it. This is why dryer vent cleaning should be added to your annual appliance maintenance list, like furnace cleaning and AC tune-ups.

Dryer fires typically start under the dryer when the motor overheats due to lack of air flow. Lint build-up in the dryer duct blocks air flow and increases drying time. Many people consider replacing their clothes dryer when drying time increases, only to find the new dryer doesn’t work any better. The problem is not the clothes dryer. it is the dryer ducts. Dryer vent cleaning is the solution to this problem


When lint from inside or underneath the dryer catches fire, the draft from the dryer will naturally pull the flames into the dryer ducts where dryer lint is lurking. Dryer lint is highly flammable, so now you have the ingredients for a rapidly spreading fire.

Failure to clean dryer vents is the number one cause of dryer related fires; however, there are other contributing factors including failure of the thermostat and limit switches in the dryer, lint inside the dryer, a missing or damaged lint screen, a crushed hose behind the dryer, or a bird’s nest or other debris blocking the vent.

Dryer Fire Statistics

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), over 15,000 dryer fires occur annually, causing injuries, deaths and millions in property damages. According to the CPSC most dryer related fires are caused by failure to clean and maintain dryers and dryer vents.


With gas dryers there is also a concern of carbon monoxide poisoning. Since lint and flue gasses use the same avenue of exit from your home, a blocked vent can cause dangerous levels of these fumes to back up into your house.

These fumes are colorless and odorless and they can be fatal. Low-level CO poisoning mimics flu symptoms (without the fever): headache, weakness, nausea, disorientation and deep fatigue. At higher levels, occupants can fall asleep, lapse into a coma and die.

NEVER go to sleep or leave home when the dryer is running! If a dryer fire occurs, it will spread rapidly and destroy your home quickly.

Warning signs of impending danger:

Dryer is still producing airflow, no heat. It takes longer and longer to dry clothes, especially towels and jeans or any other article of clothing
Clothes are damp or hotter than usual at the end of the cycle
Outdoor flapper on vent hood doesn't open when dryer is on
Airflow in the vent seems low

Benefits of Dryer Vent Cleaning:

Allows your dryer to operate more efficiently, using less energy and saving you money
Protects your dryer from excess wear and premature death
Helps clothes dry faster—a time savings for busy families
Reduces excess household dust and humidity
Helps preserve clothing, as the life of many fabrics is damaged by excessive high heat

Michael Bisceglia owns Nuflo Dryer Vent Services, specializing in all dryer vent services including dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent installation and dryer vent video analysis. Consumers who choose Nuflo enjoy peace of mind that their clothes dryer is operating safely and efficiently.

Nuflo Dryer Vent Services is licensed, bonded and insured – contractor license #935843.

Nuflo serves homes and businesses in San Diego, Imperial Beach, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, La Jolla, Oceanside, Camp Pendleton, Rancho Santa Fe and neighboring cities and communities.

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