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Southwest Air Conditioning Heating and Energy LLC
3662 S River Road, Bldg A3 St. George, UT 84790

Dryer Vent Safety

Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires

CPSC Document # 5022

Updated June 2003

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 1998, clothes dryers were associated with 15,600 fires, which resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries. Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.

To help prevent fires:

  • Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked.

  • Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically. Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked. To remove a blockage in the exhaust path, it may be necessary to disconnect the exhaust duct from the dryer. Remember to reconnect the ducting to the dryer and outside vent before using the dryer again.

  • Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Have a qualified service person clean the interior of the dryer chassis periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation. Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter.

  • Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow.

  • Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. If possible, wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothes and, preferably, hang the clothes to dry. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that has a cool-down period at the end of the cycle. To prevent clothes from igniting after drying, do not leave the dried clothes in the dryer or piled in a laundry basket.

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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Southwest Air Conditioning Heating & Energy LLC, is an Utah (UT) heating, AC, geothermal heat pump, and furnace repair, service, replacement, and maintenance company located in St. George. Southwest Air Conditioning Heating & Energy LLC employs only the best HVAC technicians for your air conditioner, heater, and furnace repairs and replacements in St. George UT and surrounding areas. We proudly service St George, Washington, Hurricane, Santa Clara, Central, Enterprise, Gunlock, Ivins, La Verkin, Leeds, New Harmony, Rockville, Springdale, Toquerville, Virgin, Pine Valley, Veyo, and Dammeron Valley. So, when you ask to find "A good HVAC company near me," you've come to the right place. To get an estimate on your ac repair or installation, call 435-673-4877. Southwest Air Conditioning Heating & Energy LLC services all furnace, AC, humidifier, filter, thermostat and water heater brands including Carrier, Bryant, Payne, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Ruud, Amana, Crown, Frigidaire, Gibson, Goodman, Lochinvar, Maytag, Weil McLain, A O Smith, Kohler, American Standard, GeoExcel, General, Aprilaire, Honeywell, White Rodgers, Dynamic and Skuttle.
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3662 S River Rd. Bldg A3 St. George, UT 84790
MONDAY - FRIDAY: 7:30AM TO 4:30PM
For AC repair in St George UT, like us on Facebook!
For Ductless Air Conditioning repair in Hurricane UT, visit us on Google!
For AC repair in Hurricane UT, check out our Yelp!
3662 S RIVER RD. BLDG A3 ST. GEORGE, UT 8
MONDAY - FRIDAY: 7:30AM TO 4:30PM
24 HOUR SERVICE AVAILABLE!
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