Clothes Dryers Fire Statistics
In 1997, according to the
United States Consumer
Products Safety Commission,
there were 16,800 residential
fires reported and responded
to by fire departments where
the source of the fire was the
clothes dryer or vent. These
fires caused $97.3 million in
damage, 430 civilian injuries,
and 30 civilian deaths.
What Causes Dryer Fires?
Lack of maintenance &
Reduced Airflow
Reduced
airflow and the resulting lint
build-up cause overheating by
preventing fast enough drying
action. When this happens, the
high temperature limit safety
switch has to cycle on and off
to control the heater. Most
high temperature limit
switches were never designed
to cycle on and off
continuously which can cause
them to fail over a period of
time. Look for these warning
signs.
Clothes (especially towels or
jeans) take a very long time
to dry.
Clothes are hotter than usual
at the end of the cycle.
Flapper on vent hood doesn't
open when dryer is on.
Lack of maintenance is the
leading cause of dryer fires,
and LINT is the leading
material to ignite. These
fires can be caused by failure
of mechanical and/or
electrical parts within the
dryer itself, improper
materials being put into the
dryer, and insufficient
airflow as a result of
improper installation.
Having your dryer cleaned
could pay for it self the
first month.
Reduce Operating Cost
A key
to effective dryer performance
is optimal airflow. A properly
installed all metal dryer vent
will help ensure this airflow.
Flexible vents are OK as long
as they are properly routed.
When clothes are given the
appropriate amount of air,
they dry quicker and are
subject to less tumbling. This
results in less wear on the
clothing and use of less
electricity or gas.
Clothes dryers start more
residential fires than any
other appliance. The danger is
the hidden lint inside the
dryer & lack of vent
maintenance.
|
