Clean & Green Dryer Vent Experts Provide Tips to Prevent Household Fires During Fire Prevention Week

Oct. 7, 2012 - PRLog -- National Fire Prevention Week 2012 is here and Clean & Green Dryer Vent Experts would like to share some dryer vent safety tips. In addition, Metro Detroit’s dryer vent experts have some tips on how to avoid getting scammed by non-certified dryer vent and chimney sweep companies.

There are over 15,000 dryer fires every year as reported by the National Fire Protection Agency, NFPA, which can easily be prevented.  Lack of maintenance is cited as the number one cause of these fires and it is recommended that homeowners have an annual inspection of their dryer vent system performed by a professional.  “We have been in business for three years and I have personally removed charred lint from dryers on many occasions, stated Certified Chimney Sweep and Dryer Exhaust Technician Tim Reiher.” Tim Reiher is the President of Clean & Green Dryer Vent Experts; a Redford Michigan based dryer vent and chimney maintenance company. “I spend the majority of my time providing an experience and creating value for the homeowner by educating them on proper maintenance. Recently, I have even worked with the Chimney Safety Institute of America, CSIA, to write the latest dryer vent code in order protect families from this danger, said Reiher.”

This year Tim was named the National Trainer for the CSIA’s Dryer Vent program. The CSIA is headquartered in Plainfield, Indiana and its mission is to foster public awareness of issues relating to chimney and venting performance and safety, and to promote the education of associated professionals through technical training and certification opportunities. “Paying it forward and training the next generation of dryer vent experts across the nation simply makes me feel good. I know that my students are out there providing the best service available in the country just as my own customers receive, said Reiher.”

In 2012, dryer vent cleaning and chimney sweep companies have been popping up all over Metro Detroit. However, as with much of the service industry very few of these companies have the certifications or training to provide quality service. Homeowners can visit CSIA’s website at www.csia.org to find a list of certified experts in your area along with dryer vent and chimney safety information. “The CSIA makes it really simple for the homeowner, says Reiher. When you hire a Chimney Sweep or Dryer Vent Technician, ask them to present you with their CSIA badge. This will ensure you have an expert in your home and you are getting your money’s worth.”

Clean & Green Dryer Vent Experts would like homeowners to share these tips to prevent dryer fires with routine maintenance.

Dryer Vent Safety Checklist:

• Check your dryer vent code regulations with your city, state and manufacturer.

• Replace plastic and foil vent systems with semi-rigid or solid metal venting.  

• Replace exterior vent cover with a louvered cover to prevent animal and debris obstructions.

• Do not put clothes with flammable materials such as oils, cleaning products, or gasoline into the dryer. If the clothes smell like chemical after a wash, wash them again until the smell is gone or discard them.

• Clean screen lint trays before and after drying a load.

• Wash lint screens with soap and water every few months to remove residue left behind by fabric softeners.

• Remove and clean excess lint from around your dryer.

• Don’t leave the house or go to bed with the dryer running.

• Have dryer vents professionally cleaned and inspected annually.

Warning signs that your dryer vent may be clogged include:

• Clothes are taking more than one cycle to dry, especially jeans and towels.

• Lint no longer appears on lint screen.

• Dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle.

• Clothes have moldy smell after dry cycle.

• Check for loose lint behind your dryer.

• If can't hear or feel air moving from the vent from the exterior you may have a clogged vent.

Clean & Green Dryer Vent Experts urge any homeowner that experiences any of these warning signs to call their local dryer vent expert or visit the CSIA’s website to locate a certified professional in your area or visit http://www.cleanandgreenexperts.com for more information on dryer vent cleaning.