Safety

Dryer Vent Safety 

When was the last time you had your dryer vent cleaned? Lint and debris can build up in your clothes dryer duct causing your dryer to work overtime, creating potentially hazardous conditions including dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home or even a fire.


The following tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and leading dryer manufactures can help you keep your dryer venting efficiently while keeping your family safe.

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Dryer Vent Safety Tips

  • Dryer Vent Safety Tips
    1. Have your dryer installed and serviced by a certified professional.
    2. Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
    3. Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
    4. Do not use vinyl or slinky foil materials for dryer vents.
    5. Do not use screws or bolts to secure joints.
    6. Do not use PVC piping or plastic materials for dryer vents.
    7. Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
    8. Do not use duct tape to connect venting materials.
    9. Do not terminate dryer vents in crawl spaces or attics.
    10. Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating.
    11. Do not use cages or screens to prevent pests from entering.
    12. Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
    13. Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
    14. Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.
    15. Do not ignore signs indicating that your clothes dryer is not operating properly.
    16. Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.
  • Additional Resources

    Clothes dryer fire safety outreach materials - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)



    NADCA - the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (read about our partnership)



    NADCA DEDP Standard: http://dedpstandard.nadca.com/

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