Preventing House Fires... One Dryer Duct At A Time with Vermont Dryer Duct... Part 2!
Two weeks ago, we introduced Clint Calderwood from Vermont Dryer Duct. Previously, we discussed the importance of cleaning your dryer duct and the benefits you’d see from doing so.
In the second and last part of the video series, we are going to talk about Clint’s process for cleaning out your dryer duct!
80% of U.S. households own a clothes dryer. Between 2010 and 2014 fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home structure fires involving clothes dryers. 26% of these fires were caused by dust, fiber, or lint.
It is incredibly important that you hire a professional like Clint. So, let’s see what he had to say about the process and some things you should know.
How long does the process take?
From start to finish it takes about an hour and that is a house that is cleaned regularly and doesn’t need a lot of work. The more frequently we come in to clean the dryer vents and ductwork, the faster we can complete the job. It’s more than just cleaning your vents and duct work though. If there is anything that needs to be repaired or re-done, we will assess and repair as needed, as well.
Is there a certain time of year that is better for this?
Though we are having a very busy winter, something to keep in mind is that if you have roof outlet that we would need to access then cleaning would need to wait until spring when the roof is more accessible and it is safer for us to work up there.
Are there any state regulations for apartments or multi-family buildings?
The code requires cleanings every year. If you are selling your units or they are being rented the fire marshal will require that they be cleaned at minimum, once a year.
As a reminder, here are some indications that your dryer needs servicing and may be at risk for a fire:
- Your dryer is taking longer than usual to dry a normal load of laundry
- You have to run a second drying cycle on a regular basis
- Your clothing is getting so hot that it is uncomfortable for you to handle them
- You notice a “hot” smell or a strong odor of freshly dried clothing
We take fire safety very seriously and especially when you are managing a multi-family household, this needs to come first. It is critical that the safety of your tenants is put first. In doing this, you can reduce the number of claims you submit to your insurance company and cut down on your utility bills.
Spring is quite literally right around the corner (FRIDAY!). If you think it’s time to have your dryer vents and ductwork checked out and cleaned, give Clint a call so him and his team can make your home a safer place.
For more information on Vermont Dryer Duct click this link. If you are interested in making insurance simple and the process a lot less stressful, click the link below!