How to Keep Your Dryer Running Properly

Your clothes dryer is an important part of your household procedures. After all, we all need to be able to keep things clean and dry. However, it is much more than - and not all of it is a positive thing. Why? Because there are more than 20,000 house fires related to dryer vent fires per year. So, what can you do to keep the risk of fire and other dryer related issues at bay? The simple answer is to keep your dryer vent clean and in good repair.

To keep your dryer clean and with little need of repair, the most important thing you can do is to see that your dryer's lint tray is kept clean by removing any build up after each load of laundry. This practice will not only help your dryer run better, but it will also help your clothes dry more quickly and without needing to be reset it every load.

Additional actions for minimizing the need for dryer vent repairs include:

• Be sure that the dryer ducting used is at least a 4" in diameter and that the space is a clean, unobstructed and without any form of friction so that air flow is more efficient resulting in shorter drying times, lower utility bills and clothing that lasts longer.
• If building a new home, be certain that your dryer vent system is independent of other home systems such as chimneys or the exhaust.
• All joints should be installed so that the male end of the duct, points in the direction of the airflow.
• Do not use metal screening as a part of the hood or roof cap as this can grab the lint and easily block the vent.
• The length of concealed rigid metal ducting should not exceed 35 feet, as this puts risks higher and make your dryer less efficient.
• If you inspect your dryer vent duct work and notice that it is partially clogged, bring in a dryer vent duct cleaner and have them clean out the ductwork.
• From time to time, make sure that the dryer has not pushed back or shifted in such a way to bend or crimp the flex transition hose. Be sure to have plenty of room behind your dryer.
• Keep the exhaust duct as straight and short as possible. Longer pieces can extend drying times and affect how the appliance actually works.
• When using the dryer, be careful not to over dry. Ideally, use the "less dry" setting rather than a timed setting.

We all depend on our dryers to ensure that we have clean clothes and linens. Do your part to ensure that your dryer works effectively and efficiently, but without cause for fire. If you have questions, talk to a local duct work or dryer repair company today.

Many websites provide additional information on the topic of maintaining dryer ducts. One such site worth visiting is http://www.twincitiesdryerguy.com/dryer-vent-repair-cottage-grove/

Janet Slagell independently authors articles for WebDrafter, Inc. for search engine marketing. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those solely of the author, and not of any other person, company or organization. No guarantee or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, fitness, or use of the content herein.