Here's Why You Should Clean Your Dryer Vents

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD CLEAN YOUR COMMERCIAL DRYER VENTS!

When it comes to commercial dryer vent cleaning, fire safety should be your most important concern. Commercial dryers are routinely over-taxed to support extensive washing, and plugged vents (with highly flammable lint) in commercial, industrial and institutional facilities are extremely vulnerable to fires.

There is a substantial number of property damages, injuries, and deaths annually that are the direct result of dryer vent fires. There are approximately 15,000 structure fires, hundreds of injuries, and more than a dozen deaths reported each year due to dryer vent fires.  Amazingly, half of all commercial dryer vent fires start from within the lint trap.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states there are an average of 3,700 structure fires at hotel or motel properties annually, causing $127 million in damage. Of those fires, 9% are clothes dryer and washer related. And, the statistical percentages grow in industrial and manufacturing properties along with other commercial environments.

According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), clothes dryer fires account for over $100 million in losses annually. Further, dryer fires involving commercial dryer vents have a 78% higher injury rate than residential dryer fires.

Highly flammable lint getting caught in the dryer duct and becoming heated to the point of ignition, cause the majority of commercial dryer vent fires.  Commercial dryers come with lint traps or filters, designed to capture the lint, yet only 70% of the lint is typically collected. The remainder sticks to the duct work and piping. Lint and other debris builds up over time so it is not ever safe to assume that emptying the filter regularly is enough to protect your property from a dryer vent fire.

Commercial Dryer Vent Cleaning:

• allows laundered items dry more quickly and evenly.
• can save your company money on monthly energy costs.
• enables the dryer to perform properly.
• creates peace of mind by eliminating a potential fire hazard.
• limits mold, mildew and other bacteria in your dryer vent ductwork.

Some signs you need commercial dryer vent cleaning:

• there’s an accumulation of lint or debris on the external vent
• the dryer is hot to the touch indicating it is overheating
• it takes more than one drying cycle to dry one load
• the laundered items smell “musty” after being in the dryer

Be aware of these import facts:

A clogged commercial dryer causes reduced airflow, and then they are forced to work harder. This causes the air travelling through the ductwork and vents to get hotter and doesn’t dry effectively, leading to:

• Higher energy consumption
• Reduction in the lifespan of your appliance
• Accelerated thermostat and internal sensor failure
• Potential for lint to ignite as the heated air moves slower and temperature intensifies

Fire Damage In Your Commercial Or Residential Property? Contact SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby today to speak to a Mitigation Specialist. 502.241.6861