Proper Dryer Installation and Maintenance by Chris Piccione
The installation and maintenance of clothes dryers are an important part of making sure that a clothes dryer performs as designed and does not become a fire hazard .
Recommendations for clothes dryer safety include the following :
• Have your clothes dryer installed by qualified personnel .
• Clean the lint filter before and after each cycle .
• Clean the area under the lint filter with a nylon brush at least every 6 months or more frequently if it becomes clogged .
• Schedule a professional appliance technician to service your dryer every 1-2 years , they will take apart the dryer and clean lint from areas you cannot reach .
• Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged , crushed , or restricted .
• Replace exterior wire mesh screens with vent hoods .
• Periodically inspect the outdoor vent to make sure it is opening properly and there are no obstructions such as animal nests preventing it from opening .
• The interior of the dryer and venting system should be serviced and cleaned annually by qualified service personnel , especially if it is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry .
• Where possible , replace flexible plastic venting with a rigid metal duct .
• Make sure the electrical plug and outlets are in good condition and connected properly .
• Read manufacturers ’ instructions and warnings on use and care manuals that accompany new dryers .
• Keep the area around the clothes dryer free of combustible items such as chemicals , boxes or paper .
• Do not leave the dryer on while not at home .
Qualified PERSONNEL : With regulated trades such as electrical and plumbing , having a contractor ’ s license and certification is the norm . Surprisingly , most duct cleaning companies are not licensed by the State of California to perform the work . It is highly recommended to use a company that is licensed and certified . To check a company ’ s license status : Log on to the Contractors State License Board ’ s website ( www . cslb . ca . gov ). Click on “ Consumers ”, then “ Check License ”,
then “ Contractor Name ”. Type in name of company in question and see if their company information shows on the list and verify if license status is current . HOA
This article is brought to you by Chris Piccione of Vent Pros , Inc . A Professional Cleaning of Ventilation Systems Since 2001
303 W . 35th Street , # B National City , CA 91950 ( 866 ) 270-3828 ChrisP @ VentPros . com
Mention this Vent Pros ad and receive a 20 % discount off a complete building dryer vent cleaning service . These whole-building services are already packaged together at a discounted rate . If this type of service is not something that the HOA would pay for , then we can do a group sign-up for interested homeowners . Call for details . Let us help you make your property safer for all of its residents . For a free inspection of your dryer vents call 1-866-270-3828 , or email us at customerservice @ ventpros . com .
Spring 2013 | Issue # 5 | The HOA Board Quarterly | 7