ERIE, Pa., March 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Clothes
dryers are responsible for nearly 15,000 house fires each year. And
according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the
leading cause of dryer fires is from failure to clean lint from the
system. While cleaning out your dryer's lint trap helps prevent
dryer fires, it's also important to look beyond the machine itself
and regularly inspect your home's dryer vent.
Erie Insurance helps you do-it-yourself with 10
steps to a clean dryer vent:
- Purchase a dryer cleaning kit. You can typically
purchase a dryer cleaning kit from a home improvement store for
under $50. The price will go up
depending on the quality of the kit's materials and the length of
the cleaning rods. If you have the proper attachments, a household
vacuum may work, too.
- Unplug the dryer. Anytime you're repairing an appliance,
disconnect it from the power source. Unplug the machine or shut it
off from the electrical panel before you start cleaning.
- Pull the dryer away from the wall. Give
yourself enough room to access the dryer vent. Move the dryer as
far away as the hose will allow.
- Detach the dryer vent hose. Remove any clamps or screws
attaching the hose to the wall or dryer. This could be difficult
depending on the length of the hose and where it leads.
- Clean the moisture sensors. Wipe down the sensors inside
your dryer with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol. Do this each
time you clean the dryer vent or when cycles become
inefficient.
- Clean the hose. Use a vacuum to suction lint from both
ends of the hose. Then, use a brush in your cleaning kit to clear
out any trapped lint. Keep a wire hanger nearby to snake out debris
if necessary. Just be careful to not damage the hose in the
process.
- Reattach the hose. Put the hose back in its
place and reattach any clamps or screws. Slide the dryer back
against the wall.
- Clean the exterior vent. With the hose clear, head
outside to your home's exterior vent. Remove the vent cover and
clean any excess lint until the vent pipe is free from
obstruction.
- Run the dryer. You'll need to know how to vent a dryer
to finish the job. Reconnect the power and run the machine empty
for 20 minutes on the air-dry setting. Check for air and lint
blowing out of the exterior vent. Then, turn off the dryer and put
the cover back on once the vent is clear.
- When in doubt, hire a pro. If at any point something
doesn't look right – or you just feel like you're in over your head
– call a professional. They may recommend a different system, find
another problem or let you know it's time to replace your
dryer.
Being a homeowner has many rewards, but also has its share of
demands. Dryer vent cleaning is a perfect example of one of those
trying jobs you just need to do to maintain a household. With
homeowners insurance from ERIE,
you can trust that while you're looking out for your home, we're
looking out for you. We're available 24/7 to help answer questions,
solve problems and provide remedies. Contact a local
ERIE agent today to find the
right insurance for your home and your needs.
Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best
Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie,
Pennsylvania, is the
9th largest homeowners insurer and 12th
largest automobile insurer in the United States based on
direct premiums written and the 16th largest
property/casualty insurer in the United States based on
total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+
(Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million
policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District
of Columbia. Erie Family Life
Insurance Company is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Life
insurance policies not written in New
York state. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500
company.
News releases and more information about Erie Insurance
Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance Group