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Caution:
Please read our safety
information before attempting any testing, maintenance
or repairs.
Before checking the vent, unplug the dryer or shut off the power
at the fuse box or breaker panel to avoid an electrical shock
hazard.
The proper venting of a dryer is
critical. Improper venting increases the risk of fire through
the build up of lint.
A typical vent hose is about four
inches in diameter. It can be made of rigid steel or aluminum,
semi-rigid aluminum, flexible foil or flexible PVC / vinyl. The
vent hose connects from the rear lip of the dryer to the lip of
an exterior vent and should be held in place on both ends with
a band clamp.
The safest choice for a vent hose
is a rigid metal. There are two reasons for this, first, the rigid
metal eliminates the sagging that occurs in flexible venting.
Sags allow lint to accumulate in the vent and represent a fire
hazard. Second, the metal is not flammable and helps contain the
fire if the lint does ignite. The down side to the rigid vent
is that it is more difficult to connect to the dryer because you
must be able to connect it after the dryer is in place.
A reasonable alternative is a semi-rigid
aluminum vent. This material is fairly fire resistant and less
prone to sagging. Because it is flexible, you can connect it to
the dryer before moving it into place.
The foil coated and plain PVC /
vinyl vent hoses are NOT recommended. These hoses are not very
fire resistant and are prone to sagging.
In all cases, the venting you use
should be of the shortest length possible and should be arranged
so that no low points (in which lint can accumulate) exist between
the dryer and the exterior vent.
Periodically, you should inspect
your venting to make sure that it is clear of obstructions, such
as lint or rodent intrusion. Make sure there are no holes or tears.
Inspect the exterior vent for obstructions such as plants, weeds
or objects placed against the vent. It is also advisable to vacuum
any lint that has accumulated beneath the dryer.
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