Proper Maintenance & Dryer Repair to Help Prevent Clothes Dryer Fire Hazards
According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s report, “Clothes Dryer Fires in Residential Buildings 2008-2010,” every year 2,900 clothes dryer fires in residential buildings are reported to fire departments in the U.S. Dryer fires cause approximately five deaths, a hundred injuries and $35 million in property loss. According to this report, residential clothes dryer fires are higher in the fall and winter and peak in January. Failure to clean them is the major cause (34 percent). The report found that the leading items to ignite first, by far, were dust, fiber and lint (28 percent) and clothing not on a person (27 percent).
So what are the major causes of clothes dryer fires? The biggest culprit is lint. Dryers produce huge quantities of it. Just cleaning out the lint traps after every use doesn’t get rid of it all. It can accumulate on the heating element and other places inside the dryer. The fire is often started by a spark inside the appliance. That’s why vent and dryer repair and maintenance are so important.
Improper venting conditions outside the dryer can also cause the problem. Dryer vents can be too long or have too many bends. The shorter and straighter the better. Unfortunately, dryer vents can be made of easily crushed flimsy, flammable plastic or foil, which restricts air flow and allows the build-up of lint. This can lead to overheating which can wear out clothes and the appliance and even cause fire. Most manufacturers specify metal vents.
People can also cause the problem by placing the clothes dryer so close to the wall the vent gets crushed. Reduced airflow and lint build-up don’t allow the appliance to dry at the normal rate. The resulting overheating causes the high temperature limit safety switch to cycle on and off. Most high temperature limit safety switches are not designed to operate in this way so after a time they fail.
Maintenance and dryer repair, including the dryer vent, should be left to professionals. Do-it-yourself vent cleaning kits are available but they aren’t as effective as the tools and experience of trained technicians. The typical cost of dryer or vent maintenance is between $100 and $150, and is quite reasonable considering its benefits. Even apart from diminishing the threat of a fire, a cleaning can pay for itself by improved efficiency through less drying time. Of course, a dryer repair cost is dependent upon what exactly needs fixing in the dryer.
When considering a dryer repair or maintenance service, consider:
– Choosing a licensed technician. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends seeking a professional designated as a Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician.
– Dryers and dryer vents should be cleaned, serviced and, if needed, repaired at least once a year to reduce the risk of fires and gas leaks and to assure efficiency.
– Remember to prevent the restriction of airflow. Make sure to leave enough room between the appliance and the wall and keep the vent as short as possible.
These precautions may not only reduce the risk of fires, but may also increase efficiency of the dryer. That reduces drying time and thus utility costs.
Same-day Appliance Repair Services in San Francisco, Marin County, Oakland & The Bay Area
Our experienced appliance repair “Doctors” will take care of all your appliance repair needs quickly and affordably.The Appliance Repair Doctor is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year including Christmas and New Years’ holidays. For quick and affordable repairs on your dryer or any other appliance, call The Appliance Repair Doctor today at (888) 462-5488 or Book an appointment online
LG Dryer Repair Services
LG dryers feature advanced energy efficiency options, which can save you time and money. But when your LG dryer breaks or stops functioning when you need it most, you can call The Appliance Repair Doctor for same day dryer repair in San Francisco.
Whirlpool Dryer Repair Services
Whirlpool’s state of the art clothes drying technology makes doing laundry a breeze. If you live in San Francisco and The Bay Area and your Whirlpool dryer stops working, call The Appliance Repair Doctor for affordable dryer repair in San Francisco and The Bay Area. Ask us about same day dryer repair services.
Maytag Dryer Repair Services
The Maytag Washing Machine Company was founded back in 1893 and is still, to this day, viewed as one of the most trusted clothes dryer on the market. We offer same day Maytag dryer repair in San Francisco and The Bay Area for whenever you need emergency clothes dryer repair services. We also service Santa Clara County, San Mateo County and Alameda County among other Bay Area counties.
GE Clothes Dryer Repair Services
Founded in 1892 by Thomas Edison and Charles Coffin, General Electric has become one of world’s largest and most profitable corporations. Their innovative design and functionality has brought them to the forefront of appliance technology. The Appliance Repair Doctor offers Same-day GE dryer repair in San Francisco and The Bay Area. Whenever your clothes dryer breaks down, you can count on The Doctors for a speedy repair!
Kenmore Dryer Repair Services
Kenmore appliances, including clothes washers and dryers, are sold exclusively through Sears and depending on the model number, are manufactured by a variety of companies including Whirlpool, GE and LG. If you bought your Kenmore dryer through Sears and are in need of clothes dryer repair, San Francisco’s Appliance Repair Doctor can help.
Samsung Dryer Repair Services
A leading technology company from South Korea, Samsung electronics and appliances can be found in many homes around the world. With its great reputation, many consumers look to purchase Samsung appliances including dryers. The Appliance Repair Doctor knows Samsung appliances inside and out, so if your dryer ever breaks, do not hesitate to call!
Electrolux Dryer Repair Services
The world’s second largest appliance manufacturer behind Whirlpool, has been a pioneer in developing home appliances for nearly a century. With its innovative products many homeowners turn to its reliable name for their home appliance needs. If your Electrolux clothes dryer ever breaks down, The Appliance Repair Doctor is a quick phone call away. With our same-day service we will have your dryer up and running in no time!
Frigidaire Dryer Repair Services
A pioneer in refrigeration technology for almost 100 years, is currently owned by one of the world’s largest appliance manufacturers, Electrolux. Frigidaire dryers provides homeowners the reliability and reputation of its parent company, while being very affordable and innovative. The Appliance Repair Doctor’s Same-day repair service will be able to fix your broken dryer before those loads of laundry pile up! Call The Doctors today!
Other Dryer Brands That We Service
In addition to the 8 dryer models we’ve highlighted above, The Appliance Repair Doctor also services many other less prevalent brands of dryers. Contact The Appliance Repair Doctor for a free over the phone Dryer Repair Estimate in the San Francisco and Bay Area today.
Same Day Dryer Service And Repairs In San Francisco, Marin County, Oakland & the rest of the Bay Area.
If you live in the The Bay Area, The Appliance Repair Doctor repair technicians are always in the neighborhood. With same day dryer services we will arrive on site soon after you call and get right to fixing your dryer using our well-stocked service vans full of the most common dryer repair parts.