Clothes Dryer Venting Dangers

Flexible white plastic dryer vent hose is unsafe

• Ribbed surface restricts airflow.
• Lint builds up in the vent and dryer.
• Restricted airflow and lint buildup cause overheating and dryer fires.
• If a fire starts, plastic vent hose burns, spreading the fire.

Plugged plastic vents are inefficient

• Clothes take longer to dry and you pay a higher energy bill.
• May cause dryer parts to fail.
• May void the warranty on new dryers.

To avoid dangers

Clean lint filter with every load.

Replace white plastic vent hose with metallic vent pipe.

Buy packaged duct only with UL listing.

Connect duct with solid metal elbows at the dryer and vent cap.

If you already have a metal vent, clean it out at least once a year.

Clean lint from vent where it exits the wall.

Be sure outside flap opens when dryer is running.

For more information

Dryer Venting Dangers [71 kB PDF]

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