Dryer vent cleaning is important for safety and efficiency. Over 15,000 clothes dryer fires occur each year due to uncleaned dryer vents. When lint builds up in dryer vents, heat and moisture cannot escape which causes the dryer to work harder and increases fire risks. Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once or twice a year to prevent fires and improve dryer performance.

1. Guidelines in Dryer Vent Cleaning in Manhattan
Did you know that dryer is more likely to start a fire than any other appliance in your home? The dryer is not
dangerous but its the dryer exhaust ducts. When you look at the back of clothes dryer, you should see an exhaust
pipe leading to a dryer vent attached to the outside of your home. Dryer vent cleaning is important for both safety
and economic reasons. Only few realize that dryer vent duct cleaning reduces the risk of a dryer vent fire and
improves the efficiency of the dryer, so it lowers utility costs. It is the best defense against dryer related fires. Over
15,000 clothes dryer fires are reported each year with failure to clean dryer vents being the number one cause. Be
aware that when dryer lint builds up and clogs the dryer vent system, heat and moisture are unable to escape the
dryer drum and laundry takes longer to dry. The dryer works harder, using more energy and increasing the risk of
appliance failure. Eventually, the dryer will throw a spark that ignites the combustible lint. The draft from the dryer
pulls the fire into the duct where more lint provides fuel. A dryer fire spreads quite rapidly causing major property
damage, injury and death for many. Poorly maintained dryer vents cause fire hazards and cost substantially more to
operate.
The following are some dryer venting guidelines:
All dryer ducting must be a minimum of 4” in diameter. Clean, unobstructed, frictionless ducts encourage air flow
efficiency, quickens drying times, adds longevity to clothing's life and reduces utility bills.
Flexible transition hose between the dryer and the wall outlet should be either the foil type or the aluminum flexible
duct. Do not use the plastic or vinyl.
Concealed ducting must be rigid metal (galvanized or aluminum) duct.
Duct joints shall be installed so that the male end of the duct points in the direction of the airflow.
Joints should be secured with metal tape (not duct tape). Do not use rivets or screws in the joints or anywhere else in
the duct as these will encourage lint collection.
Dryer venting shall be independent of any other systems (chimneys or exhaust vents)
Termination of dryer venting must be to the exterior with a proper hood or roof jack equipped with a backdraft
damper.
Here are some safety tips to prevent dryer in causing a fire:
Actually inspect the termination port of the dryer and the wall or roof jack. Look for birds nest or clogged
openings.
If you suspect clogged or partially clogged exhaust ducting, it is likely you need to have them cleaned.
Make sure your flex transition hose is not kinked or crushed. The space behind your dryer should be sufficient as to
provide adequate room for the flex transition hose to make its bends with minimal deflection and restrictions.
The use of the white vinyl flex pipe is all but completely prohibited, both by building departments and appliance
manufacturers.
Keep exhaust duct as straight and short as possible. Exhaust systems longer than the manufacturer's
recommendations can extend drying times, affect appliance operation and may encourage lint build-up on pipe
lining.
When running the clothes dryer, be careful not to overdry. Running your dryer too long not only wastes energy but
can also damage your clothes.
Clean lint filters regularly. Cleaning the lint filters on your washer and dryer will save energy, improve performance,
and minimize fire hazards.
Do not place rags soaked in flammable substances in your dryer; these should be line dried.
Do not store flammable chemicals near the dryer.
Do not go to sleep or leave the home when the dryer is running
Dryer vent cleaning is very important even least once or twice a year to keep your appliance running efficiently and
safely. According to the Fire Department, your dryer vent exhaust duct should be professionally cleaned. Not only
does dryer vent cleaning help ensure the safety of your family and your home, but economically, dryer vent cleaning
can result in improved efficiency of the washer/dryer. This improved efficiency helps cut down on the cost and
energy spent operating the dryer, perhaps extending the dryer's useful life.
The fee for dryer vent cleaning service is small compared to the cost of repairing or replacing an over worked
clothes dryer, or the cost of losing your home or even your life.