Florida sunshine is loved by practically everyone. Many people move to Florida each year to take advantage of our pleasant climate. But Florida sunshine and weather often pose a high risk for fires. One of the most common causes of residential fires is the dryer vent. InterNACHI believes that house fires caused by dryers are far more common than other causes. Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association seem to add credence to this assertion.

One of the most common issues a home inspector in Tampa discovers is blocked dryer vents. Your electric clothes dryer performs its job by causing water to evaporate from wet clothing. It tumbles the clothes around while blowing hot air through them. Some heavy loads of clothing can hold well over a gallon of water. This water becomes a hot vapor and is directed away and out of your home through the dryer vent and a connected exhaust duct.

Here are three dryer vent safety tips from a home inspector in Tampa that every homeowner should know.

Make Sure Your Dryer Vent is Connected

Unconnected dryer vents direct hot, moist air out into your home and can cause problems. It also directs clots of lint out around your dryer where it can accumulate and become a fire hazard. Always be sure your dryer vent is connected to a duct that leads outside the home.

Make Sure Your Dryer Vent is Unrestricted

Dryer vents are often made from plastic or flexible metal ductwork that can become crimped or crushed. This obstructs the airflow from the dryer and causes it to work inefficiently. It also causes lint to build up and become sodden with water. This is a serious mold hazard. The duct can also become blocked with dry material and pose a fire hazard.

Make Sure Your Dryer Vent is Clean

Dryer lint is extremely sticky and flammable and can accumulate quickly in tight spaces like underneath the dryer or in the vent ductwork. Superheated air blowing through this accumulation of lint is a leading cause of house fires across the United States. You should check your dryer vent and ductwork regularly to be sure there is no buildup of lint or other material that could catch fire.

A home inspector in Tampa from Beryl Project Engineering can spot these and other safety hazards as part of a comprehensive home inspection. Call today to schedule yours in the Tampa, Florida, area.