For Safety, Dryer Requires Proper Venting

As we saw in North Carolina, improper venting for a clothes dryer can lead to moisture problems. Dryers should always be vented to the outside of the house. That will keep moisture and lint dust from recirculating inside and cut down on the chances for mold and mildew growth.

And it's important to always keep the dryer vent clean. A dryer gets very hot — up to 170 degrees. If lint becomes trapped in the vent, it can ignite and cause a fire. So here are some tips to help keep your vent lint and fire free:

• Ducts should be no longer than 25 feet from the back of the dryer to the exterior vent. And the duct should have as few bends and turns as possible so lint particles are easily ventilated.
  
• Fire-rated metal tubing should be used to connect the dryer to the exterior vent.
  
• Have the dryer duct cleaned once a year. And clean the dryer's lint trap after each load.

And here's another tip: install an exterior vent with a flap. It will let the hot air and moisture from the dryer out and keep the cold air and critters from coming in!