Information Bulletin: Gas dryer venting system maintenance

Topic

A clothes dryer and the attached vent system requires regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Important information

A lack of maintenance can result in a fire hazard and improper dryer venting also poses a carbon monoxide risk on gas supplied dryers. Aside from moisture, the dryer vent system removes  gas by-products from your appliance to the outdoors.

When a dryer/venting system is clogged with lint, air flow is restricted, your dryer then has to work harder which leads to overheating. As the dryer ducts remove lint and moisture from clothes, not all of the lint is captured by the screen or makes it to the outdoors. This builds up on the sides of the vent system and eventually dries to a hard material. This material attracts more lint, where it eventually creates a restriction that leads to overheating, potentially resulting in a fire.  Restrictions in the vent may also cause leaks of dryer exhaust which could contain carbon monoxide.

It is recommended that dryers and all fuel burning appliances are maintained or serviced by a licensed gas contractor at least annually, or in accordance with the manufacturer’s certified appliance instructions. To find a local contractor in your area please visit the Find a Contractor page.

 

Brad Wyatt
Provincial Safety Manager, Gas