When lint builds up inside a dryer, it may ignite from contact with the heating coil, electric motor or switches, or just from spontaneous combustion due to high temperatures. There are no sure warning signs. The fact that your dryer functions normally today does not necessarily indicate all is well.

Signs your dryer isn't functioning properly:

• Clothes (especially towels and jeans) take a very long time to dry.
• Clothes are hotter than normal at the end the cycle.
• The Flapper on the vent hood does not open when the dryer is on.

What can you do to prevent dryer fires?

• Clean the exhaust vent on an annual basis, and clean the lint trap after each use.
• Use Sheet metal vent pipes instead of plastic-coated flexible wire tubing. Keep the length as short as possible with a limited number of bends.
• Do not place a nylon stocking or bug screen over the vent hood.
• Do not vent the dryer to an attic, crawl space, or anywhere indoors!
• Never dry oily soiled rags in your dryer.

Now I am off to RONA to replace my vent pipe with a sheet metal version!

-- Greg Lewis, State Farm