My wife was using our new electric clothes dryer the other day when the dryer electronically notified her that the vent was plugged up by 80% and only venting at 20%. Electrical warning devices are being built right into our home appliances, and they are becoming more intelligent, partially thanks to smart sensors and artificial intelligence (A.I.).

Tech can keep us safe

Our new refrigerator notifies us when it needs a new water filter, and when something is malfunctioning, a technician can communicate and troubleshoot with the refrigerator through a cellphone. Smart sensors and A.I. are so common these days that we often don’t recognize how they affect and can even protect us. Cars tell us when it is time for an oil change, when the tires are low or flat, if there is another car on either side of us or if we don’t use our turn signals when moving between lanes. On a recent long trip in a rental car, the vehicle even indicated to me that it was time for a coffee break!

Washers and dryers now feature Wi-Fi connectivity and smart diagnosis in A.I.-powered models that permit remote control, timing set-up to operate during low peak billing hours by recognizing electric utility company rates and times, self-­troubleshooting features and warning devices that enhance safety (like the warning when the dryer vent is plugged). All these features enhance the overall appliance experience and promote safety.

Our home was built in 2004, and we have owned it since 2008. I do not believe we have ever had the dryer vent cleaned out since we moved in 18 years ago. After receiving a warning from the dryer, we immediately called a company that specializes in dryer vent cleaning. The technician used a camera to initially determine what obstructions might be in the vent piping connection. This runs from the wall of the laundry room to the 90-degree elbows connecting to the second-floor outdoor vent cover.

There was lint—and a surprise!

The technician cleaned the dryer’s removable screen inside the door, installed a new UL-listed flex pipe and connectors into the wall, and proceeded to clean out the vent piping system. 

Lo and behold, the technician found a bird’s nest immediately inside the exterior vent exhaust cover. The existing cover had a plastic flap that had deteriorated in the direct sunlight and permitted the birds to build a nest in the dryer vent. What a nice, warm place to raise a brood, with a bed of lint for soft nesting material and protection against any predators. Who would have guessed?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), about 28% of house fires result from improperly maintained dryer vents, for both gas and electric dryers. Statistics show that at least five people die annually due to fires in dryer vents. Between 2014 and 2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 17,000 home dryer fires every year. I should be more careful about these issues since I worked for NFPA for nine years. 

Lint buildup is the leading cause of these fires, often due to improper maintenance. Dryers get very hot and can ignite lint. Regular cleaning of dryer vents can significantly reduce fire risk and ensures the venting system is properly installed and not obstructed

Use a lint trap and clean it after every load to minimize lint accumulation. Consider professional inspections and cleanings at least once a year for safety. I still cannot believe I had a bird’s nest in my vent. I am totally embarrassed!

Keeping electrical systems safe

We are required to deal with so many issues to keep the electrical system safe. Following the NEC ensures a proper and safe installation. Remember, NEC 210.8(A) requires that, for dwelling units, all 125V through 250V receptacles installed in the laundry area and supplied by single-­phase branch circuits rated 150V or less to ground must have GFCI protection for personnel. This GFCI protection may be moot if we neglect our own safety by not properly maintaining and servicing the dryer venting in our own homes—which is where A.I. can come in. 

We always think back on how we could have prevented a fire. As electrical contractors, we should remind our employees and customers of this basic rule and use helpful technology to decrease the number of potential home fires.

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