CAI-NJ AprilPROOF2.pdf

A P R I L , 2 0 1 7

ou may think it’s a hassle to have your dryer vent and

chimney inspected and cleaned. However, this crit-

ical cleaning and inspection will not only save your

property, it potentially can save your life! Make sure you

hire or recommend only a licensed, insured and certified

company to do the job. And the only certification in the

United States is the CSIA. Look up Certified contractors by

going to

You can’t afford a cheap alterna-

tive when dealing with dryer vent and chimney inspections.

Why Inspect My Dryer Vents?

Did you know, on average in the United States, there

are more than 15,000 dryer fires a year? In 2010 alone,

(latest data available) there were an estimated 16,800

home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing

machines that killed 51 people, injured 380 and caused

$236 million dollars in property damage.

Think about

it. You could do everything right and have your dryer vent

cleaned and inspected. But if your neighbor doesn’t have

it done or done properly, your unit could burn down and

cause potential harm to life and property.

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends

dryer vents, and fireplace chimneys are inspected once per

The Importance of Dryer Vent and Chimney

Inspections and Cleanings

By Karen Antczak,

Antczak’s Complete Service Company, LLC

(right) Clean the lint

trap in your dryer

after every load of

laundry dried.

(below) Lint captured

in the dryer's lint

trap after one load.

CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 34

(right) Bird guards are

excellent for not permitting

birds and nests in, but lint

does get trapped. This is a

good sign that your vent is

properly working, however

this must be maintained

routinely to allow for

proper air flow.