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DryEr MAINTENANCE CAN SAVE yOu MONEy… AND yOur LIFE


When it comes to clothing, the focus tends to be on functionality, comfort, or fashion. yet, washing and drying our clothes has become part of our regular routine. Other than dreading the task, most of us don’t give much of a second-thought to the machines that help us get the job done - even though giving them some occasional maintenance could save us money… or possibly even our lives.


The California Energy Commission has some suggestions on how to make the most efficient use of your clothes dryer:


• Clean the lint filter after every load. A dirty lint screen can lead to 30 percent more energy usage and can be a fire hazard.


• Occasionally use the attachments on your vacuum cleaner to remove lint that falls off of the lint filter and in the filter enclosure.


• Occasionally clean the duct work that vents your dryer. The filter does not catch all of the lint, and it can build up in the duct work. This build-up decreases the efficiency of your dryer and can become a fire hazard.


• Make sure your dryer is vented properly. If you vent the exhaust outside, use the straightest and shortest metal duct available. Flexible vinyl duct is not recommended because it restricts the airflow, can be crushed, and may not withstand high temperatures from the dryer.


• If your dryer has a moisture sensor that shuts off the dryer when the clothes are dry, use it.


Additional ways to save money include filling your dryer—but not packing it too full and placing your dryer in a heated space. Also periodically check the outside dryer exhaust vent. If it does not close tightly, replace it with one that does to keep the outside air from leaking in.


Lint and other debris can build up in your dryer and not only decrease the efficiency of your unit, but also cause fire hazards. The build-up can also cause carbon monoxide to be forced back into your home creating a potentially fatal situation for you and your family. In addition to the cleaning of your vent system, the Chimney Safety Institute of America passes along these other safety tips:


• Dryer vents should be completely separate from all other systems and terminate outside, not into a chimney, crawl space or attic.


• your outside dryer exhaust vent’s termination hood should have a back draft damper so that the exhaust does not come back in your home.


Articles courtesy of SafeElectricity.org.


TAkE CArE NOT TO OVErLOAD OuTLETS


Count how many things in your living room need power. It likely includes a TV, DVr, Cable and/or satellite box, a game system, lamps, maybe a computer, speakers… so many things that there is probably at least one power strip being used to get power to everything. Many older homes were just not built for all of the electrical needs that we have today, and overloaded outlets and power strips can result in fires, costly damage, and the loss of life.


That is why we are reminding you to be careful not to overload your outlets. To help ensure the safety of your home and family, make sure that you:


• Do not plug more than one major appliance into an outlet at a time.


• If an outlet is not working, have an electrician check it out. It may be an indicator of unsafe wiring.


• Have a professional install more outlets on the proper circuits where they are needed.


• Check for loose-fitting plugs. replace missing or broken wall plates so wiring and components are not exposed.


• Make sure there is an escape plan and that all members of the household practice it often.


It can be very tempting to add another plug to an outlet or power strip, but fight the urge to find ways to plug additional devices into an outlet. As an alternative, unplug a device - or two - before plugging in a new one.


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