Clothes Dryer Safety and Energy Tips
Amy Newcomer • May 2, 2024
Did you know that dryers are the second highest energy-consuming appliance in most homes? And lint build-up is one of the major causes of the over 15,000 dryer fires that occur each year.
This article gives you tips for keeping your dryer safe and for saving energy too.
Why Is Dryer Care So Important?
Washing and drying clothes is not typically a task that most people enjoy. It never ends, and if you have a large family, your washer and dryer are likely running constantly. And a dryer takes a lot of energy to operate. The annual cost for operating a clothes dryer is about $85 a year and can go up to $170 a year depending on the frequency of its usage. In most homes, the only household appliance consuming more energy is the refrigerator. Further, your dryer is an expensive item to replace, and as we mentioned above, the risk of a dryer fire is all too real.
The good news is that there are things that you can do to keep your dryer operating safely, reduce energy consumption and extend its useful life. So read on.
Safety Tips
You may have heard the truly scary stories of clothes dryer catching fire because of lint accumulation. Here are some things you should do for the safety of your dryer.
- The first is to clean your dryer's lint filter trap after each load. In addition to helping keep your dryer safe, it also helps keep it performing efficiently.
- Clean your vent pipe of lint. Also, check your vent pipe. It is recommended that you use the straightest and shortest duct available. Flexible ducts can be a potential safety concern as they can be crushed or restrict the airflow, and may not be able to withstand high temperatures from the dryer.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the same room as the clothes dryer, near the door where you can access easily in an emergency.
- If you are not confident of how to properly clean your dryer, check your vent pipe, etc., then do not hesitate to call in a professional to give your clothes dryer a thorough cleaning and inspection.
After mowing, trimming, or clearing weeds, lawn debris can pile up fast. While a wheelbarrow works, a basic plastic tarp is often the easiest and most affordable solution. For just a few dollars, a large tarp lets you drag branches, brush, leaves, and other yard waste wherever it needs to go. Even if it gets a tear, duct tape can patch it quickly. A tarp also makes transferring debris into lawn waste bags simple — just funnel everything in with ease. It’s a low-cost, practical tool that makes yard cleanup faster and more efficient.
Look around your kitchen — that empty wall could become a stylish and functional pantry. Depending on the space, you can add prefabricated shelves or create a custom-built design that fits your needs. An open pantry is both practical and attractive with the right organization. Use bins to hide clutter, and store dry goods like pasta, beans, and seeds in clear jars with decorative lids. Oils, teas, and coffee tins can double as accents, while adding plants or favorite serving dishes brings personality to the space. With a little creativity, you can transform a bare wall into a beautiful and useful kitchen feature.
A home office is more than just a desk — it should be a space that’s comfortable, functional, and inspiring. Here are four essentials to keep in mind: Lighting – Bright, natural light reduces eye strain. Add a desk lamp for extra clarity. Comfort – Choose an ergonomic chair and set it to the right height for support. Style – Use colors and décor you love while keeping your workspace organized. Inspiration – Surround yourself with art, books, or personal items that motivate you. With these simple elements, your home office can boost productivity while remaining stylish and comfortable.
Seal Those Gaps Using affordable caulk to fill gaps around your windows and doors is a key home maintenance tip that can help lower your energy bills. Sealing these openings stops drafts from escaping, which is especially crucial in older homes where cracks may have developed between the frames and walls over time. Choose the Perfect Caulk Caulk is available in many colors, allowing you to match it seamlessly to your window and door trim. If you want a subtle look, clear caulk is also an option. Different types of caulk are designed for various surfaces, so be sure to select the right one for your specific project. For the best results, use a caulking gun to apply it cleanly and efficiently.
There’s nothing like the scent of clean clothes fresh from the dryer—but to get the best results, your washing machine needs regular care. A clean machine not only keeps your laundry smelling great, it also runs more efficiently, saving you money in the long run. If you have a front-loading washer, be sure to wipe down the rubber seal regularly to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Most machines also come with a dedicated cleaning cycle—run it once a month or as recommended by the manufacturer to keep the interior fresh. Top-loaders often include this feature too, helping extend the life of the machine and improve performance. Once your washer is clean and running smoothly, all that’s left is to toss in your laundry, add your favorite detergent or softener, and enjoy the fresh scent every time.
While professional plumbers handle much of your home’s pipe care, there’s an easy maintenance task you can do yourself to help protect your plumbing system—managing water pressure. Installing a pressure gauge and a pressure release valve near your main water shutoff valve allows you to monitor and adjust the water pressure. Ideally, keep the pressure between 25 and 75 psi to avoid damaging your pipes. If you notice a faulty gauge or valve, you can replace it yourself using a wrench and some effort. Most hardware stores carry a variety of these parts so you can find the right fit for your home. Adding regular pressure checks to your maintenance routine is a simple way to extend the life of your plumbing.
