Over 14,000 Home Fires Every Year Caused by Clothes Dryers
July 26, 2018
This is a staggering statistic! According to the National Fire Protection Association, 14,630 home fires occur each year because of clothes dryers. These fires account for 9 deaths, 420 injuries, and $222 million in property damage. The sad fact is, most of these fires could have been prevented with regular cleaning of the dryer lint trap and vent hose.
When dryer lint accumulates, it can cause blockage or reduce the air flow from your dryer. This reduction in air flow will cause you dryer to operate at a higher temperature. This can lead to mechanical failure, or lint catching on fire.
It is recommended that you clean your lint trap every time you get ready to operate your dryer. Also, regular checks of your dryer hose, making sure it is not too long or kinked against the wall, will help prevent lint from building up in the hose. A little time and maintenance could save you a large headache (or potential injury) later.
Buying your first home comes with a lot to figure out. Between moving in, making repairs, and getting settled, it is easy to overlook things like your home's electrical system. While everything may seem to be working fine, there are a few things worth checking before problems come up. First, take some time to locate your electrical panel and understand which breakers control different areas of your home. Check that outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces have proper GFCI protection. These outlets are designed to help prevent electrical shock, especially in areas where water is nearby. It is also important to know what is not normal. Lights that flicker regularly, breakers that keep tripping, or outlets that feel warm could point to wiring issues or an overloaded circuit. Rather than waiting for something to stop working, having these concerns checked by a licensed electrician can save you trouble later. At Babcon Electric, we have spent over 30 years helping homeowners across Richmond and Central Kentucky with their electrical needs. From home electrical inspections and wiring repairs to panel upgrades and outlet installations, our experienced electricians can help you understand what needs attention and what is working as it should. Have questions about your new home's electrical system? Contact Babcon Electric to talk with our team about any concerns or electrical projects you have planned.
Do your lights flicker, breakers trip often, or outlets struggle to keep up with everything you plug in? These may seem like minor annoyances, but they can also be signs that your home’s electrical wiring is outdated or no longer keeps up with your household’s electrical needs. Older homes were not built for the amount of electricity we use today. Modern appliances, HVAC systems, electronics, and smart home technology can place added demand on aging wiring. Warning signs like frequently tripped breakers, buzzing outlets, warm switch plates, burning smells, or discolored outlets should never be ignored. If you are noticing these issues, the next step does not have to mean rewiring your entire home. A professional electrical inspection can help determine the cause of the problem and whether you need a small electrical repair, a panel upgrade, or updated wiring. At Babcon Electric, our licensed electricians help homeowners throughout Central Kentucky understand what is happening behind their full electrical system. With decades of experience providing residential electrical services, our team can inspect your wiring, identify potential safety concerns, and recommend the right solution for your home. Not sure if your wiring is keeping up? Contact Babcon Electric to schedule an electrical inspection and get clear answers about what your home needs.
