Sunday, July 19, 2009

Clean Dryer Vents to Prevent Fires

Clean Dryer Vents allow maximum air flow for your clothes dryer to work efficiently. The dryer vents are responsible for removing heat and moisture from your wet laundry as it tumbles to the outside of your home. When the dryer exhaust ducts are clogged with lint the system overheats and a spark from the clothes dryer will cause the lint to ignite, causing a rapidly spreading dryer fire.

A mobile home in Worthington Springs was destroyed by an early morning clothes dryer fire. The cause of the fire was determined to be lint build-up. Firefighters from Union County were assisted by the Alachua County Fire Department who arrived to provide extra water to douse the flames.

Luckily, the fire was contained and no damage was done to nearby mobile homes. None of the residents were injured but the home and all the contents were destroyed. The family lost everything.

Manufacturers recommend homeowners clean dryer vents at least once a year to prevent dryer fires and to be sure their clothes dryer is operating efficiently. Lint clogged dryer exhaust ducts are the number one cause of dryer fires.

Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation and all dryer exhaust services to make clothes dryers operate safely and efficiently. Dryer Vent Wizard has made a commitment to make 1 million clothes dryers safer and greener by the year 2010.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Dryer Lint Build-up: Danger Lurking in your Home!

Almost every home has a hidden fire hazard; a clothes dryer! Actually, the clothes dryer isn’t the real danger; the dryer vent is the main concern. Over time, lint builds up in the dryer vent system, blocking air flow and creating a fire hazard.

Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended to remove the lint build-up and to be sure the dryer exhaust system meets current safety codes. Many homeowners like to do as much as they can, on their own, rather than paying for professional services.

Some dryer vents are very short and easily accessible; therefore, the can be maintained by the homeowner. Other systems require the use of special tools and equipment that a dryer vent cleaning professional uses to do the job.

There are tools available in most hardware of home improvement stores for those who wish to do the job themselves. There is an attachment that can be used on a drill. The rotating action of the auger brush and flexible rods will help access and clean the areas of your dryer ducts where lint builds up. The tool comes with several flexible rods that screw together to reach into longer vents. Once you have scrubbed the ducts, you can blow them out with a shop vac. A variety of hand tools are also available to purchase.

If you have an exceptionally long dryer vent system, or if you are unsure as to whether or not your system is properly installed or if it meets current safety standards, it is a good idea to have a dryer vent cleaning specialist inspect the system, to be safe.

Fire departments strongly recommend dryer vent cleaning at least once a year to remove lint accumulation before it becomes dangerous. Lint build-up can also prevent proper ventilation of carbon monoxide if you have a gas dryer.

If you are the type who likes to do it yourself to save money then at least have your system inspected and professionally cleaned one time to be sure it is safe. Then do the maintenance on your own. The recommendation is professional dryer vent cleaning at least once a year; however, if you are determined to save money by doing it your self, maybe you will choose to compromise and have a professional in every two years.

D. Benson of Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation and all dryer exhaust services to make clothes dryers operate safely and efficiently. Dryer Vent Wizard has made a commitment to make 1 million clothes dryers safer and greener by the year 2010. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com for more information.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Dryer Vent Cleaning Because Your Clothes Dryer needs to Breathe!

Dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually to promote maximum air-flow which is the number one requirement for your clothes dryer to function properly. When air-flow is restricted your clothes dryer becomes a fire hazard.

The reason that restricted air-flow is a danger is that in addition to water being evaporated from wet clothes, the dryer vent system also removes lint which is highly flammable particles of clothing made of cotton and polyester. When lint builds up in the dryer exhaust duct it hinders the dryer’s ability to expel heat and moisture from the dryer. As the lint accumulates in the dryer vent system it becomes overheated and mechanical failures can trigger sparks which cause the lint to ignite and burst into flames. The combustible lint provides the fuel for the fire to spread through the system into your walls and throughout your home.

Dryer Vent Cleaning for Energy Savings

Your clothes dryer is one of the most expensive appliances to operate; a clogged dryer vent system causes your dryer to use more energy which can cost you an additional $25.00 per month. It also causes stress to the dryer motor as it labors to dry your laundry, resulting in additional repair bills.

Your clothes dryer requires proper air-flow to run safely and efficiently. This is the reason dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually. Dryer vent cleaning is the number one prevention of clothes dryer fires, unnecessary appliance bills and it reduces energy consumption.

Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation and all dryer exhaust services to make clothes dryers operate safely and efficiently. Dryer Vent Wizard has made a commitment to make 1 million clothes dryers safer and greener by the year 2010.

Dryer Vent Cleaning: Don’t Let Your Dryer Start a Fire!

A recent report of a home fire was caused by a bolt of lightening striking the dryer vent cover and traveling through the wall. This is an unlikely and rare occurrence. Your dryer is one of the most likely appliances to cause a fire with the most common cause being failure to clean the dryer vent system. Dryer lint-up is more likely to cause a fire than lightening.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Your clothes dryer evaporates the water from wet laundry as it blows hot air through it while it tumbles in the drum. Heat is provided by a gas burner or an electric heating element. Up to a gallon of water is removed from your laundry as the moisture leaves your home through the dryer exhaust ducts.

As your laundry dries and the heat and moisture are removed from your home through the dryer vent system, lint is also being produced. Only about 60% of the lint is trapped in the removable lint screen; the rest escapes into the dryer and dryer vent. Most of the wet sticky lint remains in the dryer duct; it does not escape through the vent outdoors as most people think it does. Eventually, the lint builds up and must be removed before it becomes a threat. Lint is flammable; as it dries and hardens on the inside of your dryer exhaust ducts it reduces air-flow and causes overheating. This is a fire hazard and it is the cause of most clothes dryer fires.

Dryer Vent Safety

In addition to dryer vent cleaning, proper installation is critical. The dryer duct should be properly connected to the back of the clothes dryer to prevent dryer exhaust from leaking into your home.

Dryer exhaust ducts should be made of rigid or semi-rigid metal, not flexible foil or plastic which is easily kinked or crushed, restricting air-flow. Dryers are often tucked into small areas and the dryer venting material gets crushed when people push the dryer closer to the wall.

Clothes dryer fires are more common than you think; most of them are caused by failure to properly maintain the dryer vent system. Dryer lint is highly combustible and it provides ample fuel for a rapidly spreading fire. Annual professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended to maintain the dryer vent system.

Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation and all dryer exhaust services to make clothes dryers operate safely and efficiently. Dryer Vent Wizard has made a commitment to make 1 million clothes dryers safer and greener by the year 2010.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Dryer Lint is a Fire Hazard – Dryer Vent Cleaning is the Solution

Dryer vent cleaning should be added to the list of necessary home maintenance chores. Almost every home has a hidden fire hazard; a clothes dryer! Actually, the clothes dryer isn’t the real danger; the dryer exhaust ducts and dryer vent are. Over time, lint build up in the dryer exhaust ducts, blocking air flow, causing overheating, and resulting in a devastating fire.

Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended to remove the lint build-up and to be sure the dryer exhaust system meets current safety standards. Many homeowners like to do as much as they can, on their own, rather than paying for professional services.

Some dryer vents are very short and easily accessible; therefore, the can be maintained by the homeowner. Other systems require the use of special tools and equipment that a dryer vent specialist uses to do the job.

For the do-it-yourself type there are tools available in most hardware of home improvement stores. There is an attachment that can be attached to a drill. The rotating action of the auger brush and flexible rods will help access and clean the areas of your dryer ducts where lint builds up. The tool comes with several flexible rods that screw together to reach into longer vents. Once you have scrubbed the ducts, you can blow them out with a shop vac. A variety of hand tools are also available to purchase.

If you have an exceptionally long dryer duct system, or if you are unsure as to whether or not your system is properly installed or if it meets current safety standards, it is a good idea to have a professional dryer vent specialist inspect the system, to be safe.

Fire departments strongly recommend dryer vent cleaning at least once a year to remove lint accumulation before it becomes dangerous. Lint build-up can also prevent proper ventilation of carbon monoxide if you have a gas dryer.

If you are the type who likes to do it yourself to save money then at least have your system inspected and professionally cleaned one time to be sure it is safe. Then do the maintenance on your own. Since a thorough cleaning is recommended each year, maybe you can pay for professional cleaning every two to three years, as long as you’re doing your part too.

Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation and all dryer exhaust services to make clothes dryers operate safely and efficiently. Dryer Vent Wizard has made a commitment to make 1 million clothes dryers safer and greener by the year 2010.

Dryer Vent Cleaning – Dryer Lint is a Fire Hazard!

Over 15,000 clothes dryer fires are reported each year; dryer vent cleaning is the number one defense against dryer fires. Failure to clean is reported as being the number one cause of dryer fires. Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended each year to prevent dryer fires and to keep your dryer working efficiently.

The function of the dryer duct system is to carry heat and moisture from your dryer drum as your clothes dry. Unfortunately, lint also gets into the dryer ducts, building up and restricting airflow. Most people think the dryer ducts also remove lint; however, most of the lint that escapes the lint screen becomes trapped and builds up in the ducts. Very little lint actually makes it to the vent outside. Lint build-up restricts air flow required for the dryer to perform its job. As the dryer labors to dry your laundry, it consumes more energy. Poorly maintained dryer vent systems can result in spending an additional $18 – 24 per month not to mention repair bills when the appliance breaks down.

When dryer vent systems become clogged with lint, they will overheat and cause a fire that spreads quickly. Another cause of dryer fires is drying rags soaked with flammable chemicals. These should be line dried, even if they have been washed, as residue can remain. The heat from the dryer can cause the materials to ignite inside your dryer.

For your safety as well as proper maintenance of your appliance, here are some tips:

Clean the lint screen after every load to maintain air flow needed by your clothes dryer to work more efficiently, saving you money on utility bills and preventing a fire.

Wash the lint screen periodically to remove residue build-up caused by dryer sheets.

Do not place rags soaked in flammable substances in your dryer; these should be line dried.

Do not store flammable chemicals near the dryer.

Do not go to sleep or leave the home when the dryer is running

Have a qualified dryer exhaust specialist clean your dryer vent system at least once a year, more often if you have a large family and are doing over 8 loads of laundry per week.

Following these tips will ensure your clothes dryer is working more efficiently reduce your energy costs and help to prevent a fire. Proper appliance maintenance will also increase the life of your appliance and reduce the need for repairs.

Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation and all dryer exhaust services to make clothes dryers operate safely and efficiently. Dryer Vent Wizard has made a commitment to make 1 million clothes dryers safer and greener by the year 2010.

Dryer Vent Cleaning and Air Duct Cleaning

A major source of indoor air pollution is dirty air ducts. The furnace or air conditioner draws dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander and other contaminants into the duct system and blows them back into the air you breathe. Over time these particles accumulate in the duct system; changes in temperature cause moisture build-up; the particles stick to the sides of ducts as they continue to accumulate and to become the perfect environment for mold and bacteria. As the air is pumped through the vents into the home people become sick with upper respiratory problems. Most people have their duct work cleaned periodically to reduce air pollution in their homes.

Dryer vent cleaning is also very important. Dryers produce lint which becomes trapped in the dryer ducts and dryer vent system. Over time dryer lint builds up, blocking airflow, creating a fire hazard and causing your dryer to work harder to do its job. Lint is highly flammable so when the airway is obstructed the system overheats and you are at risk of having a dryer fire.

Besides heat and moisture from the dryer drum, your dryer ducts also carry gas by-products like carbon monoxide from your home. If the system is clogged there is a possibility of dryer exhaust leaking into your home, contaminating the air you breathe.

Dryer Exhaust and Air Ducts in Condos

People who live in condos or attached apartment buildings are at risk even more than in single family homes because the extensive duct system and the number of people living in close quarters. Building managers are urged to clean air ducts and dryer vent systems often to reduce the risk of fire and a condition known as “sick Building Syndrome.”

Sick Building Syndrome is caused by toxins such as dust, mold, cleaning products, pesticides and certain types of plastic materials that can emit organic compounds into the air including formaldehyde and biological contaminants like pollen, mold, bacteria and viruses.

Dirty or moist air ducts and dryer exhaust ducts are the perfect breeding ground for Sick Building Syndrome which causes upper respiratory illness and reduces airflow causing appliances to work harder and use more energy. In addition a clogged dryer vent system is a potential fire hazard. Air ducts and dryer ducts should be cleaned periodically to prevent these problems.