Clean Dryer Exhaust Vents – Save Energy, Save Money, Be Safe

Clean dryer exhaust vents annually to save energy and prevent dryer fires. In addition to energy saving features on newer models, there are things you can do to increase the savings. Cleaning dryer exhaust vents is the number one energy saver and the number one way to prevent dryer related fires.

If you notice your clothes dryer taking longer to dry a load of clothes, then you most likely have a clogged dryer vent. This is rarely, if ever, a sign that your dryer is wearing out. Even a new dryer will take longer to dry a load of clothes if it is hooked up to a faulty dryer vent system or a clogged dryer vent system.

Clogged dryer exhaust vents slow air-flow, cause overheating, and eventually, lead to one of over 15,000 dryer fires that are reported annually. Here are some more tips to ensure your clothes dryer is operating safely and efficiently:

• Clean the lint screen after every load
• Clean dryer exhaust vents at least once a year to maximize air flow
• Have your dryer exhaust venting inspected to see if it is properly installed and meets current safety codes
• Separate heavier from lighter items to reduce total drying time
• When possible, wait till you have a full load of laundry; smaller loads waste energy
• When the time comes to purchase a new dryer, select one with auto-dry sensors to avoid over-drying clothes and overworking the dryer
• Make sure your dryer is plugged into a suitable outlet; if gas powered, make sure the connection meets current safety codes and there are no leaks
• Periodically check the vent outside, when the dryer is running, to be sure it is working properly. Check it for freezing or damage.
• Do not leave the house or go to sleep when the dryer is running
• Do not store flammable items near the dryer
• Do not dry rags that have been soaked in flammable substances, even if they have been washed; some flammable residue can remain.
• Maintain smoke detectors throughout the home and keep a working fire extinguisher in the laundry room

A clothes dryer is one of the most likely appliances to cause a fire, especially if dryer exhaust vents are not properly maintained. Professional dryer duct cleaning is recommended each year to ensure your dryer is working safely and efficiently. If you’re like many people and have never given a thought to cleaning dryer vents then it would be a good idea to have your dryer vent system inspected to make sure it is properly installed.

D. Benson of Dryer Vent Wizard provides home energy saving tips, fire prevention tips and dryer vent maintenance advice to customers while cleaning or repairing dryer exhaust vents. Clogged dryer vents reduce dryer efficiency. The fee for professional dryer vent cleaning is little compared to the energy savings when a clothes dryer is operating at top efficiency.

Dryer Vent Wizard is a nationwide company providing dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, and dryer vent installation in many market areas including Boise, ID; Charlotte, NC; San Diego, CA; Leesburg, VA; Arlington, VA, Fairfax, VA; Connecticut; Raleigh, NC; Washington DC, VA; Livonia, MI; Denver, CO; Cleveland, OH; Boston, MA; Massachusetts, New Hampshire; Birmingham, MI; Bloomfield Hills, MI; Wausau, WI; Long Island, NY; Sacramento, CA; Temecula, CA; Baltimore, MD; Columbus, OH; Minneapolis, MN; St. Joseph, MO; Kansas City, MO; Boca Raton, FL; Atlanta, GA; York, PA; Lancaster, PA; Nashville, TN; Murfreesboro, TN; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Santa Rosa, CA; Vallejo, CA; San Francisco, CA; Fresno, CA; Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH; Birmingham, AL; Baltimore, MD; Pittsburg, PA; Modesto, CA; Syracuse, NY