Clean Dryer Exhaust Vents

Clean Dryer Exhaust Vents to Improve Dryer Efficiency and Reduce Energy Bills

2009-12-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

Clean dryer exhaust vents annually to promote proper air-flow, improve the efficiency of your clothes dryer and eliminate a fire hazard.

When dryer exhaust vents become clogged with lint, dust, hair and other debris, drying time increases. If you notice your dryer taking more than one cycle to properly dry your laundry, lint build-up is the likely culprit. As drying time increases and your dryer continues to labor the system becomes overheated. Hot air and moisture cannot escape through clogged dryer vents. This will cause significantly increased energy bills and can eventually lead to a dryer fire.

Dryer vent cleaning is necessary if you notice your dryer working inefficiently. Don’t be fooled by the idea that the dryer is old and wearing out; this is rarely, if ever, the cause of this type of problem. When air flow is restricted the moist heat cannot escape the dryer drum; therefore, it would make sense that the clothes would not dry.

Some dryer vents are short and straight and can easily be cleaned by the homeowner; others are quite long, depending on where your laundry room is located. Some dryers are vented through a stack on the roof; others are vented through an outside wall about two feet above the ground.

Extra long dryer ducts that make several turns may require special tools and equipment to properly clean. A professional who specializes in dryer vent cleaning will have the tools needed to do the job.

Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year to prevent fires, extend the life of your dryer and reduce energy costs. This said the fee for professional dryer vent cleaning is well worth the savings it promotes in the long-run.

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

Clean Dryer Exhaust Vents - Is that a Dog in Your Dryer Vent?

2009-11-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

Dryer vent cleaning is necessary to remove lint build up from the dryer exhaust ducts; birds, bees and small animals often build nests in the dryer vent outside too. Eventually, they can make their way into your home through this opening. A properly installed dryer vent system will not allow this to happen.

I recently ran across a funny story that I thought I would share. Apparently, someone decided to take a break before they completely installed their dryer vent system.

Firefighters had to rescue the black and white Staffordshire terrier, Daisy, who had poked her head into a hole which was to be used to install a dryer vent. It took 30 minutes for firefighters to remove some bricks from the outside of the property and then chisel away at the area of the wall surrounding the dog’s head to free her. Other than a few minor scratches to her face, she was unharmed; her vet checked her over and gave her a clean bill of health.

Ok, it’s time to be serious now. There are many things that can cause a dryer fire; lint build-up is the most common; a dog’s head is among the least common. (sorry; couldn’t resist!)

Seriously, I want to provide some sound advice but I need to be sure I have your attention. I know, dryer lint causes dryer fires, blah, blah, blah…You’ve probably heard this so much that you either let it go in one ear and out the other, or you have been one of the smarter people who have your dryer vent cleaned annually.

Dryer Vent Cleaning – Many Benefits

Dryer vent cleaning provides many benefits for your clothes dryer. A well vented clothes dryer works more efficiently because the heat and moisture from your laundry can easily escape through the dryer vent system as the laundry dries. If the system is clogged, the dryer labors harder and takes longer to do its job.

Dryer vent cleaning prevents dryer fires – Clogged dryer exhaust ducts reduce air flow, causing the dryer vent system to overheat. All it takes is a small spark from within the clothes dryer to ignite the lint and start a rapidly spreading fire.

Clean dryer vents to extend the life of your clothes dryer – Lint build up blocks air-flow, causing your dryer to over work and run twice as long to dry your laundry. Dryer lint also builds up inside the back of the dryer, putting undue stress on the motor, belts, pulleys and moving parts. As they become worn, the dryer is even more likely to throw a spark.

Clean dryer exhaust ducts so the dryer works more efficiently. The longer clothes are tumbling, the more they wear. Dryer vent cleaning extends the life of your clothing.

Clean dryer vents save energy – Clothes dry more quickly; therefore, reducing energy bills.

Dryer vent cleaning eliminates mold and mildew – An inferior dryer vent system can cause excessive moisture in your home, resulting in mold and mildew damage.

Clogged dryer exhaust ducts can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home if you have a gas dryer

Dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually to:

Prevent dryer fires – over 15,000 happen each year in the U.S.
Increase the life of your dryer
Eliminate unnecessary dryer repair bills
Reduce wear and tear on clothing
Save up to $300 per year on energy bills
Prevent mold and mildew damage and carbon monoxide poisoning
Rescue stuck animals – birds, bees, mice, and the dog!

The small fee you will pay for professional dryer vent cleaning will quickly pay for itself. Dryer vent cleaning ensures your clothes dryer is operating safely and efficiently, keeping your home, family and your pets safe.

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

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

2009-10-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

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