Dryer vent cleaning is the number one way to prevent clothes dryer fires. Over 15,000 dryer related fires occur annually, causing loss of homes and pets, death and injuries. Most of these devastating fires were caused by failure to clean dryer vents.
Sedgewickville, MO: A dryer related fire destroyed a home soon after their mother left for work. The kids were getting ready for school when a boy noticed smoke and alerted his sisters to get out of the house. They went to a neighbor’s where they called 911. No one was hurt, but the house was a total loss.
Tuscon, AZ: Two families are being assisted by the Red Cross after a dryer fire destroyed a duplex. In one unit, three people were home; they managed to escape along with their pets. In the adjacent unit, no one was home, but a family member was able to get in and rescue their dog.
Your dryer and dryer vent system works to remove heat, moisture and lint from your laundry. Most people expect any lint that escapes the lint screen to end up outdoors along with the heat and moisture. Unfortunately, most of the lint will be trapped either behind the dryer or stuck to the sides of the dryer duct.
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 can overheat and eventually, cause a fire. 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.
Here are some tips for maintaining your dryer vent system and preventing dryer fires:
Clean the lint screen after every load
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 eliminating a fire hazard. Proper appliance maintenance will also increase the life of your appliance and reduce the need for repairs.
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
Dryer Exhaust Vent Cleaning: Failure to Clean Dryer Vents is the Number one Cause of Dryer Fires
The US Fire Administration indicates clothes dryer fires as the cause of approximately 15,500 fires each year, causing major property damage, injuries, and about 15 deaths per year. The USFA identifies “failure to clean dryer vents” as the number one cause of clothes dryer fires. Owners should clean lint traps with each use and clean dryer vents annually, to avoid fire hazards.
The importance of cleaning your dryer exhaust and dryer vent system cannot be stressed enough. In addition to performing regular dryer vent cleaning, consumers can check the effectiveness of dryer exhaust systems by removing the dryer vent tube and drying one or two loads of clothing. If drying time improves with the dryer duct removed, then dryer vent cleaning is necessary to improve drying time. Clogged dryer vents increase drying time and cause your dryer to use more energy. Clogged dryer ducts also causes the dryer to heat up beyond normal operating temperatures, placing severe stress on electrical components and blowing much hotter air onto the trapped lint. Because lint is highly flammable, the increased heat creates a dangerous fire hazard.
Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, and dryer vent installation while educating consumers on the importance of proper dryer vent maintenance to reduce the risk of dryer fires. Dryer vent Wizard is the largest dryer vent cleaning company with over 50 franchise locations in the US.
Dryer Vent Wizard of Central Indiana provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation, dryer vent inspections and all dryer vent services for homes and businesses in 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 and neighboring cities and communities.
The importance of cleaning your dryer exhaust and dryer vent system cannot be stressed enough. In addition to performing regular dryer vent cleaning, consumers can check the effectiveness of dryer exhaust systems by removing the dryer vent tube and drying one or two loads of clothing. If drying time improves with the dryer duct removed, then dryer vent cleaning is necessary to improve drying time. Clogged dryer vents increase drying time and cause your dryer to use more energy. Clogged dryer ducts also causes the dryer to heat up beyond normal operating temperatures, placing severe stress on electrical components and blowing much hotter air onto the trapped lint. Because lint is highly flammable, the increased heat creates a dangerous fire hazard.
Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, and dryer vent installation while educating consumers on the importance of proper dryer vent maintenance to reduce the risk of dryer fires. Dryer vent Wizard is the largest dryer vent cleaning company with over 50 franchise locations in the US.
Dryer Vent Wizard of Central Indiana provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation, dryer vent inspections and all dryer vent services for homes and businesses in 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 and neighboring cities and communities.
Green Ideas from Dryer Duct Cleaning Expert
Here are some tips for saving energy in the laundry room. Clothes dryers use about 6% of total energy consumed in American homes.
Green Dryer Tips
Clean dryer ducts every year to remove lint build up and maximize air flow for your dryer to work efficiently and use less energy.
Separate heavy weight items and light weight items.
Only do full loads of laundry; small loads waste energy that could be put to use on a larger load.
When it is time to replace your dryer, select one with automatic sensors that shut the dryer off when laundry is dry. This saves on energy and prevents damage to clothing when it is over-dried.
Save money; use a clothesline when the weather is right. Let the sun and breeze dry your sheets and towels. Save money by using less energy and eliminating the need for artificially scented products.
Green Washer Tips
Most of the energy used by a washing machine is for heating water; cold water works just as well to get most laundry clean. It also extends the life of your clothing and keeps colors from fading.
Only do full loads; just like with your dryer, small loads are a waste of energy.
Use eco-friendly laundry detergents
If you buy a new washer, select an energy efficient model. Front loaders use less energy than top-loaders.
Green and Wrinkle Free
Ironing clothes is not one of the most popular chores these days; people have learned to select clothing that doesn’t require ironing. For those who choose ironing to keep clothes looking their best, there are ways to cut down on the cost.
A typical iron draws almost as much electricity as 18 100-watt light bulbs! You can save ironing time by removing clothes from the dryer and hanging them up or folding them while they are still warm.
Clothes with slight wrinkling can be hung in the bathroom while you shower and the steam will help to straighten them out.
Do not overheat the iron; this will save energy and prevent damage to clothes.
Iron only when you have a large amount; get it all done at once and save the energy it takes to heat up the iron.
Save time on ironing by placing aluminum foil under the ironing board cover to reflect heat back onto the other side of the item you are ironing.
Green efforts in the laundry room can save a lot of energy for families with children. Babies really go through a lot of laundry. The increase in laundry is a good reason to develop green habits.
Proper maintenance of all appliances is one of the biggest ways you can benefit with energy efficiency. When it comes to the clothes dryer, maintenance is critical to preventing dryer fires. Annual dryer vent cleaning ensures your dryer is operating safely and efficiently.
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 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
Green Dryer Tips
Clean dryer ducts every year to remove lint build up and maximize air flow for your dryer to work efficiently and use less energy.
Separate heavy weight items and light weight items.
Only do full loads of laundry; small loads waste energy that could be put to use on a larger load.
When it is time to replace your dryer, select one with automatic sensors that shut the dryer off when laundry is dry. This saves on energy and prevents damage to clothing when it is over-dried.
Save money; use a clothesline when the weather is right. Let the sun and breeze dry your sheets and towels. Save money by using less energy and eliminating the need for artificially scented products.
Green Washer Tips
Most of the energy used by a washing machine is for heating water; cold water works just as well to get most laundry clean. It also extends the life of your clothing and keeps colors from fading.
Only do full loads; just like with your dryer, small loads are a waste of energy.
Use eco-friendly laundry detergents
If you buy a new washer, select an energy efficient model. Front loaders use less energy than top-loaders.
Green and Wrinkle Free
Ironing clothes is not one of the most popular chores these days; people have learned to select clothing that doesn’t require ironing. For those who choose ironing to keep clothes looking their best, there are ways to cut down on the cost.
A typical iron draws almost as much electricity as 18 100-watt light bulbs! You can save ironing time by removing clothes from the dryer and hanging them up or folding them while they are still warm.
Clothes with slight wrinkling can be hung in the bathroom while you shower and the steam will help to straighten them out.
Do not overheat the iron; this will save energy and prevent damage to clothes.
Iron only when you have a large amount; get it all done at once and save the energy it takes to heat up the iron.
Save time on ironing by placing aluminum foil under the ironing board cover to reflect heat back onto the other side of the item you are ironing.
Green efforts in the laundry room can save a lot of energy for families with children. Babies really go through a lot of laundry. The increase in laundry is a good reason to develop green habits.
Proper maintenance of all appliances is one of the biggest ways you can benefit with energy efficiency. When it comes to the clothes dryer, maintenance is critical to preventing dryer fires. Annual dryer vent cleaning ensures your dryer is operating safely and efficiently.
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 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
Dryer Lint Build-up: The Stuff of Nightmares
Without proper maintenance, the dryer vent is a potential fire hazard for homeowners, though most are unaware the problem even exists. The result is venting systems that clog over time, with each load of laundry creating more of a hazard.
"It's hard for people to think of their clothes dryer as a fire hazard," said John Ryley, owner of the Dryer Vent Wizard (DVW), Dry Clothes, Safe Homes franchise, whose company specializes in maintaining, cleaning, repairing, replacing and altering dryer vents for residential and commercial consumers.
Clothes dryer fires account for 15,600 structure fires, 15 deaths and 400 injuries each year, with an estimated $88 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Data Center. Failure to clean lint out of the dryer vent is the leading cause.
"Most people don't realize that New York State Building Codes changed in 1999 to indicate that all dryer vent systems should be made of a rigid metal piping, because of the fire hazard," said Ryley. Even dryer manufacturers call for a rigid metal piping and an annual cleaning to prohibit the lint build-up that leads to fires, he says. Servicing the Long Island area, every day Riley sees the fire hazards with his own eyes. The systems in most homes he services use white plastic flexible hoses or silver foil, flexible hoses that are not up to code.
The lack of awareness concerning this issue is simply because dryer vent systems are often out of sight and out of mind. "Homeowners want the laundry area to be out of sight and near bedrooms and bathrooms," Ryley said. "While no one wants to drag laundry up and down the stairs, the reality is that longer venting cause dryers to work harder, take longer to dry clothes, and use more energy, creating a fire hazard."
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), any vent over 25 feet is considered a fire hazard and installation of a booster fan is recommended. This helps dryers function safely and more efficiently and is one of the services DVW provides.
Ryley believes the solution to the problem is creating consumer awareness of the importance of maintaining dryers and dryer vents.
The most common sign of a venting problem is that clothes taking too long to dry. "If it takes more than one dryer cycle to get the towels dry, you may have a dryer vent problem," he said.
Here are some tips to help consumers prevent dryer fires and reduce energy consumption:
Be sure that dryer vent systems are up to code with city, state and manufacturer.
Replace any plastic or foil vent with semi-rigid or solid metal venting.
Clean screen lint trays before and after drying a load.
Wash lint screens with soap and water every few months to remove residue left behind by fabric softeners.
Have dryer vents professionally cleaned and inspected annually.
Warning signs to look for:
Clothes are taking more than one cycle to dry, especially jeans and towels.
No lint is visible on the lint screen.
The dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle.
Clothes have a moldy smell after the dry cycle.
"Consumers who follow these guidelines," said Ryley, "create a safe environment in their home, prolong the life of their dryer and will lower their energy bills." Dryer Vent Wizard, Safe Homes, Dry Clothes is the only national franchise to specialize exclusively in full service dryer venting solutions. For more information call 866-498-7233
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
"It's hard for people to think of their clothes dryer as a fire hazard," said John Ryley, owner of the Dryer Vent Wizard (DVW), Dry Clothes, Safe Homes franchise, whose company specializes in maintaining, cleaning, repairing, replacing and altering dryer vents for residential and commercial consumers.
Clothes dryer fires account for 15,600 structure fires, 15 deaths and 400 injuries each year, with an estimated $88 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Data Center. Failure to clean lint out of the dryer vent is the leading cause.
"Most people don't realize that New York State Building Codes changed in 1999 to indicate that all dryer vent systems should be made of a rigid metal piping, because of the fire hazard," said Ryley. Even dryer manufacturers call for a rigid metal piping and an annual cleaning to prohibit the lint build-up that leads to fires, he says. Servicing the Long Island area, every day Riley sees the fire hazards with his own eyes. The systems in most homes he services use white plastic flexible hoses or silver foil, flexible hoses that are not up to code.
The lack of awareness concerning this issue is simply because dryer vent systems are often out of sight and out of mind. "Homeowners want the laundry area to be out of sight and near bedrooms and bathrooms," Ryley said. "While no one wants to drag laundry up and down the stairs, the reality is that longer venting cause dryers to work harder, take longer to dry clothes, and use more energy, creating a fire hazard."
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), any vent over 25 feet is considered a fire hazard and installation of a booster fan is recommended. This helps dryers function safely and more efficiently and is one of the services DVW provides.
Ryley believes the solution to the problem is creating consumer awareness of the importance of maintaining dryers and dryer vents.
The most common sign of a venting problem is that clothes taking too long to dry. "If it takes more than one dryer cycle to get the towels dry, you may have a dryer vent problem," he said.
Here are some tips to help consumers prevent dryer fires and reduce energy consumption:
Be sure that dryer vent systems are up to code with city, state and manufacturer.
Replace any plastic or foil vent with semi-rigid or solid metal venting.
Clean screen lint trays before and after drying a load.
Wash lint screens with soap and water every few months to remove residue left behind by fabric softeners.
Have dryer vents professionally cleaned and inspected annually.
Warning signs to look for:
Clothes are taking more than one cycle to dry, especially jeans and towels.
No lint is visible on the lint screen.
The dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle.
Clothes have a moldy smell after the dry cycle.
"Consumers who follow these guidelines," said Ryley, "create a safe environment in their home, prolong the life of their dryer and will lower their energy bills." Dryer Vent Wizard, Safe Homes, Dry Clothes is the only national franchise to specialize exclusively in full service dryer venting solutions. For more information call 866-498-7233
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
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