Is your clothes dryer taking longer to get your clothes dry? Are your towels still damp after 2 or more drying cycles? If so, you are paying more for the energy required to dry your clothes and this is a warning of a potential fire hazard!
The solution is easier and less expensive than you think. You do not have to replace your clothes dryer; this problem is rarely a sign of an old, worn out dryer. It is most likely caused by lint build-up clogging your dryer vent system. Your dryer vent system removes heat, moisture and lint from your dryer; a clogged system will cause the dryer to overwork, costing you more money for utilities. It also results in extra wear and tear on your appliance, leading to expensive repair bills. Most importantly, it also causes overheating and eventually, a clothes dryer fire.
Some newer models of clothes dryers have safety features which turn off the heat if sensors indicate overheating caused by lint clogging the system. This is why it takes longer to dry your clothes. Other causes of dryer vent clogs are forgetting to check the pockets of your clothes before they go into the laundry. Pieces of paper, kleenex and anything left in your pockets can become trapped in the system, blocking air-flow and causing lint to build up. Hair is also a problem; human and pet hair will contribute to clogged dryer vents.
Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year to keep your dryer operating efficiently and safely. You should call a C-Det Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician to do the job.
Horatio Chiorean owns and operates Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair and dryer vent installation specialist who will provide a complete inspection of your dryer vent system to be sure it is up to code and operating properly. Horatio also takes the time to educate his customers on how to maintain their dryer vent system and the warning signs to look for.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Fort Lauderdale 561.901.3464
Showing posts with label dryer vent repair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dryer vent repair. Show all posts
Preventative Maintenance Tips for the Washer and Dryer
Over 15,000 fires caused by clothes dryers are reported annually, causing injury, death and loss of homes. The majority of these fires could have easily been prevented with proper maintenance; dryer vent cleaning to remove lint build-up from the ducts, heating element, wiring, motor and behind the clothes dryer.
When a water hose on your washing machine bursts, hundreds of gallons of water will cause thousands of dollars in damage as your home is flooded. Homeowners insurance may cover the cost; however, they will also increase your premiums.
Properly maintaining your washer and dryer will prevent this from happening in the first place. Here are some maintenance tips for homeowners:
Preparation
Turn off the water valves going to the washing machine, unplug it and pull it away from the wall. This is a good time to move the dryer too; unplug it and disconnect the exhaust vent. If you see a lot of lint behind the dryer, you most likely have build-up in the exhaust ducts too.
The Washer
Begin by removing the water hoses from the washer and clean the rust and debris from the filters. Replace the hoses with new steel braided hoses, using new washers. Turn on the valves and check for leaks. Push the washer back into place; that was easy!
The Dryer Vent and Ducts
You can purchase rotary dryer vent cleaning tools at home improvement stores or your local hardware that connect to a drill. Other hand tools are available as well. Begin by cleaning the vent to the outside of your home. From the outside, make sure the vent hood is not obstructed; remove it if necessary to clean all the way to the inside opening.
Use a rotary tool or brush to clean the duct work from the vent to the back of the dryer. A shop vac will come in handy to blow it out once you have loosened it from the inside of the dryer ducts.
The Dryer
Most dryers come apart from the top and front; refer to your service manual. Remove the drum and use the shop vac to remove lint build-up from inside the dryer, on the motor and heating element (in electric dryers).
Check the drum bearings for wear; refer to your manual to see how many there are and where they are placed. Worn bearings cause the drum to wobble, allowing lint to build up inside the dryer assembly. If your dryer is squeaking it is likely to need new bearings.
Check the drum drive belt for wear, cracking or tears; replace if necessary. Check the idler pulley to be sure it turns freely. A little WD-40 will help free it up if necessary.
Reassemble the dryer, clean the floor and slide it back into place. Great; you’re good to go for about another year!
Dryer maintenance is more involved than the washer and may prove to be too much for the average homeowner. A professional dryer vent specialist will have all the necessary tools to perform this job effectively. Professional dryer vent and duct cleaning is recommended at least once a year, to keep your dryer running efficiently and safely.
When a water hose on your washing machine bursts, hundreds of gallons of water will cause thousands of dollars in damage as your home is flooded. Homeowners insurance may cover the cost; however, they will also increase your premiums.
Properly maintaining your washer and dryer will prevent this from happening in the first place. Here are some maintenance tips for homeowners:
Preparation
Turn off the water valves going to the washing machine, unplug it and pull it away from the wall. This is a good time to move the dryer too; unplug it and disconnect the exhaust vent. If you see a lot of lint behind the dryer, you most likely have build-up in the exhaust ducts too.
The Washer
Begin by removing the water hoses from the washer and clean the rust and debris from the filters. Replace the hoses with new steel braided hoses, using new washers. Turn on the valves and check for leaks. Push the washer back into place; that was easy!
The Dryer Vent and Ducts
You can purchase rotary dryer vent cleaning tools at home improvement stores or your local hardware that connect to a drill. Other hand tools are available as well. Begin by cleaning the vent to the outside of your home. From the outside, make sure the vent hood is not obstructed; remove it if necessary to clean all the way to the inside opening.
Use a rotary tool or brush to clean the duct work from the vent to the back of the dryer. A shop vac will come in handy to blow it out once you have loosened it from the inside of the dryer ducts.
The Dryer
Most dryers come apart from the top and front; refer to your service manual. Remove the drum and use the shop vac to remove lint build-up from inside the dryer, on the motor and heating element (in electric dryers).
Check the drum bearings for wear; refer to your manual to see how many there are and where they are placed. Worn bearings cause the drum to wobble, allowing lint to build up inside the dryer assembly. If your dryer is squeaking it is likely to need new bearings.
Check the drum drive belt for wear, cracking or tears; replace if necessary. Check the idler pulley to be sure it turns freely. A little WD-40 will help free it up if necessary.
Reassemble the dryer, clean the floor and slide it back into place. Great; you’re good to go for about another year!
Dryer maintenance is more involved than the washer and may prove to be too much for the average homeowner. A professional dryer vent specialist will have all the necessary tools to perform this job effectively. Professional dryer vent and duct cleaning is recommended at least once a year, to keep your dryer running efficiently and safely.
Dryer Vent Cleaning: Advice from the Fort Lauderdale Wizard
A recent dryer fire broke out in a home on Chrysanthemum Drive in Boynton Beach, Florida. The results were a devastating total loss to the home as well as several pets that sadly, perished in the fire. Animal trainer, Mrs. Pittman, did save her dogs, but, was unable to save the four cats. There was another tragic dryer fire earlier which claimed the life of Gena Brown of Lexington, MA, who sacrificed her life to heroically save the life of her two daughters.
Sadly, this happens all too often, with the US Fire Administration reporting over 15,000 annual dryer fires resulting in 15 deaths and millions in property damages. Most of these fires can easily be prevented by cleaning the dryer ducts and venting system. Consumer Reports, Underwriter Laboratories and the Consumer Product Safety Commission all recommend annual inspections and dryer vent cleaning.
How do dryer fires happen? Lint build-up is the leading cause. The lint that escapes being trapped in the lint screen should be vented outside; however, some is caught in the dryer vent system where it builds up, eventually causing the dryer to overheat. This eventually causes a fire. Other causes include improper installation of the dryer or an outdated venting system that does not meet today’s codes. Excessive pet hair is a common cause in homes with multiple pets. Small animals are attracted to the warmth of the dryer vent; they may crawl in side and become trapped or on occasion, bird nests have been found in the vent, blocking the path for dryer lint to escape.
Even if you are one of the lucky ones who do not experience a dryer fire, a clogged vent causes the dryer to work extra hard, run longer and cost more to operate. Cleaning the lint screen regularly and using a dryer with an automatic drying cycle are among the 10 most important rules for conserving energy. Unfortunately, these tips are useless if there is a clogged vent. Studies have shown that drying 6 loads per week, taking 2 hours each (instead of the ideal 45 minutes each) it will cost you an additional $435 per year. This figure varies in areas such as Florida, where electricity is more expensive and an overheating dryer vent system will cause the AC to run longer.
With this in mind, wouldn’t you agree that it makes good sense to have your dryer vent cleaned and professionally inspected annually? When dryer ducts are clogged with lint, hair and dust, they pose a fire safety threat and cause the dryer to run inefficiently, increasing utility bills and shortening the life of the appliance. The small fee for dryer vent cleaning is well worth it when compared to the devastating loss from a fire.
Sadly, this happens all too often, with the US Fire Administration reporting over 15,000 annual dryer fires resulting in 15 deaths and millions in property damages. Most of these fires can easily be prevented by cleaning the dryer ducts and venting system. Consumer Reports, Underwriter Laboratories and the Consumer Product Safety Commission all recommend annual inspections and dryer vent cleaning.
How do dryer fires happen? Lint build-up is the leading cause. The lint that escapes being trapped in the lint screen should be vented outside; however, some is caught in the dryer vent system where it builds up, eventually causing the dryer to overheat. This eventually causes a fire. Other causes include improper installation of the dryer or an outdated venting system that does not meet today’s codes. Excessive pet hair is a common cause in homes with multiple pets. Small animals are attracted to the warmth of the dryer vent; they may crawl in side and become trapped or on occasion, bird nests have been found in the vent, blocking the path for dryer lint to escape.
Even if you are one of the lucky ones who do not experience a dryer fire, a clogged vent causes the dryer to work extra hard, run longer and cost more to operate. Cleaning the lint screen regularly and using a dryer with an automatic drying cycle are among the 10 most important rules for conserving energy. Unfortunately, these tips are useless if there is a clogged vent. Studies have shown that drying 6 loads per week, taking 2 hours each (instead of the ideal 45 minutes each) it will cost you an additional $435 per year. This figure varies in areas such as Florida, where electricity is more expensive and an overheating dryer vent system will cause the AC to run longer.
With this in mind, wouldn’t you agree that it makes good sense to have your dryer vent cleaned and professionally inspected annually? When dryer ducts are clogged with lint, hair and dust, they pose a fire safety threat and cause the dryer to run inefficiently, increasing utility bills and shortening the life of the appliance. The small fee for dryer vent cleaning is well worth it when compared to the devastating loss from a fire.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Plus 6 Energy Saving Tips - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Attention Residents with Clothes Dryers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Your clothes dryer is among the top 5 energy consumers in your home. Here are some tips for saving energy when drying laundry. Whether your dryer is gas or electric, both operate the same, drying your laundry by heating and tumbling. Both require proper air flow to avoid over-working and to accomplish this task efficiently.
Dryer Vent Cleaning tips for Fort Lauderdale Consumers
Proper dryer vent cleaning and maintenance ensures proper air-flow, which is most vital to avoid overworking the clothes dryer and to prevent a potential fire hazard. When the dryer vent system is clogged with lint, it will obstruct air-flow, cause severe overheating, and eventually, a fire. Dryer vent cleaning, by a dryer vent specialist, is recommended at least once a year; more often if you have a large family.
Maintain the Lint Filter, says Dryer Vent Wizard of Fort Lauderdale, FL
Most everyone knows to clean the lint filter after every load; however, few are aware that the lint screen should be washed in warm, soapy water periodically. The use of fabric softener sheets, like Bounce, can cause a film to build up on the lint screen. This will restrict air flow needed for your dryer to work efficiently.
Do Full Loads – Don’t Over-load, as advised by Fort Lauderdale Dryer Vent Cleaning Company
Try to only do full loads of laundry; small loads waste a lot of energy that could be used for washing and drying a full load. Be careful not to over load as this will cause the washer and dryer to overwork; additional wear and tear leads to the expense of repairing and/or replacing your appliances.
Separate Light and Heavy Weights
Heavier items, such as jeans and towels naturally take longer to dry than lighter weight items like T-shirts. It has been suggested to dry the different weights separately, but you can also start them together, and stop the dryer to remove the lighter items that are dry, and then take advantage of the already heated drum to dry the rest. This way, you aren’t allowing a cool down between loads; you save the energy that would otherwise be used to heat the drum again.
About Dryer Sensors and Energy Saving Features on Newer Clothes Dryers
Clothes dryers have become more energy efficient as most new models have dryness sensors so that the dryer automatically moves on to the cool-down cycle or turns off when laundry is dry. The sensors prevent over-drying of clothes which prolongs the life of your clothing while saving energy.
Solar Drying is Free in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
When the weather is right, hang laundry outdoors and let Mother Nature’s sun and breeze dry your laundry free. This can be inconvenient for some, but even if you just hang a small amount, like sheets and towels, you will be saving energy.
Clothing Rods are Popular Money Savers in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Clothing rods are good for use indoors or outdoors. The clothing rod is a great money saver. You can dry your laundry for a short time, to remove wrinkles, remove your laundry when it is still damp and hang to finish drying.
Your clothes dryer is one of the top energy consumers in your home. Reducing the energy cost of doing laundry will help save money on utility bills. Proper appliance maintenance is also a major money saver, saving on utility bills, and appliance repair bills. A well maintained appliance will work more efficiently and have less risk of failure.
Please watch this video provided by Dryer Vent Wizard of Fort Lauderdale, FL
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26507771#26507771
Your clothes dryer is among the top 5 energy consumers in your home. Here are some tips for saving energy when drying laundry. Whether your dryer is gas or electric, both operate the same, drying your laundry by heating and tumbling. Both require proper air flow to avoid over-working and to accomplish this task efficiently.
Dryer Vent Cleaning tips for Fort Lauderdale Consumers
Proper dryer vent cleaning and maintenance ensures proper air-flow, which is most vital to avoid overworking the clothes dryer and to prevent a potential fire hazard. When the dryer vent system is clogged with lint, it will obstruct air-flow, cause severe overheating, and eventually, a fire. Dryer vent cleaning, by a dryer vent specialist, is recommended at least once a year; more often if you have a large family.
Maintain the Lint Filter, says Dryer Vent Wizard of Fort Lauderdale, FL
Most everyone knows to clean the lint filter after every load; however, few are aware that the lint screen should be washed in warm, soapy water periodically. The use of fabric softener sheets, like Bounce, can cause a film to build up on the lint screen. This will restrict air flow needed for your dryer to work efficiently.
Do Full Loads – Don’t Over-load, as advised by Fort Lauderdale Dryer Vent Cleaning Company
Try to only do full loads of laundry; small loads waste a lot of energy that could be used for washing and drying a full load. Be careful not to over load as this will cause the washer and dryer to overwork; additional wear and tear leads to the expense of repairing and/or replacing your appliances.
Separate Light and Heavy Weights
Heavier items, such as jeans and towels naturally take longer to dry than lighter weight items like T-shirts. It has been suggested to dry the different weights separately, but you can also start them together, and stop the dryer to remove the lighter items that are dry, and then take advantage of the already heated drum to dry the rest. This way, you aren’t allowing a cool down between loads; you save the energy that would otherwise be used to heat the drum again.
About Dryer Sensors and Energy Saving Features on Newer Clothes Dryers
Clothes dryers have become more energy efficient as most new models have dryness sensors so that the dryer automatically moves on to the cool-down cycle or turns off when laundry is dry. The sensors prevent over-drying of clothes which prolongs the life of your clothing while saving energy.
Solar Drying is Free in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
When the weather is right, hang laundry outdoors and let Mother Nature’s sun and breeze dry your laundry free. This can be inconvenient for some, but even if you just hang a small amount, like sheets and towels, you will be saving energy.
Clothing Rods are Popular Money Savers in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Clothing rods are good for use indoors or outdoors. The clothing rod is a great money saver. You can dry your laundry for a short time, to remove wrinkles, remove your laundry when it is still damp and hang to finish drying.
Your clothes dryer is one of the top energy consumers in your home. Reducing the energy cost of doing laundry will help save money on utility bills. Proper appliance maintenance is also a major money saver, saving on utility bills, and appliance repair bills. A well maintained appliance will work more efficiently and have less risk of failure.
Please watch this video provided by Dryer Vent Wizard of Fort Lauderdale, FL
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26507771#26507771
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