Horatio receives daily letters and emails, thanking him for a job well done and for his advice on dryer vent maintenance and fire safety
Boca Raton, FL -- The U. S. Fire Administration reports over 15,000 dryer fires annually; most of these tragedies could be prevented with proper dryer vent cleaning and maintenance. About 80% of American homes have clothes dryers, yet most owners are unaware of the importance of dryer vent cleaning. Horatio Chiorean, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Palm Beach, Florida makes sure his customers understand what needs to be done to prevent a clothes dryer fire.
Since purchasing his DVW franchise, Horatio has received daily emails, letters and phone calls from customers who just want to express their appreciation or refer a friend or loved one to have their dryer vent systems inspected. "The overwhelming consumer response has made us number one in dryer vent service in our area," said Horatio.
Horatio has written articles and posted them for consumers to read and learn more about dryer vent cleaning and maintenance and all dryer exhaust issues at http://dryerventcleaningforelauderdale.blogspot.com/
DVW urges consumers to visit their site for valuable information and a list of warning signs of dryer vent clogs. They also provide a free, downloadable video and brochure loaded with fire prevention tips and information. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com
Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes Safe Homes is a member of the National Fire Protection Association and the largest chain of dryer vent cleaning, repair, replacement and alternation specialists in the U.S. with nearly 50 franchisees in major markets in the U.S.
Dryer vent cleaning prevents dryer fires, prolongs the life of your appliance and reduces energy costs. When you are folding your laundry do you notice holes in your clothes that were not there before? New clothes are torn, sweaters are snagged and there are holes in your underwear! Or worse yet, clothes have a smoky smell when they should be clean. What is going on?
The smoky smell is easy to explain. You probably had a small lint fire inside the cabinet of your dryer. If this is the case, you're very lucky it was a small fire. This is a rare occurrence; most people who experience a fire caused by lint build-up will have more than just a small fire. Even though the lint filter catches most of the lint, some escapes to the dryer ducts that lead to the vent outside. Lint is flammable and when it builds up it restricts air flow, causing overheating and eventually a fire.
This is not something to be taken lightly! Your dryer is more likely to start a fire than any other appliance in your home. Clothes dryers are the cause of over 15,000 fires annually; failure to properly clean and maintain dryer vent systems is the leading cause of dryer fires.
Some things should not be put in the clothes dryer, like bath mats, rugs with rubber backing or delicate clothing. These items should be air dried to prevent them from losing their shape. Also, be careful not to put items into the dryer if they are soaked or stained with motor oil, gasoline or other flammable products, even if they have been washed! Combustible residue can remain. It's best that these items be air dried and not be stored near the clothes dryer.
Dryer exhaust maintenance is recommended annually by a professional dryer vent cleaning and repair specialist. They do more than just clean the vents and inside the dryer. A specialist will also inspect the system to be sure it meets current building and safety codes.
There are also parts of a dryer that can become worn and cause damage to clothing. These are not fire hazards, but still, it is frustrating to have your clean clothes come out of the dryer damaged. Felt-like seals in the dryer drum become worn and clothing can get caught in the gap and torn.
Another item to check is the lint filter; it could be worn and have sharp edges where clothing gets caught and tears. If this is the case, it is important to replace it since this is where most of the lint removed from your clothing is trapped. Holes in the lint filter allow more lint to escape in the vent system which can cause a fire.
When the glides, rollers, wheels or drum bearings become worn, there will be play in the dryer drum, causing it to be thrown off balance. Clothes can get pinched in between moving parts of the dryer causing damage.
Over-drying also causes damage to clothing. Try not to mix very heavy materials with lighter fabrics as different weights of fabric require different drying times. Prevent your clothes from coming out wrinkled by removing them immediately when the dryer stops rather than leaving them sit. Be sure to wash clothes in the correct water temperature and dry with the correct cycle. Most clothing has a label with care instructions printed on it; follow these instructions for the best results.
Proper dryer maintenance is the key to preventing fires and damage to clothing. A clogged dryer vent will cause your dryer to work harder and take more than one complete cycle to properly dry your clothes. Worn parts in the dryer can damage clothing. The service charge for a professional inspection and dryer vent cleaning is minimal compared to the possible damage caused to your dryer, your clothing, and your home in the event of a fire!
Horatio Chiorean, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Palm Beach inspects, cleans, maintains, alters, installs and tests dryer vent systems according to the most recent standards and building codes. Read more articles by Horatio at http://dryerventcleaningboyntonbeach.blogspot.com/
Besides being a fire hazard, insufficient dryer venting and exhaust systems cause a clothes dryer to use up to $300 extra per year in gas and electricity
Palm Beach, FL - As with any appliance, there are several things that can go mechanically wrong with a clothes dryer; however, maintenance has been discovered to cure most problems. Horatio Chiorean, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, Florida shows his customers how they can save money on utilities while prolonging the life of their clothes dryer and preventing dryer fires with simple maintenance.
Horatio explains, "It is not normal for an older dryer to take several cycles to properly dry a load of clothes. Many people think this is the case when their dryers are not working as well as they did when they were new. They think that as long as the lint screen is free of lint, the inefficiency must be due to the age of the dryer."
Horatio makes it clear that this is a myth as he explains, "Air-flow is the most important requirement for a dryer to be efficient in drying your laundry. Lint build-up in the dryer duct restricts air-flow; this is the most common problem found when a clothes dryer isn't functioning properly. Not only is this a fire hazard; it also causes your dryer to work harder and use more energy. A clogged dryer vent can increase your utility bills by nearly $300 per year."
According to Dryer Vent Wizard, dryer vent cleaning is the most important maintenance you can do for your dryer. Poor maintenance causes the dryer to overwork putting undue stress on the motor, bearings, belts and other parts of your dryer. Failure to properly maintain your dryer exhaust ducts will eventually result in a fire.
Dryer Vent Wizard of Palm Beach along with its fellow nationwide franchisees is committed to preventing such tragedies by educating the public about the dangers of not maintaining the dryer venting system. http://www.dryerventwizard.com of Palm Beach inspects, cleans, maintains, alters, installs and tests dryer vent systems according to the most recent standards and building codes!
Like with any appliance, there are several things that can go wrong with a clothes dryer; however, most problems are fixed with simple maintenance. The most important thing your dryer needs in order to operate is air-flow. Think about it; the heat and moisture from your wet laundry has to go somewhere in order for the load to come out dry. If there is a blockage in the dryer vent system the heat and moisture are trapped in the drum or somewhere in the exhaust duct.
There are several things you can do to properly maintain your clothes dryer. Obviously, keeping the lint screen clean is one of them. The lint screen should be cleaned after every load of laundry. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets can cause a residue to build up over time; the lint screen should be cleaned with hot, soapy water every few months to prevent air-flow blockage.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Lint build-up in the dryer duct restricts air-flow; this is the most common problem found when a clothes 
dryer isn't functioning properly. Not only is this a fire hazard; it also causes your dryer to work harder and use more energy. A clogged dryer vent can increase your utility bills by nearly $300 per year.
Many dryers have longer ducts with places that are difficult for the average homeowner to get to. A professional has the tools required to do the job efficiently.
Inside the Dryer
Lint also builds up inside the dryer, in the slot for the removable lint filter, the vents on the back panel, around the motor, drums, pulleys and other essential parts of your dryer. A dryer vent cleaning professional has the knowledge and tools to get to all the areas where lint gets trapped.
It is important that your dryer exhaust system is properly installed and that the right materials are used. Older systems use vinyl, plastic or flexible foil for the exhaust duct; studies have proven this to be unsafe. A professional inspection is recommended to be sure your system is safe.
Manufacturers suggest having a professional provide dryer vent cleaning and maintenance at least once a year to be sure your dryer is venting properly and the system is up to current safety standards.
Dryer vent cleaning is the most important maintenance you can do for your dryer. Poor maintenance causes the dryer to overwork putting undue stress on the motor, bearings, belts and other parts of your dryer. Failure to properly maintain your dryer exhaust ducts will eventually result in a fire.
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.
Horatio Chiorean is the owner/operator of Dryer Vent Wizard; he provides affordable dryer vent cleaning, repairs and installation while explaining to his customers exactly what he is doing and why. Horatio offers his clients good tips for maintaining their dryer vent system between his annual visits. For more information, visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com
Dryer Vent Wizard is a dryer vent cleaning service who promotes fire safety awareness for consumers with clothes dryers. Most dryer fires can be prevented wiht proper maintenance.
We've been in this business for 1.5 years. Our enthusiasm for it has not diminished because:
•- we see every day how poorly customers have been served until we came along
•- we became and we are the only specialists in our area of the business
•- we put smiles on peoples faces and we take years of pain and suffering away
•- every job is different and needs a closer look
•- there is legacy of bad installations we are slowly fixing
Educate! Educate! Educate! Not only will Customers receive the highest quality expert diagnostics and service in the industry, but they will also be educated so they can help keep their family and friends safe and save on their energy bills. Dryer Vent Wizards commitment is to educate the public of the hazards with in a dryer vent not just perform a service.
Dryer Vent Wizard strives to educate customers. They will have a full understanding of how their Dryer Vent system is set up and how it works. Technicians will not be there for a only a half hour like other companies, they are usually there for 2 to 3 hours making sure the job is done correctly, the job site is spotless and the customer is full of knowledge on dryer vents.
Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation services for the following areas in Florida: Palm Beach County, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Gulfstream, Ocean Ridge, Boynton Beach, Lantana, Manalapan, Hypoluxo, Lake Worth, Lake Park, Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Jupiter, Tequesta, Greenacres and Broward County
Posted by Dickbland on 07/14/2008 I had to have my 25 year old vent replaced because it was vinyl and could not be cleaned and is a fire hazard. I got 4 quotes and went with Dryer Vent Wizard not because they were the cheapest but I felt they were trustworthy and honest. Anyway they replaced the vinyl stuff with rigid aluminum material which looks better than the old stuff and the dryer has never dried clothes so fast. They did a great job and were very professional in cleaning up after themselves. They had us inspect the laundry room afterwards to make sure things were as we wanted them. They even leveled the washer and dryer and scrubbed the floor under the washer and dryer because of the lint and dirt that had built up over the years. They also test the flowrate of the dryer and compare that to the outside vent before and after the installation. Even though they did not need to use it they also have a video inspection system that can go into the vent and see what the inside looks like. Gary said it is used to see how blocked a vent may be or to see if there is a place where it became disconnected. As you can guess I would reccomend this company to anyone with a dryer vent issue.
Great Dryer Vent Cleaning!
The following was sent to about 175 people by a satisfied customer:
"Okay, you are going to think I am crazy e-mailing you about your dryer - BUT - when we moved here over a year ago, I finally got a great set. Only when we used it, I noticed that after a few months I had to run it twice to get my loads dry. (I thought nothing of it b/c it seemed no matter where I lived, my dryers ran twice on heavy loads.) I just figured this is how it is with all dryers."
Well, the past few weeks, we have had to run our dryer even up to 4 times on a heavy load. There was even a "moldy" type smell in our towels. I called a dryer repair guy b/c I figured the heating element was going out. He told me that on dryers, if it is drying, even a little, it is more likely to be my dryer vent. He told me to hire someone to come and clean the vent that goes through the house.
I thought I could do it myself, so I went downstairs and pulled the vent out of the wall to find an extreme amount of build-up!!! It was damp and had that "moldy" smell that my towels have had. I tried to clean it out and the more I reached in the more clogged it was. I knew if it was clogged here, that the inside pipe had to be backed up.
I called a place called "Dryer Vent Wizard". It runs normally about $150 to come out, inspect and clean. That is for a normal 20 foot pipe. Ours ran 36 feet and was up and down and all around - causing our vent build-up. Even though it was over $150 for our case to clean it, let me tell you IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!!
After he cleaned it out filling a 5 gallon tub full of lint, I ran my dryer for a load and it dried PERFECTLY in a shorter amount if time. I have honestly NEVER had my clothes dry so fast. It seems like common sense that the vent needs to be cleaned, but thinking about it, this house was never cleaned in over 20 years and no other house I ever lived in was ever cleaned - so it was never my dryers, but probably my vents all along!!!
Anyway, they charge $39 to come out and take a look. (For a membership type thing of like $29 they will come out once a year and not charge the $39 fee.)
I HIGHLY recommend it!! Just thought I´d pass this along! We spend time and money on ‘big purchases' like our oil changes, etc. - why not keep other important things maintained? Not to mention it is a huge fire hazard!
Dryer Vent Wizard´s # is: 1-866-498-safe (7233) for someone in your area. (Alabama)
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