Air-drying clothes with drying racks or a clothes line can reduce the average household's carbon footprint by over 2,000 pounds per year
Chicago, IL - Most Americans see the automatic clothes dryer as a necessity; however, more are becoming aware of the huge amount of energy they can save by drying some of their laundry with drying racks or a clothesline. Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Chicago said, "The clothes dryer is among the top 5 energy users in most homes. I don't recommend giving up the automatic clothes dryer altogether; but using a clothesline part of the time will reduce energy usage and the impact on our environment."
Most Americans will refuse to quit using modern conveniences; even though they may cost money to operate, the time savings is valuable. Mory has discovered that some of his regular clients use the clothes line when the weather is right to reduce heat and humidity inside their home as well as reduce energy costs. "I have had customers tell me they enjoy the advantage of "solar drying" because it is free. Besides saving energy, line-drying saves on the need for fragrant laundry detergents and chlorine bleach. The sun naturally disinfects and gently bleaches whites; the fresh air leaves laundry smelling fresh."
In any case, if you do use your clothes dryer, even part-time, dryer vent cleaning and proper maintenance is required to keep it operating safely and efficiently. Your clothes dryer works very similar to the clothesline, drying your laundry with heat, forced air and tumbling action. Both require airflow; unlike the clothesline with unlimited airflow, your dryer ducts and dryer vent system can become clogged with lint. Lint blocks airflow, overworking the clothes dryer and increasing drying time. Lint clogged vents can eventually lead to a dryer fire.
Mory Matias owns and operates Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent repair, cleaning and installation company who serves consumers and business owners in North Side Chicago and North Shore Suburbs. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com to learn more.
Most Americans see the automatic clothes dryer as a necessity; however, more are becoming aware of the huge amount of energy this appliance requires to run. The clothes dryer is among the top 5 energy users in most homes. Air-drying clothes with drying racks or a clothes line can reduce the average household's carbon footprint by over 2,000 pounds per year.
Other Benefits of a Clothesline
Over 15,000 house fires are caused by a clothes dryer each year when lint builds up in the dryer vent system and ignites.
What is dryer lint? Where does it come from? All that lint in your lint screen after each load of laundry is your clothes wearing away! The clothes dryer actually shorten the life of your clothes by over-drying them.
Enjoy being outdoors, hanging laundry on the clothesline, rather than cooped up in a hot, humid laundry room. The sun naturally disinfects and gently bleaches whites; the fresh air leaves laundry smelling fresh. This saves you money fragrant laundry supplies and chlorine bleach.
Don't Give up your Dryer
This isn't to say you should throw out the clothes dryer, just use it less to save money and reduce the impact to the environment. There will be times when the weather isn't right for hanging laundry outside.
You might also use the dryer for some of your laundry and the clothes line for some. Some people choose to tumble their clothes for a few minutes to shake out wrinkles and then hang it to dry; others will prefer to tumble clothes after they have dried if they feel stiff. Part-time use of your clothes dryer will help save energy too.
In any case, if you do use your clothes dryer, even part-time, dryer vent cleaning and proper maintenance is required to keep it operating safely and efficiently. Your clothes dryer works very similar to the clothesline, drying your laundry with heat, forced air and tumbling action. Both require airflow; unlike the clothesline with unlimited airflow, your dryer ducts and dryer vent system can become clogged with lint. Lint blocks airflow, overworking the clothes dryer and increasing drying time. Lint clogged vents can eventually lead to a dryer fire.
Mory Matias owns Dryer Vent Wizard of North Shore Chicago; Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in all dryer vent exhaust issues. They provide dryer vent repair, cleaning and installation while educating consumers on dryer fire prevention and energy saving tips. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com to learn more.
Besides being clogged with dryer lint, the old vinyl dryer vent system had deteriorated, causing dryer exhaust to leak into the home
Glenview, Ill - Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent cleaning and dryer exhaust specialist serving the Chicago area was recently applauded for saving a customer from experiencing a dryer fire. During a recent interview, Mory said, "There was a misunderstanding; the customer expected me later in the week. When I showed up, she was doing laundry and the room was very hot and humid. I insisted on stopping the dryer to inspect and provide services immediately. What I found was a serious fire hazard."
As Mory pulled the dryer away from the wall he noticed the vinyl hose leading to the vent outdoors was cracked, sagging and full of dryer lint. "The excess material was bunched up and crushed behind the dryer as the owner pushed it against the wall. This blocks the air flow which is one of the most important things a dryer needs in order to work," said Matias.
Mory replaced the dryer vent system with semi-rigid metal as he explained what he was doing and why it was necessary. The customer was pleased with his service and relieved as she realized that he probably saved her home from a dryer fire. "I'm going to add dryer vent cleaning to my regular appliance maintenance schedule and insist that Mory personally perform the service," said the happy customer.
According to Dryer Vent Wizard, proper installation, meeting city, state and manufacturer codes is important for preventing dryer vent problems that can increase drying time and cause a fire. Plastic or foil, accordion type ducting material should be replaced with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, as specified by most manufacturers, to provide maximum airflow. Read Mory's blog at http://dryerventcleaningglenview.blogspot.com/ for more tips on dryer vent cleaning and maintenance.
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 over 50 franchisees in major markets in the U.S. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com
It is important that your dryer vent system meet current safety codes; inferior dryer vent systems or improper dryer vent installation can cause problems with your clothes dryer. Your clothes dryer requires air-flow; when the dryer exhaust system is not functioning properly it can cause a fire.
Vinyl or flexible foil is no longer acceptable venting material for your clothes dryer. Though this type was commonly used in the past, it has been discovered to be unsafe and inefficient. Vinyl or flexible foil venting is easily crushed when the clothes dryer is pushed up against the wall. Or, it sags, allowing lint to build up and restrict air flow.
Some flexible metal pipes are acceptable, but they are not recommended. The best material to use is rigid metal which does not sag or become crushed. Parts should be joined with metal tape, not duct tape or screws which protrude to the inside and catch lint.
Your dryer vent system removes heat, moisture and lint from your laundry as it is being dried. If you have a gas dryer, it is also removing gas by-products including carbon monoxide from your home. All clothes dryers should be vented to the outside of your home at least three feet from windows and entrances.
Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year to keep your appliance running efficiently and safely. The fee for this service is small compared to the cost of repairing or replacing an over worked clothes dryer, or the cost of losing your home or even your life.
Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Chicago only installs rigid metal dryer vent systems. Mory will do a thorough inspection of a customer's dryer vent system and explain what needs to be done to make the system safe and efficient. DVW technicians are happy to spend time with customers to educate them on dryer fire prevention and energy savings. Learn more at http://dryerventcleaningchicago.blogspot.com/
Most clothes dryer exhaust systems inspected have a problem that needs to be corrected so the dryer runs efficiently and safely
Chicago, IL-Mory Matias of Dryer Vent Wizard, a leading dryer vent cleaning company, has noticed the biggest safety hazard in clothes dryers are the ducts which run from the back of the dryer to the outside of the home. Mory services the North Side of Chicago and the North Shore Suburbs of Cook and Lake Counties in Illinois. "When customers complain about dryers taking too long to get clothes dry, this is a warning sign that indicates restricted air-flow in the dryer vent system," said Matias in a recent interview.
When Mory inspects dryer exhaust and venting systems there are at least 10 factors to look at, including ducts, vents, airflow and the amount of lint built up in and around the dryer. "I find a problem with nearly every dryer vent system that I inspect," said Matias.
Mory recalled an issue with a recent customer who thought her clothes dryer was worn out because it was taking two or more cycles to dry a load of laundry. "She actually threw out her clothes dryer and purchased a new one!" exclaimed Mory. "It was lucky for her that she saw my van in the neighborhood and called the number to order service. I could not believe that the appliance delivery service hooked her old vinyl dryer duct to the new clothes dryer. To make matters worse the tubing was way too long and the excess material was coiled and jammed behind the clothes dryer. It was also full of lint."
Mory explained that the flexible foil and vinyl types of dryer ducts are no longer in compliance with today's UL safety codes. "Vinyl ducts are really designed to be used for bathroom exhaust fans. Dryer Vent Wizard only installs dryer ducts made of rigid or semi-rigid metal which is smooth inside to minimize lint build-up."
Mory made the necessary corrections to the dryer duct system and explained to the customer that she probably did not need to replace her clothes dryer. "I think it broke her heart that she had spent money on a new appliance when all she needed was an upgraded dryer vent system. I explained how clothes dryers require proper airflow to operate efficiently and safely. Though she was unhappy about the added expense of replacing the clothes dryer, she was very grateful that she saw me in the area and learned a valuable lesson in dryer fire prevention."
Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago was awarded the prestigious 2008 Angie's List Super Service Award. This award is given to companies who have achieved and maintained a superior service rating on Angie's List throughout the past year. Fewer than 5 percent of the companies on Angie's List meet the eligibility requirements to be considered for this award.
To promote public awareness and educate consumers on dryer safety Mory has written articles and posted them to his blog at http://dryerventcleaningchicago.blogspot.com/
Dryer Vent Wizard is committed to promoting dryer fire safety awareness throughout thier community. They provide top-notch dryer vent cleaning service and maintenance.
Mory Matias, who used to work in product development, is now dedicated to helping his local community prevent easily avoidable dryer fires. He is committed to providing a quality service for home and business owners that will help them achieve tangible safety and savings through regular dryer vent maintenance.
According to Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago, most consumers are unaware that annual dryer and dryer vent maintenance is required to keep the dryer running properly and to prevent dryer fires. Additionally, annual maintenance can save energy and associated costs.
When a consumer finds their dryer taking multiple cycles to dry clothes or if it keeps stopping during a cycle, the cause could be lint accumulation in the vent line, causing the dryer to work inefficiently or not at all. Annual maintenance can mean lower energy bills, since the result is the dryer not having to work so long and hard to dry clothes. In addition, clothes don't wear out as quickly when they don't have to go through multiple cycles.
While cleaning a dryer vent may seem like a very simple and sensible thing to do, the fact of the matter is, many people just don't do it. Time is a precious commodity for most people today. Busy households have an urgent need to get their dryers up and running safely and efficiently. This is why they call Dryer Vent Wizard to help them obtain a quick solution to their dryer vent problems.
Dryer Vent Wizard services North Side Chicago and North Shore Suburbs, Cook and Lake Counties, Evanston, Wilmette, Lincolnwood, Skokie, Morton Grove, Kenilworth, Glenview, Northbrook, Northfield, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield
Our services include:
We also strive to promote public awareness of fire safety and clothes dryers. We encourage consurmers to go to http://www.dryerventwizard.com and get their free dryer vent safety check too kit.
Get a FREE Dryer Vent Check Safety Tool Kit
To increase awareness of dryer vent safety, DVW is offering Tips & Tools. Homeowners & community groups are encouraged to download the Tips brochure and the video, "Don´t Let Your Dryer Start a Fire, Keep Your Home Safe and Sound". FREE dryer vent safety check kits that help identify dryer vent problems can also be ordered!
Call 1-866-498-SAFE (7233) for your dryer check-up & cleaning
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.
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