Most people have their furnaces cleaned regularly because they are concerned for the safety of their family; sadly, few think of their clothes dryer as a safety threat
Fresno, CA - Jon Perry, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Central California was recently interviewed. He expressed his feelings after a recent clothes dryer fire was reported. "Thankfully no one was injured." said Jon, "Sadly; the home was completely destroyed so the family lost everything. This could have easily been prevented with a good dryer vent cleaning. Most people do not realize that their clothes dryer is more likely to start a fire than any other appliance in their home."
When asked how so much lint could get into the dryer ducts, Jon explained, "Only about 60 percent of the lint that is removed from laundry is caught in the screen. Some makes it to the dryer duct system or accumulates around the dryer drum, motor, heating element and behind the dryer. As the moist lint sticks to the inside of the dryer duct, it attracts more lint that eventually builds up."
The next question was "So how does this start a fire?" Jon explained, "A clothes dryer fire occurs when lint builds up to the point of restricting air-flow, the heat cannot escape the drum, the entire system overheats and eventually causes a fire. Lint is combustible; therefore, fuel for a fire to spread rapidly."
Jon went on to explain other causes of clothes dryer fires, including the dryer duct and vent materials not meeting today's safety codes, or improper installation. "Short straight vents that are smooth inside and made of semi-rigid metal are the best. Bends and turns can hinder the air-flow. The best way to be sure your dryer vent system is fire safe and energy efficient is to order a professional inspection."
Jon Perry is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation specialist who serves consumers in Central California. Jon is committed to preventing fires in his community as he takes the time to educate his customer on dryer vent cleaning and maintenance to prevent fires and save energy. Jon provides more information and tips at http://dryerventcleaningfresno.blogspot.com/
Most people have their furnace cleaned regularly because they are concerned for their safety. Sadly, very few people think of clothes dryer in relation to safety. A clothes dryer is more likely to start a fire than any other appliance in your home. Over 15,000 dryer fires are reported each year. Most could have been prevented with proper dryer maintenance.
A clothes dryer requires air-flow to do its job; the dryer vent and duct system is responsible for carrying the hot, moist air and lint from the wet laundry in the dryer drum to the outdoors. Only about 60 percent of the lint is caught in the lint screen; the rest goes through the dryer ducts; some makes it outside through the vent. The rest is trapped somewhere in the dryer duct.
A clothes dryer fire occurs when lint accumulates restricting airflow which then leads to overheating. Heat and lint are the main ingredients for a clothes dryer fire. Lint is combustible; therefore, fuel for a fire to 
spread rapidly.
Another issue is the length of the vent; the shorter, the better. It used be that most clothes dryers were in the basement, on an outside wall, with a relatively short, straight vent to the outdoors. These days many newer homes tend to have their laundry area located away from an outside wall; some are on the second floor. This means dryer vents are much longer and contain some bends where lint can accumulate. They're also harder to reach therefore more difficult to keep cleaned. The ideal dryer vent system is short and straight. The pieces should also be joined together to leave the inside smooth and free of screws or fasteners that lint can catch on.
It is important that the venting be made of rigid material, not the flexible, foil type tubing that crushes easily, restricting airflow. Allow enough clearance between the clothes dryer and the wall; some people push the dryer too close, crushing the venting and creating an air flow problem right off the bat.
Jon Perry is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation specialist who serves consumers in Central California. Jon is committed to preventing fires in his community as he takes the time to educate his customer on dryer vent cleaning and maintenance to prevent fires and save energy. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com to schedule a dryer vent inspection to be sure your dryer is safe.
Don't Let Your Dryer Start a Fire, Keep Your Home Safe and Sound is Dryer Vent Wizard's Campaign
Fresno, CA - The month of October is Fire Prevention month across the United States. Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes supports the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in fire prevention awareness efforts by launching "Don't Let Your Dryer Start a Fire, Keep Your Home Safe and Sound," campaign. Dryer vent specialists are happy to speak at events to promote consumer awareness and fire safety tips.
"We have noticed that most people think it's normal for their dryer to take more than one cycle to dry a load of clothing; they don't realize this is a warning sign of a fire hazard," says Jon Perry, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Central California. Dryer Vent Wizard is a nationwide chain of dryer vent cleaning, repair, replacement and alteration specialists in the U.S.
During this month, consumers will be encouraged to visit the Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes, Fire Prevention website for tips on dryer vent cleaning and warning signs to watch out for. "We want all consumers to become informed of the dangers that lurk in the laundry room," said Jon.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, dryer fires account for over 15,000 fires in the US, annually. "Failure to clean" was citied as the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.
In joining efforts with the NFPA for Fire Prevention month, Dryer Vent Wizard is providing the following advice to consumers to minimize the risk of dryer fires:
•· 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.
•· Don't keep combustibles like chemical cleaning products or chemical laden rags near dryers.
Warning signs to look for:
•· Clothes are taking more than one cycle to dry, especially jeans and towels.
•· No lint visible on lint screen.
•· Dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle.
•· Clothes have moldy smell after dry cycle.
Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes Safe Homes is the largest chain of dryer vent cleaning, repair, replacement and alteration specialists in the U.S. with nearly 50 franchisees in major markets in the U.S.
For more information or to request a DVW spokesperson to speak at community events contact 877 498- SAFE, (7233) or visit www.dryerventwizard.com.
DVW of Central California services the following areas: Fresno County, Kerman, Sanger, Madera County, Oakhurst, Madera, Merced County, Livingston, Atwater, Los Banos, Merced, Tulare County, Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, Monterey County, San Benito County and neighboring cities and communities.
Contact:
Jon Perry Owner
Dryer Vent Wizard of Central California
866-498-7233 Toll Free
You are folding your laundry and notice holes in your T-Shirts that were not there before! New clothes are ripped, 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 rare; most people who have fire caused by lint build-up experience more than just a small fire. Even though the lint filter catches most of the lint, some escapes to the cabinet and 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! 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 items are not meant to be put in the clothes dryer, like bath mats, rugs with rubber backing or some padded bras. 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.
You should have your dryer vent cleaned annually by a professional dryer vent cleaning and repair specialist. They do more than just clean the vents and cabinet in the dryer. A specialist will also inspect the system to be sure it meets building and safety codes and UL safety standards.
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.
Another cause of damage to clothing is over-drying. 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!
This article was written by Jon Perry, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Central California. http://www.dryerventwizard offers a host of tips, tools, news reports, and links to help you keep your family and home safe from dryer fires. Dryer Vent Wizards inspects, cleans, repairs, and replaces dryer vent systems for home and business owners in Fresno County, Kerman, Sanger, Madera County, Oakhurst, Madera, Merced County, Livingston, Atwater, Los Banos, Merced, Tulare County, Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, Monterey County, San Benito County and neighboring cities and communities.
Proper Dryer Vent Material
For many years the choice of material for clothes dryer venting was flexible plastic or vinyl, which is also commonly used for bathroom exhaust fans. This type of material is a problem because heat causes it to become brittle and deteriorate. Imagine the problems this can cause if you have a very long dryer duct running across the attic, basement ceiling, or inside walls. As flammable lint builds up and reduces air flow, the vent tube will overheat and eventually cause a serious fire.
Most building codes prohibit the use of plastic dryer duct material today. Dryer ducts made of plastic or vinyl should be replaced with semi-rigid metal, flexible layered aluminum or expandable aluminum ducting. Dryer vent cleaning and repair experts also recommend the vent to be as short as possible with few, if any turns or bends.
Rigid metal is the best and first choice. Dryers are not designed to blow the hot air with great force; therefore, once the air has gone 5 - 10 feet, the dryer begins to work harder. The smooth inside of a rigid metal duct system allows the dryer to perform more easily than a plastic or vinyl duct.
Expandable aluminum is a second choice. Though rigid metal is the best choice, there are times when it would be difficult to work with. Expandable aluminum ducting is more flexible, allowing bends and turns. It is expandable so it can be stretched out; the further it is stretched, the less air-flow resistance it will offer. It is a good compromise when rigid metal cannot be used.
Flexible layered aluminum ducting material is the third option. This is a composite material of aluminum foil layered with plastic fibers for strength. It is also flexible and can be used as a direct connection from the dryer to the wall. It does have a higher resistance to air flow and should only be used in short runs of under ten feet or in locations where more flexibility is needed.
Using the proper dryer duct material will allow your dryer to work more efficiently, venting the hot air and moisture from your dryer to the vent outside. A smooth, rigid metal duct will allow air and lint to escape more easily with less chance of build-up to restrict air flow. When air flow is restricted, the dryer works harder to do its job, costing more in energy consumption and eventually leading to overheating which can cause a fire.
This article was written by Jon Perry, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Central California. http://www.dryerventwizard offers a host of tips, tools, news reports, and links to help you keep your family and home safe from dryer fires. Dryer Vent Wizards inspects, cleans, repairs, and replaces dryer vent systems for home and business owners in Fresno County, Kerman, Sanger, Madera County, Oakhurst, Madera, Merced County, Livingston, Atwater, Los Banos, Merced, Tulare County, Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, Monterey County, San Benito County and neighboring cities and communities.
Dryer vent cleaning, professional inspection, repair and replace. We also make sure our customers understand proper maintenance of dryer vents and warning signs to look out for to prevent dryer fires
I owned and operated my own bicycle shop, for a number of years, where I sold and serviced family and custom racing bicycles, before purchasing a Dryer Vent Wizard franchise.
I've been in business almost 2 years now; my business is one that is based on quality, not quantity. It is my priority to not only clean but to set up the dryer vent line so that it gives maximum efficiency and, most importantly, keeps families safe from the threat of a dryer or vent fire.
DVW of Central California services the following areas: Fresno County, Kerman, Sanger, Madera County, Oakhurst, Madera, Merced County, Livingston, Atwater, Los Banos, Merced, Tulare County, Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, Monterey County, San Benito County
Our services include:
Did You Know?
Why Dryer Vent Cleaning is So Important!
Did you know that:
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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