Though failure to clean dryer vents is the number one cause of clothes dryer fires, Rhonda Nole explains other threats
Greenbrae, CA - Rhonda Nole is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent cleaning and dryer exhaust specialist in the Greater North Bay, California area. Rhonda recently inspected a dryer vent system and she was happy to see that it was properly installed and met all UL safety standards. A complete cleaning was all that was needed for the system to work efficiently; however, the area was not free from fire hazards.
In a recent interview, Rhonda said, "I was impressed with what I found in a recent client's home. The system met all safety standards; the vent was made of semi-rigid metal rather than vinyl or plastic and it was installed properly. I usually find at least one or two problems with every dryer vent system that I inspect. This one just needed cleaning, which is normal. All dryer vent systems should be professionally cleaned at least once a year."
There was one fire hazard that many consumers do not give a thought to. Rhonda explained, "I noticed paint cans and paint remover stored near the dryer and the room was cluttered with grocery bags, cleaning supplies, rags and items that should be kept well away from the clothes dryer. Dryers produce heat; these items should be stored in the garage or somewhere away from heat producing appliances."
Rhonda also told us about rags that have been soaked with flammable material; even if they have been washed, some residue can remain. These rags should be line dried to ensure safety.
As the interview concluded, Rhonda said, "I'm especially concerned with my customers who live in attached apartments or condos. It only takes one negligent homeowner to endanger many people if they should have a dryer fire. A very important part of my service is to explain potential problems to my customers to be sure they understand their dryer exhaust system and the importance of proper maintenance."
Rhonda Nole owns Dryer Vent Wizard in California. Dryer Vent Wizard, with over 50 franchises across the US, provides professional dryer vent cleaning, repair, installation and inspections for homeowners and businesses. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com to learn more.
Dryer vent cleaning is the removal of lint build-up, starting in the dryer drum itself, leading to the exhaust ducts and the dryer vent attached to the outside of your home. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about dryer vent cleaning:
Q: Honestly, do I really need to concern myself with dryer vent cleaning?
A: Yes! One of the leading causes of house fires is the clothes dryer! Most dryer fires happen as the result of improper maintenance, mainly, failure to clean the dryer vents and exhaust ducts.
Q: How often is dryer vent cleaning recommended?
A: Dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year; more often if you have a large family or several pets as pet hair also builds up in the system.
Q: How can I tell if dryer vent cleaning is necessary?
A: The number one sign of dryer lint build-up is your dryer taking more than one cycle to properly dry your clothes.
Q: My home is a newer model with the laundry facilities upstairs near the bedrooms; does this mean my dryer vent system is more efficient; therefore requiring less need for maintenance?
A: No! Though there are advantages to newer systems being more energy efficient, your clothes dryer requires proper air-flow in order to perform its job. The location of your laundry room requires longer exhaust ducts; therefore, more places for lint to build up and create a problem. In fact, longer ducts means less air-flow and increased lint build-up.
Q: My old dryer does take longer to dry a load of laundry; could it be wearing out?
A: Not likely; this is a sure sign of lint build-up. If your dryer is heating up and clothes are not drying, it is because there is no air-flow. Lint has built up so heat and moisture cannot escape from the dryer drum. Even a brand new dryer will not work if the dryer ducts are blocked.
Most dryer vents are mounted about two feet above the ground on the wall outside of the laundry room. Some dryers are vented through the roof. Some dryer ducts are very short and straight; others are very long, especially if the laundry room is upstairs or in the basement. Some systems are quite easily cleaned by the average homeowner; others require special tools and equipment. A certified dryer vent professional will have the necessary tools to do the job.
This article was written by Rhonda Nole, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Marin County, California. Rhonda is a highly-qualified dryer vent and dryer exhaust expert who provides complete dryer exhaust inspections, dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com to learn more.
Consumers question the necessity of professional dryer vent cleaning as dryer exhaust technician provides answers that make sense
Deer Park, CA - Rhonda Nole, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, was recently interviewed by area consumers. One skeptical person asked, "Honestly, do I really need to concern myself with dryer vent cleaning?" Rhonda answered, "Yes! One of the leading causes of house fires is the clothes dryer! Most dryer fires happen because so few consumers are aware of the importance of dryer vent cleaning and the dangers of lint build-up in the dryer exhaust system."
The next question asked was how often dryer vent cleaning is recommended. Rhonda said, "Dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year; more often if you have a large family or several pets. Pet hair can also build up in your dryer ducts, causing restricted air-flow. In addition, everyone should have their dryer vent system inspected immediately when they move into a new home."
When asked how one can tell if it is time to have their dryer vent serviced, Rhonda said, "The most common sign of insufficient air-flow is when the dryer takes more than one cycle to dry a load of clothes. Most people think this means that their old dryer is wearing out; they waste their money purchasing a new 
dryer and it does the same thing! Other signs are when clothes have a moldy smell or they're very hot when removed from the dryer."
The last question was also asked by the skeptical consumer who asked the first question, "My home is a newer model with the laundry room conveniently located upstairs where the bedrooms are; my washer and dryer are also new, so I doubt that I have anything to worry about. After all, newer homes and appliances are much more efficient, right?" Rhonda answered, "Yes and No. Yes, the newer appliances are more energy efficient; however, laundry hasn't changed; it still produces lint and lint still causes fires. The location of your laundry room requires longer exhaust ducts, providing more places for lint to become trapped and restrict air-flow. Your system will likely require the use of special tools and equipment to access the entire dryer exhaust system."
Rhonda Nole provides dryer vent inspections, dryer vent cleaning, repairs and installations while educating her customers on dryer fire prevention and energy savings. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com for more information and to order service.
Dryer Vent Cleaning: Tumbling to Disaster as Danger Lurks in Dryer Vents
On a cold winter day, there is nothing nicer than wrapping your arms around the warm load of laundry as you pull it out of your clothes dryer. Let this be a reminder that the source of this nice warm bundle can overheat and cause a fire.
Over 15,000 clothes dryer fires are reported each year; most are the result of poor dryer vent maintenance. Failure to have professional dryer vent cleaning performed each year is the number one cause of clothes dryer fires.
Dryer vent systems which are clogged with lint will overheat and ignite; this type of fire spreads quickly. Other things that lead to dryer fires are cleaning 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.
Your dryer vent removes heat, moisture and lint from your home; however, some of the moist lint sticks to the sides of the dryer ducts, forming a paste-like substance that dries and hardens. As more lint accumulates, air flow is restricted, the dryer vent system overheats and ignites..
Here are some tips for maintaining your clothes dryer vent system:
Clean the lint screen after every load - your dryer will operate more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and reducing the risk of a fire
Wash the lint screen periodically to remove residue from softener sheets
Inspect and clean your dryer vent often - check to see that it is expelling air when the dryer is running
Do not place rags soaked in flammable chemicals in your dryer
Do not store flammable chemicals near the dryer
Have a qualified dryer exhaust professional inspect and clean your dryer vent system at least once a year
Do not leave your home or go to sleep when the dryer is running
Appliance maintenance is essential in saving money on utility bills, reducing wear and tear on your appliance and preventing clothes dryer fires.
Rhonda Nole is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent cleaning and repair professional who inspects dryer vent systems to be sure they are properly installed and up to current safety codes. Read Rhonda's new blog for more dryer vent cleaning and safety tips.
Clothes dryers are among the top 5 energy consumers in your home; there are ways to save on utility bill with new practices in the laundry room
San Francisco, CA - Like everything else, energy costs are going up. People are becoming more and more aware of how every day activities are using more energy than necessary. As they find ways to conserve, they may find that they are also prolonging the life of their appliances and preventing fires too.
Rhonda Nole is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, serving the Greater North Bay area of California. She shares the following tips with all her customers, in addition to providing dryer vent cleaning, repair, installation and inspections, as she explains, "Proper dryer vent cleaning ensures adequate air-flow required to allow your dryer to run efficiently, avoid over-working; therefore, saving money on utility bills each month. Maintaining the lint screen is very important, as this is where most of the lint accumulates first. You can also save a lot by doing only full loads of laundry, separating light and heavy weight items, and choosing a clothes dryer with auto-dry sensors."
Though the old fashioned clothesline outside has lost its popularity, it is a great money saver, as Rhonda explains, "Solar drying is free! Allow Mother Nature to use the warm sun and a gentle breeze to dry your laundry, even if you just hang out the sheets and towels, while your dryer handles the rest. Clothing rods are handy for use inside or outside. You might leave certain clothing in the dryer just long enough to release the wrinkles, and then finish drying on a clothing rod or clothesline."
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. Most importantly, dryer vent cleaning and maintenance will reduce the risk of a dryer fire in your home or business.
Rhonda Nole, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, specializes in dryer vent cleaning, repairs and inspections. Rhonda will make sure your dryer vent system is up to code and working at top efficiency. Learn more at http://dryerventcleaningsantarosa.blogspot.com/
Contact:
Dryer Vent Wizard of the Greater North Bay Area
PO Box 7625
Cotati, CA 94931
Phone: 866-498-7233
Email: rnole@dryerventwizard.com
Website: http://www.dryerventwizard.com
Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes, specializes in Dryer vent cleaning, installation and maintenance. We strive to promote fire safety awareness to consumers with clothes dryers.
Formerly working as a network operations administrator for a computer engineering company, Rhonda began her career with Dryer Vent Wizard in September of 2007. Dryer vent safety is a very important issue to Rhonda, so she works to promote public awarness of fire safety with clothes dryers. So many people take for granted that the dryer is safe as long as the lint filter and what they can clearly see is clean and free of lint. They are not aware of the fire hazard that can be growing in the venting system.
Rhonda encourages consumers to go to http://www.dryerventwizard.com and get their free dryer vent safety check kit and learn more about dryer vent safety.
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
Dryer Vent Wizard of the Greater North Bay area services Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Lake and Mendocino Counties and the following cities in California: San Francisco, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Cotati, Windsor, Napa, Ross, Kentfield, Bodega Bay, Healdsburg, American Canyon, Corte Madera, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Guerneville, Greenbrae, Sausalito, Marin City, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Cloverdale, Mill Valley, Woodacre, Novato, Tiburon, Belvedere, Stinson Beach and other near by areas.
Founding Sponsor Dryer Vent Wizard Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes joins the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in fire prevention awareness efforts by sponsoring Dryer Vent Safety Awareness Month in February. DVW has developed a downloadable video, brochures & free dryer vent safety check kits that can be used by community groups to create awareness of dryer vent safety. The video & brochures called "Don´t Let Your Dryer start a Fire, Keep Your Home Safe & Sound," are part of DVW´s ongoing campaign promoting dryer vent safety & fire prevention.
Our services include:
The Dryer Vent Wizard knows everything about dryer vents and dryer vent cleaning. Here is more information on the care and maintenance of your clothes dryer vent.
Who needs dryer vent cleaning?
Spring and Fall are ideal times to schedule a dryer vent cleaning.
What did you like best about Dryer Vent Wizard of the Greater North Bay Area?
The following are verbatim customer responses from research that American Ratings Corporation conducted between 9/4/08 and 9/16/08. Customer last names have been initialized for privacy.
"Their expertise and cost" -Joanna A.
"She was really accommodating. She was willing to come back and check something after we got a new dryer." -Kristin A.
"She was very thorough. She explained everything she was doing." -Desiree A.
"She did what she said she was going to do." -Marti A.
"They did the job well." -Einar A.
"They were interested in what they were doing. I appreciated the work, the interest they took in it, and them showing me what it was they were doing and why. I thought they did a very good job. We had a very difficult situation here, but they handled it very professionally." -Darrell B.
"Efficient and friendly" -Charles B.
"Their attitude was positive, they were very nice, and the workmanship was excellent. They did an excellent job." -Barbara B.
"I liked that the woman who was in charge really knew what she was talking about. Overall, I was very happy with their service." -Shekeyna B.
"I liked that they figured out what was wrong. They were really professional, nice, and fair. They even charged me less than what they said it would cost originally. They sent me a letter afterwards about what they had done and what they had discounted." -Marguerite B.
"They were friendly, thorough, and they solved a potential fire hazard." -Cecilia B.
"I thought they did a nice job for me. I am a satisfied customer." -Esther B.
"They are very professional and caring. They know their business." -Eva B.
"They knew what they were doing, and they did what I needed done. It was great." -Tracy B.
"They knew their business. They did a good job." -Ed C.
"Friendly, courteous, and very helpful" -Sandra C.
"I was extremely satisfied. They were prompt, reasonable, and courteous. They were just wonderful all the way around." -Tyler C.
"They came in, assessed my problem, and told me about the corrections that I needed. They also gave me an upfront estimate." -Gay C.
"They came up with a solution that nobody else did and executed it well." -Judy C.
"It was just so wonderful that they could put in a rigid type vent at a reasonable price. They were clean, neat, and friendly. They were great." -Kathy C.
"They solved a real problem that I had. They did it cheerfully, they stuck with it until they solved the problem, and the serviceman had a great attitude. I thought they did a great job." -Ted C.
"They were very thorough." -Michael D.
"They were efficient, and they solved my problem. They did a great job." -Kandice D.
"I felt that they were excellent problem solvers. They found solutions to my problems." -Angela D.
"Whatever they're doing, they're doing it right. They are good at what they do." -Marcy D.
"They were very professional. They tried everything, and our dryer ended up working. They figured out the problem right away. They are top of the line." -Janet F.
"I liked their professionalism and concern about providing quality work. They went that proverbial extra mile. I was really impressed with the service." -Steve F.
"They got here promptly. They were also very neat and tidy." -Janet G.
"They were very thorough." -Jenny G.
"They were a little late, but they called to let me know. They were efficient, and they explained things to me carefully." -Emily G.
"They just did a good job. I really liked that they cleaned up after themselves." -Gary H.
"Their professionalism and excellent communication skills" -Michael H.
"Prompt, they gave me an estimate, and they got the work done quickly." -Peter H.
"They were very thorough, very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. I thought they were great." -Jennifer H.
"They were very knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely efficient. They really knew how to do the job. I really liked them. They were really good." -Beth H.
"Rhonda is very knowledgeable. Both she and Ron were very thorough. They were very upfront as well. They took pictures, showed us what needed to be done, they gave a valid estimate, and I really liked their customer service. I thought they were great." -Allison H.
"They were thorough." -Catherine H.
"They got the job done. They did fine for me." -Bruce H.
"They knew what they were doing. I was happy that they were the ones that came out." -Sarah H.
"They were knowledgeable. I was very satisfied." -Cheri J.
"Their customer service was great." -Laurie J.
"They were prompt and did good work." -David K.
"Competence, they knew what they were doing. They were also very professional." -Dennis K.
"They show up on time, and they follow through." -Nicole L.
"Their knowledge" -Marie L.
"I thought that they were very thorough and honest." -Steve L.
"They were really friendly and informative." -Coleen L.
"Their customer service, and they are very personable." -Sandra L.
"They were very responsive and very thorough." -Evelyn L.
"They were clean, polite, and they did a good job. They got it done quickly." -Janice L.
"They were very friendly and efficient. I thought they did a really good job." -Ann L.
"Quick response" -Jennet L.
"They are honest and efficient. They are just wonderful." -Ethel L.
"They were very informative about what type of vent I needed and also with precautionary measures." -Robert M.
"They are wonderful. I would recommend them to anybody. They want to satisfy their customers, not themselves. They are friendly, and they want to make it work for you. I was really happy with them." -Marlene M.
"They were personable, and they seemed to know what they were doing." -Carol M.
"Everything, they were thorough, friendly, very efficient, and they went the extra mile." -Eugenie M.
"They knew what they were doing. They improved the system that I have. They were neat, and I appreciated the information that they gave me. I was amazed at the amount of lint they got out." -Stephanie M.
"Their personalities were fine." -Keith M.
"They knew what they were doing. I was satisfied with the work they did." -Doug M.
"They were very accommodating, and I liked the quality of the work that they did. I had an unusual dryer situation, but they came up with a solution for it. I thought they were really good." -Brian M.
"They were on time, personable, clean, and they tried to get me the best price. I also liked their work." -Amelia M.
"Their efficiency and knowledge" -Steven O.
"I liked the lady. She was really friendly." -Kathy P.
"They do a good job." -Nick P.
"They just did a really good job in a relatively quick amount of time." -Sidney P.
"They did a good job." -Scott P.
"I liked their efficiency, the fact that they came a long way, and I felt they were honest. I appreciated that." -Bonnie P.
"They were outstanding and very professional." -Michael R.
"Their thoroughness and friendliness" -Matthew R.
"I had a lot of information about maintenance, and they were very prompt. I was quite satisfied." -Marilyn R.
"They were very thorough and professional. They just knew what they were talking about. They did a very good job. They did a better job than other companies we had worked with. They gave us a feeling of comfort, and they knew what they were talking about." -Nicole R.
"They were quick. They were pretty good." -Mike R.
"I thought they were very professional. They left everything nice and clean. They were also very good about explaining what needed to be done." -Gail S.
"They were fast, neat, and clean." -Gerald S.
"I thought the work they did was excellent. They were very competent, and they worked hard." -Barbara S.
"The service and the people that came out, I thought everything was great." -Kathy S.
"They were very thorough, and they did exactly what they said they were going to do. They also charged exactly what they said they were going to charge." -Phillip S.
"They were very prompt." -Kim S.
"They were very thorough, efficient, and reliable." -Albert S.
"They were nice, courteous, and they explained a lot of things to me as they went along. I was never confused at all." -Wanda S.
"They seemed trustworthy." -Patricia S.
"The service was really good. They gave me a price and completed the work within an hour." -Fred S.
"They seemed very honest. They looked out for my best interest." -Kristin S.
"I thought they were very friendly, knowledgeable, clean, and professional. They seemed to really know what they were doing. I was appreciative of the fact that they left everything clean." -Caroline T.
"They are very nice people, and they seem to know what they are doing." -Wilma T.
"The whole show, they were professional, and they did the job. I was truly satisfied." -Fran T.
"When she came out, she was efficient and completed the job." -Laurie T.
"They did a good job. They were also friendly." -Donna T.
"Their personal service" -Sue U.
"They were prompt, professional, and they knew what they were doing. They were pretty good." -Lynn W.
"They did what I needed them to do." -Hilary W.
"They were on time." -Maryanne W.
"They are very friendly and easy to talk to. Their price is very competitive. They also have a lifetime warrantee after the first service. I think they are wonderful." -Xiaoyun W.
"They were very professional, they explained everything, and they were very nice people." -Catherine W.
"I liked her follow-up and detail. They did an awesome job. I recommend them highly." -C.R.P.M.
"Promptness" -Virginia
"They were helpful." -E.S.H.
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