If you have purchased an older home, or have been living in your current home for many years, you may appreciate the beauty and charm in comparison to today's more modern offerings. But there are also some things you need to be aware of that could be hazards in those older homes.
When your older home was built, and the appliances put in, there were likely very different standards in place than there are today. Back then plastic or foil covered vents were the way to go to vent a clothes dryer from the machine to the outside. But, over the years, it has been realized that this type of vent is not always the best when it comes to safety. They can both be fire hazards since they are made of flammable materials.
While you may not want to think of your dryer as something that can cause a fire, the reality is that it produces hot air and it is a machine, so there is always a possibility of sparks being created. The type of duct you have attached to your dryer can make the difference between a spark that does nothing and one that sets a fire in your house.
If you do happen to live in one of these older gems, it would be a good idea to call a professional to inspect your dryer vent system. Once they pull the dryer out, they will immediately know whether the pieces attached to your dryer are the right type. If they are not up to current codes, they will also be able to change them out for parts that are, so you can have a great working machine and a little piece of mind to go with it.
While old homes have their charm, they also have some hidden dangers. It's best to deal with these dangers, like the ductwork coming out of your dryer, and replace the parts you need to with ones that are up to code.
This article was written by Rhonda Nole, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of the Greater North Bay area. DVW provides dryer vent cleaning, maintenance, repairs and alterations while educating consumers on dryer fire prevention. http://www.dryerventwizard.com 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.
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When you think of the maintenance of your clothes dryer, there is a lot to keep in mind. Though it is likely something you think about the least, it could be the one cause you the biggest problem. Failure to maintain the dryer vent is the number one cause of clothes dryer related fires.
To understand the importance of dryer vent maintenance, you have to understand how the whole system works.
As clothes dry, lint is removed and blown out of the dryer through the duct and vent. The lint trap in your clothes dryer will capture about 60 percent of that lint. That's the part of the dryer that you should be pulling out before you dry each load and removing the lint from. But that's only 60 percent. What happens to the other 40 percent?
The rest of the lint that made it past the trap is on its way through the duct system leading from your dryer to the outdoors. The duct work is that crinkled-looking hose that comes out of the back of your dryer and leads to a hole in the floor or on the wall. While you may not see the rest of the path, it leads to the outside of your house, and to the dryer vent. Some of the lint is going to be too heavy or sticky to make it all the way through the line and will get stuck up on the walls along the way. This is something that should be taken care of in an annual cleaning.
The final stop for lint, on the way out of your dryer, is the dryer vent. This is a flapper vent top that is at the end of the line outside. This is where all that hot air is finally set free. Unfortunately, some of the lint that went with it is not freed from the vent. The lint can catch at the edge of the vent and the duct. Let it rain once or twice or even have a very thick morning dew and you can have lint that is almost glued to the inside of the vent. As it continues to build up, this could be a major fire hazard, not to mention it will make things much harder for your clothes dryer to do its job.
This article was written by Rhonda Nole, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of the Greater North Bay area. DVW provides dryer vent cleaning, maintenance, repairs and alterations while educating consumers on dryer fire prevention. http://www.dryerventwizard.com 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.
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How Often Should Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning be done?
You know you need to make sure you get the proper maintenance done on your dryer, but you may have a tough time deciding how often to do what you can yourself and how often you should call in a professional to do the rest. Here are a few things to consider that will help in making a responsible decision:
How old is the dryer?
The age of your clothes dryer is something you really need to consider. The older the dryer is, the more likely there is lint clogged up in the system. It's a fact, time means more loads have gone through the machine and more lint has gone through the system. Another thing to keep in mind about older clothes dryers is that they were not built to the same efficient standards as today's dryers so they may need more maintenance to keep them going more efficiently.
How active is the dryer?
Do you just do a couple of loads of laundry on the weekend or less frequently; or do you have a large enough family to have you drying clothes every other day? The more active your clothes dryer is, the more often you will need to clean the dryer vent system.
How long is your dryer vent?
The length of a dryer vent is a major factor to consider when scheduling regular maintenance. If you have a dryer vent that is more than 10 feet long (meaning from the back of your dryer to where the line terminates outside your home), this means a lot more space where lint can be trapped along the path and a higher need for more frequent cleanings.
What path does your dryer vent take?
If your dryer vent takes a turn that is at a 90-degree angle, that is a hard space for the lint to make it's way around and safely out of your house. This type of vent is more likely to be trapping some amount of lint or dust in the line and that dust can slow down operations of your machine. If this design cannot be altered, you will want to consider having it professionally inspected more often.
Maintenance
You should start with the maintenance you can do which is cleaning out the lint trap before every load. You can also clean out the chute that the lint trap sits in with a specialized cleaner or the nozzle portion of your vacuum cleaner.
Eventually you should call in a professional who can look for the lint trapped inside your machine as well as in the vent line. This should be done at least once a year for moderate use and more frequently if you use your machine more often.
This article was written by Rhonda Nole, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of the Greater North Bay area, http://www.dryerventwizard.com servicing 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.
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.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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