Gary Collins spoke to a group of homeowners and explained the importance of proper dryer exhaust systems meeting current UL safety standards
Akron, OH - A fire hazard may be lurking in your clothes dryer exhaust system, according to Gary Collins, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Cleveland, Ohio. Up to 15,000 dryer related fires occur in the U.S. each year with devastating results. Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation in homes and commercial buildings in the Greater Cleveland area.
"I am committed to increasing public awareness in my community," said Gary Collins. "By providing our service and explaining the importance of proper dryer vent installation to our customers, we are doing our part to keep our community safe and help prevent fires."
According to Collins, many dryer vents are not up to code because they are made of plastic, vinyl or flexible foil which is no longer acceptable today. "The plastic and vinyl material deteriorates over time as it becomes brittle and cracks, causing exhaust leaks into your home," Gary explained. "The dryer ducts are responsible for carrying heat and moisture from the dryer drum to the vent outside. If you have a gas dryer the system also removes gas by-products including carbon monoxide. You don't want dryer exhaust to leak into your home."
In addition, Gary also explained that the longer the dryer duct the harder your dryer works to expel the heat, "A proper dryer duct is as short and straight as possible. The inside should be smooth; pieces should be joined with metal tape instead of screws which protrude to the inside and catch lint allowing it to build up. When your dryer is venting properly it works more efficiently, saving money on utility bills and reducing the chance of a dryer fire."
Gary Collins owns Dryer Vent Wizard of Cleveland, Ohio, specializing in all dryer exhaust issues. Gary provides dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation while educating consumers on dryer fire prevention and energy savings. For more great tips and information visit http://dryerventcleaningakronohio.blogspot.com/
Dryer vent cleaning is recommended each year to remove lint build-up that reduces air-flow and causes your clothes dryer to work harder. If neglected, this could lead to a dryer fire. Proper Installation that meets current safety codes is also a concern.
Improper dryer ducts or incorrect installation also leads to problems. The old flexible foil, plastic or vinyl material is no longer acceptable for the use of dryer exhaust venting. One problem with this type is that it is often crushed behind the dryer, preventing heat and moisture from escaping the dryer drum. Also, this type is often installed as-is, without cutting it down to size. The excess hose is left coiled or crushed behind the dryer. The longer length and the twists and turns make your dryer work harder to expel the hot air.
The plastic or vinyl type of system creates the same problems as the flexible foil. In addition, it deteriorates and becomes brittle and cracks. Now, the air that should be vented outdoors is leaking into your home. Moisture builds up in the line and mold and mildew grow here too. If you have a gas dryer you can be concerned about carbon monoxide as well.
A proper dryer duct is solid metal and it should be as short and straight as possible. The inside should be smooth; pieces should be joined with metal tape, not screws that protrude to the inside to catch lint.
When the dryer is venting properly, it is working more efficiently. If you notice your dryer taking more than one cycle to dry a load of laundry then it is likely that lint has built up in the dryer ducts creating a venting problem.
A professional dryer vent cleaning and repair service can inspect your system to be sure it meets today's safety standards. Your clothes dryer is one of the most expensive appliances to operate when it is not properly maintained. The service fee paid for dryer vent cleaning quickly pays for itself in money saved on energy bills.
Gary Collins owns Dryer Vent Wizard of Cleveland, Ohio, specializing in all dryer exhaust issues. Gary provides dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation while educating consumers on dryer fire prevention and energy savings. For more great tips and information visit http://dryerventcleaningakronohio.blogspot.com/
Gary Collins, dryer exhaust expert, answers questions about how to have an energy efficient clothes dryer
Akron, OH - As with any new appliance purchase, consumers are concerned with energy efficiency with they choose a new model. Gary Collins, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Greater Cleveland, Ohio, was recently interviewed. When asked what to look for in a clothes dryer, Gary said, "Your clothes dryer is one of the most expensive appliances to operate. The most energy efficient feature on new models is the automatic sensors that shut the dryer off when the clothes are dry. Not only does this prevent over-drying your clothes so they last longer; it also keeps the dryer from running longer than it needs to, saving energy."
The next question we asked Gary was about gas versus electric; which is less expensive to operate? Gary answered, "Generally speaking, gas dryers cost about half as much to operate as electric dryers. Your local appliance store should have information about the operating costs for both gas and electric on the model that you are considering."
Knowing that clothes dryers produce a lot of heat and that they vent the hot air to the outdoors, we asked Gary why homeowners don't use the additional heat for their homes. Gary explained, "By law, all clothes dryers must be vented to the outdoors. The combination of heat and moisture from a clothes dryer can produce mold which is harmful to your health and damaging to your home. If you have a gas dryer, then there is also a concern of carbon monoxide."
Gary also spoke to us about proper dryer exhaust ducts, "The dryer exhaust duct should be 4 inches in diameter and have a smooth interior. We no longer recommend the use of vinyl or plastic; dryer vents and ducts must be made of rigid metal. Short and straight is the rule for dryer venting and optimum air-flow. Bends of 45 and 90 degrees and extra long dryer ducts slows down the air-flow and puts additional stress on your dryer. When the dryer overworks it uses more energy to do its job."
As the interview concluded, Gary advised us of proper maintenance of the dryer duct system. "Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year to keep the system working properly. No matter how energy efficient your new clothes dryer is, it will cost an additional $200 - $300 per year to operate if it is not getting proper air-flow. When dryer lint accumulates inside the dryer, around the drum, motor and heating element, you have a potential fire hazard.
Gary Collins, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Cleveland specializes in dryer vent cleaning, maintenance, repair and alterations, while educating consumers on preventing clothes dryer fires. Visit http://dryerventcleaningcleveland.blogspot.com/ for more information.
Contact:
Gary Collins
Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Cleveland
Phone: 440-360-0631
Email: gcollins@dryerventwizard.com
Website: http://www.dryerventwizard.com
As with any new appliance purchase, consumers are concerned with energy efficiency when they choose a model. When looking at clothes dryers, choose one that has automatic sensors that shut the dryer off when the clothes are dry.
Electric versus Gas Dryers
Generally speaking, gas dryers cost about half as much to operate than electric dryers. Your local appliance store should have information about the operating costs for both gas and electric on the model you are considering.
Outdoor Venting
By law, all dryers must be vented to the outdoors; not the basement, attic or craw space. The combination of heat and moisture can produce mold which is harmful to your health. It can cause damage to the walls and ceilings in your home. If you have a gas dryer there is also a carbon monoxide concern.
Proper Venting Code
The dryer exhaust duct should be 4 inches in diameter and have a smooth interior. It should be made of rigid metal, not flexible foil or vinyl. Short and straight is the rule for dryer venting for optimum air-flow. 45 degree and 90 degree turns slow down the air-flow and put stress on the dryer. A very long duct also slows down air-flow.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
There are tools available for homeowners to purchase for cleaning their dryer ducts. One is a brush that attaches to a long, flexible rod. There is also a vent cleaning augur brush that rotates on a cordless drill. Dryer lint also accumulates inside the dryer, around the drum, motor, heating element, etc...
Some dryer vents are short, straight and easy for the homeowner to get to. Others require special tools and the expertise of a dryer vent cleaning professional.
No matter how energy efficient your clothes dryer is, it will cost an additional $200 - 300 per year to operate if it does not get proper air flow. You must have a proper dryer vent and exhaust system for your dryer to operate efficiently.
Gary Collins, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Cleveland specializes in dryer vent cleaning, maintenance, repair and alterations, while educating consumers on preventing clothes dryer fires. Visit http://dryerventcleaningcleveland.blogspot.com/ for more information.
Consumers appreciate the dedication Gary Collins displays as he provides a vital service and educates them on fire safety
Cleveland, OH - A fire hazard may be lurking in your clothes dryer, according to Gary Collins, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Cleveland, Ohio. Up to 15000 dryer related fires occur in the U.S. each year with devastating results. Dryer Vent Wizard, specializes in dryer vent cleaning and repair in homes and commercial buildings to reduce the risk of dryer fires.
"I am committed to increasing public awareness in my community," said Gary Collins. "By providing our service and explaining the importance of dryer vent maintenance to our customers, we are doing our part to keep our community safe and help prevent fires."
According to Collins, many dryer vents are not up to code because they are made of plastic, vinyl or foil. These older, more flexible dryer vents often sag, or get crushed when people push dryers closer to the wall. This restricts air flow and doesn't allow lint to escape to the vent outdoors. As the moist lint builds up and sticks to the dryer ducts, it dries to crust and could ignite from the heat of the dryer. "If your dryer is taking more than one cycle to dry your clothes, your home or business is at risk for a fire" explained Gary. "These fires can easily be prevented with proper maintenance of your dryer vent system. We inspect and correct existing problems that make the dryer work harder to do its job, also increases energy costs.
http://www.dryerventwizard.com is a franchise operation that provides cleaning, repair and maintenance of dryer vents, in residential and commercial buildings. DVW was founded by David Lavalle on August 12, 2004, and has quickly grown to include over 50 franchises across the US. Gary services the Greater Cleveland Ohio area, including Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Elyria, Lorain, Warren, Youngstown, Cuyahoga County, Lorain County, Summit County, Medina County, Geauga County, Portage County, Lake County
Contact:
Gary Collins
Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Cleveland
Phone: 440-360-0631
Email: gcollins@dryerventwizard.com
Website: http://www.dryerventwizard.com
We inspect, repair, install and alter dryer vents to be city compliant and to meet manufacturers codes for homewoners, commercial buildings, apartments and condominiums.
Gary Collins is a franchise owner/operator of Dryer Vent Wizard (DVW), Dry Clothes, Safe Homes, a home service franchise based in Avon Lake. Collins purchased the rights to franchise DVW in January 2008.
Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in dryer fire prevention and "urgent response" dryer vent maintenance, repair, replacement and alterations. DVW services keep dryers functioning properly, help prevent dryer fires and reduce energy costs.
Prior to becoming a Dryer Vent Wizard franchisee, Collins was employed with Struers Incorporated a world leader in metallurgical application equipment.
Mr. Collins was employed by Struers as a field service engineer for almost 25 years where he traveled the U.S to various locations.
Collins holds an Associate's Degree in Electronics, a Siemens Level 1 Programmable Logic Controllers Certificate and several other certificates acquired while with Struers.
Collins interests include bowling, golf and the study of history. He has been a volunteer for the American heart association and contributes to local charities. He also is a member of the Urban Active fitness club at Crocker Park.
Our services include:
Dryer Vent: Cleaning, Repair, Alteration & Installation Service
Dryer Vent Wizard professionally inspects and cleans clothing dryers for homeowners and in commercially-owned buildings. Poorly maintained dryer vents cause fire hazards and cost substantially more to operate.
(Click here to watch a Fire Prevention video)
Why Dryer Vent Cleaning is So Important!
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
Servicing the Greater Cleveland Ohio area, including Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Elyria, Lorain, Warren, Youngstown, Cuyahoga County, Lorain County, Summit County, Medina County, Geauga County, Portage County, Lake County
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)
Dryer Vent Cleaning Made my Dryer Feel Like New Again!
Clothes Dry Faster After Dryer Vent Cleaning
Great Job with Dryer Vent Tube Installation
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