There are several things most people look for when shopping for a clothes dryer. With rising costs of gas and electricity, energy efficiency is important. People tend to be pack rats, always accumulating more and more to be stored away, so space is also an issue. Here are a few tips for shopping for a clothes dryer:
Energy Efficiency
One of the things to consider when shopping for any household appliance is energy efficiency. When it comes to clothes dryers, the most energy efficient type is the solar type, AKA a clothesline! The clothesline is easy to maintain, so repairs are not an issue. Of course, this type is not convenient or time saving, so it does not meet the needs of most people's lifestyles today.
Clothes dryers are among the most expensive appliances to operate and the most likely to cause a fire if not properly maintained. Newer models of gas or electric powered clothes dryers are more energy efficient than older models. They are also designed to meet UL standards of safety. The UL rating should be printed on a sticker located on the back of the dryer or inside the door.
Gas dryers cost more to purchase than electric dryers, but are more economical and energy efficient, which saves money in the long run. Newer models are designed to reduce drying time. Some have moisture sensors to tell the dryer when to start the cool down cycle to prevent over-drying which extends the life of clothing.
Cycles and Extra Options
By law, dryers must have at least one automatic drying cycle. The best cycle to have is one that includes sensors which automatically stops the drying cycle when clothes are dry. A cool down cycle helps to keep clothes from wrinkling, especially if they are not immediately removed from the dryer when it stops. Some dryers have a damp-dry cycle if you prefer to iron them dry when finished. A tumble-free cycle uses air and a drying rack to dry items such as canvas shoes.
One new model available is about the size of a refrigerator, with a heated cabinet where steam circulates. It has racks for drying delicates and a rack for hanging clothes to remove wrinkles. This is a relatively expensive dryer to purchase.
Space
When shopping for your washer and dryer, be sure to measure the place where they will go in your home. An appliance always look smaller in the large store where there are so many than it does once it is delivered to your home where only one of them is likely to fit. Most standard clothes dryers are between 25 and 29 inches wide. Of course the physical size of the appliance is only important when making sure it will fit in your laundry area. The most significant measurement of a clothes dryer is the drum capacity. Full size models are usually 5 to 7 cubic feet; compact models are 3 cubic feet. Be sure to choose the right capacity dryer to match that of your washer. For example, a washer with a 3.5 cubic capacity requires a 7 cubic foot dryer.
If you have a very small laundry room, stackable washer and dryer sets are available. These models are commonly used in apartments, but are seen in homes as well.
Safety and Maintenance
Some dryers are ventless or condensing, but most local codes require dryers to be vented outdoors. They should not be vented to a crawl space, chimney or attached garage. The bottom of the exhaust hood should be at least 12 inches off the ground and the duct should be made of 4-inch aluminum or flexible metal, but not thin foil, vinyl or plastic. Vinyl or plastic are combustible and are not safe according to today's city, state and manufacturers codes.
It is recommended that you have a professional inspect your dryer vent system for fire safety. An annual professional cleaning, using special tools to get to the hard to reach places is also a good idea. It's usually the hard to reach places where lint builds up and restricts air flow. When this happens, the dyer works harder to do its job, consumes more energy and is more likely to break down or cause a fire. The fee for a service call from a professional dryer vent cleaning company is little compared to repairing or replacing your dryer or rebuilding your home if it is damaged by a fire.
This article was written by Larry Butterfield, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Southeast Michigan. Larry is a dryer vent repair specialist who provides dryer vent cleaning services as well as educating consumers on dryer fire safety. http://www.dryerventwizard services consumers in Wayne County, Detroit, Livonia, Redford, Dearborn, Canton, Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Saline, Ypsilanti, Monroe County, Carlton, Monroe, Temperance, Lambertville, Lenawee County, Hudson, Adrian, Blissfield, Tecumseh, Addison and neighboring cities and communities.
Consumers appreciate Larry for his unending patience in teaching them about their dryer vent systems and with tips on dryer fire safety
Canton, MI, -- Larry Butterfield, former automotive engineer, has transitioned to owner/operator of a Dryer Vent Wizard, Safe Homes, Dry Clothes (DVW), franchise in Detroit. "I found DVW provided much needed solutions to consumers' dryer vent problems," says Butterfield.
DVW services help prevent dryer fires, keep dryers functioning properly and provide energy savings through dryer and dryer vent maintenance, cleaning, repair, replacement and alterations.
According to Butterfield, consumer response to DVW services has been positive. "When consumers find their dryer taking more than one cycle to dry a load, they assume it's mechanical, when the real problem is lint accumulation in the dryer vent causing the dryer to work inefficiently, and become more susceptible to a dryer fire," says Butterfield.
In an effort to make consumers more aware, Dryer Vent Wizard entrepreneur Butterfield shares these maintenance "tips" to prevent dryer fires and keep dryers running efficiently:
Dryer Maintenance Tips
Be sure that dryer vent systems are up to current 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.
Don't leave the house or go to bed with the dryer running.
Have dryer vents professionally cleaned and inspected annually.
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.
"Consumers who follow these guidelines," says Butterfield, "will create a safer environment in their homes, prolong the life of their dryer and save money on energy bills." Find more tips and information at http://www.dryerventwizard.com
Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes, is the largest chain of dryer vent specialists in the U.S. with 50 metro market locations servicing residential and commercial customers. Larry services Wayne, Washtenaw and Monroe Counties in Southeast Michigan.
Dryer Vent Wizard of South East Michigan
Larry Butterfield
31550 Northwestern Highway; Ste. 110
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
313-402-7659
Email: lbutterfield@dryerventwizard.com
Website: http://www.dryerventwizard.com
Dryer Vent Wizard urges landlords and apartment building managers to have dryer vent systems professionally inspected and cleaned periodically
Auburn Hills, MI--Recent news reported a clothes dryer fire in an apartment building causing 30 units to be evacuated. Thankfully, there were no injuries, but it is estimated that it will cost over $50,000 to repair the damages. Most of the residents were local college students.
Larry Butterfield, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard was at a recent meeting, talking to landlords and apartment building managers. He explained to them how failure to properly maintain dryer vent systems is the leading cause of clothes dryer fires. Lint is highly flammable; clothes dryer vents carry the hot dryer exhaust outdoors. Most lint from dryers is caught by the screen, but some escapes into the dryer vent tubes. When it accumulates, it restricts air flow, causing over heating and eventually, a fire. "Dryer vent inspections and cleaning by professionals who specialize in dryer vent systems should be done at least once a year, especially in apartment buildings where so many lives are at risk," said Butterfield.
Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes, specializes in dryer vent cleaning, repair, installation and alterations. They are a great service to their community as they educate each customer in dryer vent maintenance and dryer fire prevention. The job isn't complete until the technician has shown the customer everything they need to know about their dryer vent system. DVW technicians will demonstrate how to properly clean and maintain the system between annual inspections and professional cleanings.
Larry Butterfield urges landlords and apartment building managers to have all dryer vents in the building professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year or whenever a tenant moves out. "The cost of the inspections is minute compared to the potential damages, injuries and even loss of lives if a dryer fire should occur," said Butterfield. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com for more information. Larry Butterfield services Wayne County, Detroit, Livonia, Redford, Dearborn, Canton, Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Saline, Ypsilanti, Monroe County, Carlton, Monroe, Temperance, Lambertville, Lenawee County, Hudson, Adrian, Blissfield, Tecumseh and Addison.
Contact:
Dryer Vent Wizard of South East Michigan
Larry Butterfield
31550 Northwestern Highway; Ste. 110
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
313-402-7659
Email: lbutterfield@dryerventwizard.com
Website: http://www.dryerventwizard.com
DVW spends time to educate consumers on dryer fire prevention while they provide dryer vent cleaning services and dryer vent inspections
Romulus, MI-Larry Butterfield, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent cleaning company, will have a table at the National Real Estate Investors meeting on August 21. The real estate group meets the third Thursday of each month at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Romulus. Mark Maupin, founder of NREN, met Larry at a previous meeting and he thought it would be a great idea for landlords to be offered this service. "DVW educates consumers on fire safety; landlords can be assured their tenants will understand the importance of dryer vent cleaning and maintenance if a DVW technician inspects and cleans their vent system," said Maupin. "They take the time to explain to the customer what needs to be done to be safe."
Larry Butterfield was impressed with the networking group and the format of the meeting. "There is plenty of time to meet everyone, learn what they do and show what we do, during the networking time allotted before the speaker is introduced," said Butterfield. "It appeared to me that the members of this group are just as excited about meeting vendors as they are about hearing the speakers."
Larry Butterfield of http://www.dryerventwizard.com services Southeastern Michigan including Wayne and Washtenaw Counties. To learn more visit Larry at the meeting on August 21, from 6pm to 9pm, at the Crown Plaza Hotel; 8000 Merriman Rd; Romulus, MI 48174. For details on the meeting http://www.megaeveningevent.com
Greg Longe and his partner, John Lynch franchise Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes, a nationwide chain of dryer vent cleaning, repair, replacement and alteration specialists in the U.S.
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 nearly 50 franchisees in major markets in the U.S.
Contact:
Dryer Vent Wizard of South East Michigan
Larry Butterfield
313-402-7659
Email: lbutterfield@dryerventwizard.com
Website: http://www.dryerventwizard.com
Improper dryer vents are a common safety problem. Here are some dryer vent safety tips from Larry:
Besides maintaining the dryer vent yourself, you should have a qualified professional clean and inspect your dryer vent system at least once a year.
These tips are provided by Larry Butterfield of Dryer Vent Wizard, in Southeast Michigan. Larry wants all consumers to be aware of how important dryer vent maintenance is. Find more fire safety tips and easy, preventative measures for preventing a clothes dryer fire at http://www.dryerventwizard.com
We service dryer vents, specializing in cleaning, repairing, installing and professionally inspecting for fire hazards, while educating consumers on dryer fire safety.
Larry Butterfield formerly an Automative Engineer, purchased his Dryer Vent Wizard franchise in January, 2007. Since then, he has made a commitment to educate consumers in his communty on the threat of clothes dryer fires.
Educate! Educate! Educate! Not only will Customers receive the highest quality service in the industry, but they will also be educated so they can help keep their family and friends safe and save on their energy bills. Dryer Vent Wizards commitment is to educate the public of the hazards with in a dryer vent not just perform a service.
We specialize in Dryer Vent Maintenance for Dry Clothes, Safe Homes and in our tough economy, that's energy savings. According to the Multi-Housing Laundry Association (MHLA) and Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory (LBL), an inefficient dryer vent can cost you between $18 and $24 more a month on your energy bill; that's $219 to $285 per year!
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!
Larry Butterfield services Wayne County, Detroit, Livonia, Redford, Dearborn, Canton, Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Saline, Ypsilanti, Monroe County, Carlton, Monroe, Temperance, Lambertville, Lenawee County, Hudson, Adrian, Blissfield, Tecumseh, Addison
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
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.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2008 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
