Q: Do I really need to worry about getting my dryer vents cleaned?
A: Yes. One of the leading causes of house fires is the dryer. Between the years 2002-2004, an annual average of 12,700 clothes dryer fires occurred in homes causing over $88 million in property loss each year.
Q: How often should I have my vent cleaned?
A: We recommend having your vents inspected every year and cleaned as needed. Ask about our lifetime warranty program and our discounted annual service fees.
Q: How can I tell if I should have my vents cleaned?
A: Increased drying times are one of the best indicators of a dirty or clogged vent. If it takes more than one cycle to dry a load of clothes, especially jeans and towels, cleaning is most likely in order.
Q: Are these plastic dryer-to-wall vent extensions safe to use?
A: No. Consider having one of our trained professionals install a proper vent extension.
Q: My laundry room is on the second floor next to the bed room. Does this matter?
A: Yes. The placement of your laundry room may require longer venting lines. Long vent lines can result in the increased build-up of lint. Additionally, some newer dryers are not configured to work with these long vent lines. Our technicians can evaluate your specific venting requirements and recommend the best configuration.
Q: My house is only a year old. I can wait a few more years before calling you, right?
A: In our experience, it is never too early to call. Improperly installed vents are a major cause of house fires. In our experience, we've even found insufficient venting in new, upscale housing.
Q: My dryer doesn't seem to dry my clothes well lately. Does this mean I need a new dryer?
A: Not necessarily. Clogged vents or improperly installed vents will prevent your dryer from efficiently drying your clothes. Consider calling us before purchasing a new dryer. Many folks purchase new dryers when the problem is really the venting and the new dryer still doesn't dry the clothes.
Q: I need to buy a new dryer anyway. So I don't really need to worry about having my vent cleaned, right?
A: After the removal of your old dryer is a perfect time for a visit from one of our trained service professionals to inspect and clean your vent so that your new dryer can operate at maximum efficiency.
Q: It looks like there is water dripping from my dryer vent. Is this normal?
A: One of the most important functions of a dryer is the elimination of moisture recovered during the heating of damp clothing. This moisture is held in the warm air produced by the dryer as humidity and is normally expelled to the outdoors through the dryer's vent. If this air cannot be adequately removed, poor drying will result. This moisture can also condense into pools of water in the dryer vent, eventually leaking out. Any moisture accumulation inside the dryer ducting is a sign of poor venting which should be checked.
Cities Serviced: Ashland City, Brentwood, Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Clarksville, Columbia, Fairview, Forest Hills, Franklin, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Hendersonville, La Vergne, Lebanon, Manchester, Mt Juliet, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Nolensville, Oak Hill, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Thompson's Station
Dryer Fires Can Result From Not Cleaning Your Dryer Vent
Dryer fires usually start beneath the dryer when the motor overheats. Overheating is caused by a build-up of lint in the dryer vent line that increases the drying time and blocks the flow of air. Naturally, any lint that has collected under the dryer will burn and the draft from the dryer will pull that fire up into the dryer duct. Do to the dryer duct being coated or even blocked with lint, many times a house fire results. Other contributing conditions may include failure of the thermostat and limit switches in the dryer, lint inside the dryer, a missing or damaged lint screen, a crushed hose behind the dryer, or a bird's nest or other debris blocking the vent.
Dryer Vent Wizard of Middle Tennessee
615-534-2445
Cities Serviced: Ashland City, Brentwood, Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Clarksville, Columbia, Fairview, Forest Hills, Franklin, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Hendersonville, La Vergne, Lebanon, Manchester, Mt Juliet, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Nolensville, Oak Hill, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Thompson's Station
Nick Lovellette of Dryer Vent Wizard of Middle Tennessee recently passed the Chimney Safety Institute of America's rigorous exam to become a CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician. Nick Lovellette passed an exam based on standard dryer vent service practices. To pass candidates must earn a score of 80 or higher. Certification is valid for three years from the test date.
The exam is based upon a reference manual containing up-to-date technical information on the cleaning, maintenance, and repair of dryer exhaust vents.
CSIA Certification is the hallmark of excellence in the chimney service and venting technology industry. The credential signifies knowledge of practices important to providing the best service and to staying ahead in an ever-changing industry.
Nick Lovellette has enhanced his knowledge of how to properly inspect and clean dryer exhaust vents in order to better protect people against fire and carbon monoxide poisonings.
Clothes dryers can be found in 80 percent, or 81.5 million homes throughout the United States.
A full load of wet clothes placed in a dryer contains about one gallon of water. As water is removed, lint is created from the clothes.
Clothes dryers are one of the most expensive appliances in your home to operate. The longer it runs the more money it costs you.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 15,500 fires associated with clothes dryers occur annually. These fires account for an average of 10 deaths and 310 injuries and more than $84.4 million in property damage annually.
On a positive note, the number of clothes dryer fires has dropped by 35% from the 24,000 fires that occurred annually, on average, in the late 1970s.
Vent Lengths and Types
The maximum length a dryer vent can be before problems arise, or are noticed, varies greatly between brands and models. The vent material and the type of outside vent cover being used also contribute to the maximum vent length allowed.
In all cases the longest possible working vent should be made of rigid metal vent material with a large mouth or louvered outdoor hood. Flexible metal ducting although a bit easier to work with causes reduced air flow due to its corrugated design and will contribute to a lint buildup in the ducting over time. Flexible Nylon ducting is no longer approved in most areas for dryer venting due to the possibility of a fire hazard and has never been approved for use on gas dryers.
In the US all gas dryers must be vented to the outdoors by law!
In a properly installed vent, any lint that escapes the dryer's lint filter should be blown right outdoors. Any accumulation which occurs in a dryer's ducting is usually a sign of poor air flow, especially at the location(s) it occurs. In such cases the vent line should be evaluated to locate and correct any deficiencies it may have. The vent should be as short and as straight and with as few elbows as possible. The more bends and turns, the greater the reduction in air flow there is and more areas where lint can accumulate. More bends will also hamper dryer vent cleaning, which should be performed yearly if not seasonally.
It is sometimes possible to tell if a dryer's vent is the cause of poor drying by totally removing the vent line from the dryer and doing a couple of loads, If drying improves, you can be sure the vent is (at least part of) the problem.
When attaching multiple sections of vent pipe together Dryer Vent Wizard does not use sheet metal screws, we use metal foil tape instead. Any protuberances into the vent will cause obstructions where lint can accumulate --eventually leading to a restriction, which will hamper dryer vent cleaning and allow lint to build up. Those protuberances will also make the inevitable dryer vent cleaning much more difficult.
MOLD, according to the dictionary, is a very large group of microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter. Most are filamentous organisms and produce spores that can be air-, water-, or insect-borne. We see them everywhere, even inside our homes. Outdoor, molds play a part in nature by breaking down organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. Indoors however, they have a potential to cause health problems.
Molds grow on wet and damp spots, that's why they are usually found in our bathrooms, laundry area and kitchen. Molds produce allergens and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions to sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.
In some cases, potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins are released by molds. "Myco" means fungus. Mycotoxins are designed for chemical warfare against other organisms or other types of molds to discourage them from growing in the same territory. Inhalation of mold spores or dust containing mycotoxins can result in human exposure with potentially severe health effects.
A news item in the Environmental News Network about molds caught my attention a few days ago. A family in California was awarded $22.6 million dollars in settlement, the highest on record, against a lumber company over toxic mold in their home. They said that mold, which grew on framing studs that had been improperly stored by the lumber company, caused brain damage in their baby.
There's no need to panic however. Not all molds produce mycotoxins, and those that do produce don't produce them in all situations. Even when mycotoxins are present in our homes and offices, the quantities may not be large enough to cause health problems.
The best thing we can do is avoid the growth of molds in our dwelling places. The key to mold control is moisture control. Mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Here are some tips:
* When water leaks or spill occur, act quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours after leak or spill occurs, in most cases molds will not grow.
* If there's mold in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom that seems to reappear, increasing the ventilation, by running a fan or opening a window, and frequent cleaning will keep mold from recurring or at least keep them to a minimum.
* Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.
* Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
* Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold first and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.
* Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
* Keep air-conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
* Reduce humidity by providing vent for appliances that produce moisture like clothes dryer and stoves.
* Use exhaust fans or open the window when using showering (bathroom), cooking, running the dishwasher, etc..
* Make sure water does not collect around the foundation of buildings and houses. Check the ground slope.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness, as they say. But it also means being free of potentially harmful substances like molds.
Q: Do I really need to worry about getting my dryer vents cleaned?
A: Yes. One of the leading causes of house fires is the dryer. Between the years 2002-2004, an annual average of 12,700 clothes dryer fires occurred in homes causing over $88 million in property loss each year.
Q: How often should I have my vent cleaned?
A: We recommend having your vents cleaned every year. Ask about our lifetime warranty program and our discounted annual service fees.
Q: How can I tell if I should have my vents cleaned?
A: Increased drying times are one of the best indicators of a dirty or clogged vent. If it takes more than one cycle to dry a load of clothes, especially jeans and towels, cleaning is most likely in order.
Q: Are these plastic dryer-to-wall vent extensions safe to use?
A: No. Consider having one of our trained professionals install a proper vent extension.
Q: My laundry room is on the second floor next to the bed room. Does this matter?
A: Yes. The placement of your laundry room may require longer venting lines. Long vent lines can result in the increased build-up of lint. Additionally, some newer dryers are not configured to work with these long vent lines. Our technicians can evaluate your specific venting requirements and recommend the best configuration.
Q: My house is only a year old. I can wait a few more years before calling you, right?
A: In our experience, it is never too early to call. Improperly installed vents are a major cause of house fires. In our experience, we've even found insufficient venting in new, upscale housing.
Q: My dryer doesn't seem to dry my clothes well lately. Does this mean I need a new dryer?
A: Not necessarily. Clogged vents or improperly installed vents will prevent your dryer from efficiently drying your clothes. Consider calling us before purchasing a new dryer. Many folks purchase new dryers when the problem is really the venting and the new dryer still doesn't dry the clothes.
Q: I need to buy a new dryer anyway. So I don't really need to worry about having my vent cleaned, right?
A: After the removal of your old dryer is a perfect time for a visit from one of our trained service professionals to inspect and clean your vent so that your new dryer can operate at maximum efficiency.
Q: It looks like there is water dripping from my dryer vent. Is this normal?
A: One of the most important functions of a dryer is the elimination of moisture recovered during the heating of damp clothing. This moisture is held in the warm air produced by the dryer as humidity and is normally expelled to the outdoors through the dryer's vent. If this air can not be adequately removed, poor drying will result. This moisture can also condense into pools of water in the dryer vent, eventually leaking out. Any moisture accumulation inside the dryer ducting is a sign of poor venting which should be checked.
The NAHI - National Association of Home Inspectors members receive training on dryer venting codes and inspection techniques at a continuing education course
Nashville, TN - Nick Lovellette of Dryer Vent Wizard teaches a continuing education course for home inspectors from the State of Tennessee. HITA (Home Inspectors of Tennessee Association) sponsored the event that trained certified home inspectors about clothes dryer venting codes and inspection techniques.
With the steady increase of dryer fires due to lint build-up and poor installation, public awareness has grown and the public looks to experts to provide information about their homes. Home inspectors are often one of the first resources a real estate owner will consult with when they are having an issue, or are in the process of selling or buying property. HITA invited Dryer Vent Wizard to their regional meeting on November 15, 2008 to train inspectors on several different aspects of proper clothes dryer exhausting.
The meeting of ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), Inter NACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors), and NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors) members from all the corners of Tennessee was held in Nashville and included training on Dryer Venting and Mold Inspection/Remediation. The Dryer Venting class was taught by Nick Lovellette and Dayn Benson of Dryer Vent Wizard, a national company that focuses specifically on dryer vent issues such as dryer vent inspection, dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair and dryer vent installation. The class started with basic code review of the IRC (International Residential Code) and IMC (International Mechanical Code) policies and requirements for safe clothes dryer venting and exhaust.
Dayn and Nick then proceeded to inform the attendees of the current data that cites over 15,000 dryer fires resulting in millions of dollars of property damage and several deaths annually. They also showed several dozen photos of what to look for during an inspection. The photos were particularly helpful for this group because they were all from Tennessee properties. The dangerous situation photos were followed with corrected systems providing a safe way of exhausting the heat, humidity and dangerous gasses that can form while drying clothes.
The class culminated with a comprehensive test. The test covered all the pertinent material that was taught. Every attendee completed the examination with a passing grade.
In a show of support, Walter Carter, president of Inspection Center Inc., commented, "When I heard that the first two hours were going to focus on dryer venting, I thought that I would need NoDoz to make it through the morning session. However, you guys (Nick Lovellette and Dayn Benson) delivered one of the most engaging and interesting presentations that I have heard in a long time."
For more information about dryer venting please visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com or to schedule an appointment call 866-498-7233.
Without proper maintenance, the dryer vent is a potential fire hazard for homeowners, though most are unaware the problem even exists. The result is venting systems that clog over time, with each load of laundry creating more of a hazard.
"It's hard for people to think of their clothes dryer as a fire hazard," said John Ryley, owner of the Dryer Vent Wizard (DVW), Dry Clothes, Safe Homes franchise, whose company specializes in maintaining, cleaning, repairing, replacing and altering dryer vents for residential and commercial consumers.
Clothes dryer fires account for 15,600 structure fires, 15 deaths and 400 injuries each year, with an estimated $88 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Data Center. Failure to clean lint out of the dryer vent is the leading cause.
"Most people don't realize that New York State Building Codes changed in 1999 to indicate that all dryer vent systems should be made of a rigid metal piping, because of the fire hazard," said Ryley. Even dryer manufacturers call for a rigid metal piping and an annual cleaning to prohibit the lint build-up that leads to fires, he says. Servicing the Long Island area, every day Riley sees the fire hazards with his own eyes. The systems in most homes he services use white plastic flexible hoses or silver foil, flexible hoses that are not up to code.
The lack of awareness concerning this issue is simply because dryer vent systems are often out of sight and out of mind. "Homeowners want the laundry area to be out of sight and near bedrooms and bathrooms," Ryley said. "While no one wants to drag laundry up and down the stairs, the reality is that longer venting cause dryers to work harder, take longer to dry clothes, and use more energy, creating a fire hazard."
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), any vent over 25 feet is considered a fire hazard and installation of a booster fan is recommended. This helps dryers function safely and more efficiently and is one of the services DVW provides.
Ryley believes the solution to the problem is creating consumer awareness of the importance of maintaining dryers and dryer vents.
The most common sign of a venting problem is that clothes taking too long to dry. "If it takes more than one dryer cycle to get the towels dry, you may have a dryer vent problem," he said.
Here are some tips to help consumers prevent dryer fires and reduce energy consumption:
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.
Warning signs to look for:
Clothes are taking more than one cycle to dry, especially jeans and towels.
No lint is visible on the lint screen.
The dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle.
Clothes have a moldy smell after the dry cycle.
"Consumers who follow these guidelines," said Ryley, "create a safe environment in their home, prolong the life of their dryer and will lower their energy bills."
Dryer Vent Wizard, Safe Homes, Dry Clothes is the only national franchise to specialize exclusively in full service dryer venting solutions. For more information call 866-498-7233 or go to dryerventwizard.com.
The National Fire Prevention Association reports over 15,000 clothes dryer fires annually; most of them could have been prevented with proper dryer vent maintenance. There are many warning signs that indicate a possible fire hazard:
Clothes taking several cycles to dry: A lot of people think this just means the dryer is old or the heat element is wearing out. This is rarely the case. There is usually an air flow problem caused by the vent being obstructed with lint build up
Clothes smell moldy or they are unusually hot when they come out of the dryer
No visible lint on the lint screen
Dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle
All of these symptoms indicate a venting problem with your clothes dryer. You need to disconnect, clean and inspect the dryer vent piping regularly, or hire a professional dryer vent cleaning specialist to do the job. This will greatly reduce the risk of fire and increase the dryer's efficiency, saving on energy costs and increasing the life of the dryer.
Tips to keeping the dryer vents lint free:
Use a vacuum to remove lint that accumulates under the lint trap on a regular basis
Check outside, when the dryer is running, to be sure the lint and heat is escaping
Have a qualified service technician inspect and professionally clean the dryer vent yearly
Clean the lint trap after each load of laundry
Wash the lint trap with warm soapy water every few months to remove residue from dryer sheets and fabric softeners
It is also important that the dryer vent be properly installed and be of rigid material. It should not be the crushable, foil type material people have commonly used in the past. It should be installed as straight as possible, with few turns and bends, and be as short as possible. If there are several pieces joined together, they should be done so that the inside of the vent is smooth, with no screws for lint to catch on and accumulate.
Other safety tips include:
Never leave the house or go to sleep when the clothes dryer is running
Avoid drying items that have been soaked with combustible chemicals
Avoid storing combustible chemicals, cleaning products or chemical laden rags near the clothes dryer
Be sure the outside vent cover is not blocked (or frozen shut in the winter)
Have your system inspected by a qualified professional to be sure it meets city, state and manufacturers codes
A five year old child can easily and safely operate a clothes dryer, however, an adult needs to be sure it is properly maintained and fire safe. Fire prevention and safety begins at home; go to http://www.dryerventwizard.com/ventcheck_request.htm for a free dryer vent safety check kit. Tell your friends, loved ones, and neighbors, especially if you live in an apartment building, to do the same.
This article was written by The Dryer Vent Wizard, who wants all consumers to be aware of how dangerous their seemingly innocent clothes dryer can be. The Wizard provides more fire safety tips and easy, preventative measures for preventing a clothes dryer fire at http://www.dryerventwizard.com
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Improper dryer vents are a common safety problem. Here are some dryer vent safety tips:
Use metal dryer ducts or semi-rigid material to help rather than flexible dryer ducts made of foil or plastic because they can become crushed and let lint build up at low points. Ridges can also trap lint.
All dryer vents should be cleaned regularly and the lint screen should be cleaned after each load of laundry. This reduces the risk of a fire and helps the dryer to run more efficiently so clothes dry faster and your dryer will use less energy. It is also a good idea to clean the lint screen every few months with warm soapy water.
Clean inside, behind, and underneath the dryer, where lint can build up.
If you have a dryer with an automatic sensor, clean the sensor with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol to keep it functioning accurately. Sensors are metallic strips, usually located on the inside of the dryer, just below the door opening.
Be extra careful with clothes or rags soaked with combustibles like cleaning chemicals or gasoline. If these items must go into the dryer, put them through 2 - 3 wash cycles first, to minimize the amount of these chemicals on the laundry. Better yet, line dry instead of using a clothes dryer.
Avoid storing combustible materials around any gas appliance
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 The Dryer Vent Wizard, who wants all consumers to be aware of how important dryer vent maintenance is. The Wizard provides more fire safety tips and easy, preventative measures for preventing a clothes dryer fire at www.dryerventwizard.com
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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