Air-drying clothes with drying racks or a clothes line can reduce the average household's carbon footprint by over 2,000 pounds per year 

Chicago, IL - Most Americans see the automatic clothes dryer as a necessity; however, more are becoming aware of the huge amount of energy they can save by drying some of their laundry with drying racks or a clothesline.  Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Chicago said, "The clothes dryer is among the top 5 energy users in most homes.  I don't recommend giving up the automatic clothes dryer altogether; but using a clothesline part of the time will reduce energy usage and the impact on our environment."

Most Americans will refuse to quit using modern conveniences; even though they may cost money to operate, the time savings is valuable.  Mory has discovered that some of his regular clients use the clothes line when the weather is right to reduce heat and humidity inside their home as well as reduce energy costs.  "I have had customers tell me they enjoy the advantage of "solar drying" because it is free.  Besides saving energy, line-drying saves on the need for fragrant laundry detergents and chlorine bleach.  The sun naturally disinfects and gently bleaches whites; the fresh air leaves laundry smelling fresh."

In any case, if you do use your clothes dryer, even part-time, dryer vent cleaning and proper maintenance is required to keep it operating safely and efficiently.  Your clothes dryer works very similar to the clothesline, drying your laundry with heat, forced air and tumbling action.  Both require airflow; unlike the clothesline with unlimited airflow, your dryer ducts and dryer vent system can become clogged with lint.  Lint blocks airflow, overworking the clothes dryer and increasing drying time.  Lint clogged vents can eventually lead to a dryer fire.

Mory Matias owns and operates Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent repair, cleaning and installation company who serves consumers and business owners in North Side Chicago and North Shore Suburbs.  Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com to learn more.

Most Americans see the automatic clothes dryer as a necessity; however, more are becoming aware of the huge amount of energy this appliance requires to run.  The clothes dryer is among the top 5 energy users in most homes.  Air-drying clothes with drying racks or a clothes line can reduce the average household's carbon footprint by over 2,000 pounds per year.

Other Benefits of a Clothesline

Over 15,000 house fires are caused by a clothes dryer each year when lint builds up in the dryer vent system and ignites.

What is dryer lint?  Where does it come from?  All that lint in your lint screen after each load of laundry is your clothes wearing away!  The clothes dryer actually shorten the life of your clothes by over-drying them. 

Enjoy being outdoors, hanging laundry on the clothesline, rather than cooped up in a hot, humid laundry room.  The sun naturally disinfects and gently bleaches whites; the fresh air leaves laundry smelling fresh.  This saves you money fragrant laundry supplies and chlorine bleach.

Don't Give up your Dryer

This isn't to say you should throw out the clothes dryer, just use it less to save money and reduce the impact to the environment.  There will be times when the weather isn't right for hanging laundry outside. 

You might also use the dryer for some of your laundry and the clothes line for some.  Some people choose to tumble their clothes for a few minutes to shake out wrinkles and then hang it to dry; others will prefer to tumble clothes after they have dried if they feel stiff.  Part-time use of your clothes dryer will help save energy too.

In any case, if you do use your clothes dryer, even part-time, dryer vent cleaning and proper maintenance is required to keep it operating safely and efficiently.  Your clothes dryer works very similar to the clothesline, drying your laundry with heat, forced air and tumbling action.  Both require airflow; unlike the clothesline with unlimited airflow, your dryer ducts and dryer vent system can become clogged with lint.  Lint blocks airflow, overworking the clothes dryer and increasing drying time.  Lint clogged vents can eventually lead to a dryer fire.

Mory Matias owns Dryer Vent Wizard of North Shore Chicago; Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in all dryer vent exhaust issues.  They provide dryer vent repair, cleaning and installation while educating consumers on dryer fire prevention and energy saving tips.  Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com to learn more.

Besides being clogged with dryer lint, the old vinyl dryer vent system had deteriorated, causing dryer exhaust to leak into the home

Glenview, Ill - Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent cleaning and dryer exhaust specialist serving the Chicago area was recently applauded for saving a customer from experiencing a dryer fire.  During a recent interview, Mory said, "There was a misunderstanding; the customer expected me later in the week.  When I showed up, she was doing laundry and the room was very hot and humid.  I insisted on stopping the dryer to inspect and provide services immediately.  What I found was a serious fire hazard."

As Mory pulled the dryer away from the wall he noticed the vinyl hose leading to the vent outdoors was cracked, sagging and full of dryer lint.  "The excess material was bunched up and crushed behind the dryer as the owner pushed it against the wall.  This blocks the air flow which is one of the most important things a dryer needs in order to work," said Matias.

Mory replaced the dryer vent system with semi-rigid metal as he explained what he was doing and why it was necessary.  The customer was pleased with his service and relieved as she realized that he probably saved her home from a dryer fire.  "I'm going to add dryer vent cleaning to my regular appliance maintenance schedule and insist that Mory personally perform the service," said the happy customer. 

According to Dryer Vent Wizard, proper installation, meeting city, state and manufacturer codes is important for preventing dryer vent problems that can increase drying time and cause a fire.  Plastic or foil, accordion type ducting material should be replaced with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, as specified by most manufacturers, to provide maximum airflow.  Read Mory's blog at http://dryerventcleaningglenview.blogspot.com/ for more tips on dryer vent cleaning and maintenance.

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 over 50 franchisees in major markets in the U.S.  Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com

It is important that your dryer vent system meet current safety codes; inferior dryer vent systems or improper dryer vent installation can cause problems with your clothes dryer.  Your clothes dryer requires air-flow; when the dryer exhaust system is not functioning properly it can cause a fire.

Vinyl or flexible foil is no longer acceptable venting material for your clothes dryer.  Though this type was commonly used in the past, it has been discovered to be unsafe and inefficient.  Vinyl or flexible foil venting is easily crushed when the clothes dryer is pushed up against the wall.  Or, it sags, allowing lint to build up and restrict air flow.

Some flexible metal pipes are acceptable, but they are not recommended.  The best material to use is rigid metal which does not sag or become crushed.  Parts should be joined with metal tape, not duct tape or screws which protrude to the inside and catch lint.

Your dryer vent system removes heat, moisture and lint from your laundry as it is being dried.  If you have a gas dryer, it is also removing gas by-products including carbon monoxide from your home.  All clothes dryers should be vented to the outside of your home at least three feet from windows and entrances.

Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year to keep your appliance running efficiently and safely.  The fee for this service is small compared to the cost of repairing or replacing an over worked clothes dryer, or the cost of losing your home or even your life.

Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Chicago only installs rigid metal dryer vent systems.  Mory will do a thorough inspection of a customer's dryer vent system and explain what needs to be done to make the system safe and efficient.  DVW technicians are happy to spend time with customers to educate them on dryer fire prevention and energy savings.  Learn more at http://dryerventcleaningchicago.blogspot.com/

Most clothes dryer exhaust systems inspected have a problem that needs to be corrected so the dryer runs efficiently and safely

Chicago, IL-Mory Matias of Dryer Vent Wizard, a leading dryer vent cleaning company, has noticed the biggest safety hazard in clothes dryers are the ducts which run from the back of the dryer to the outside of the home.  Mory services the North Side of Chicago and the North Shore Suburbs of Cook and Lake Counties in Illinois.  "When customers complain about dryers taking too long to get clothes dry, this is a warning sign that indicates restricted air-flow in the dryer vent system," said Matias in a recent interview.

When Mory inspects dryer exhaust and venting systems there are at least 10 factors to look at, including ducts, vents, airflow and the amount of lint built up in and around the dryer.  "I find a problem with nearly every dryer vent system that I inspect," said Matias. 

Mory recalled an issue with a recent customer who thought her clothes dryer was worn out because it was taking two or more cycles to dry a load of laundry.  "She actually threw out her clothes dryer and purchased a new one!" exclaimed Mory.  "It was lucky for her that she saw my van in the neighborhood and called the number to order service.  I could not believe that the appliance delivery service hooked her old vinyl dryer duct to the new clothes dryer.   To make matters worse the tubing was way too long and the excess material was coiled and jammed behind the clothes dryer.  It was also full of lint."

Mory explained that the flexible foil and vinyl types of dryer ducts are no longer in compliance with today's UL safety codes.  "Vinyl ducts are really designed to be used for bathroom exhaust fans.  Dryer Vent Wizard only installs dryer ducts made of rigid or semi-rigid metal which is smooth inside to minimize lint build-up."

Mory made the necessary corrections to the dryer duct system and explained to the customer that she probably did not need to replace her clothes dryer.  "I think it broke her heart that she had spent money on a new appliance when all she needed was an upgraded dryer vent system.  I explained how clothes dryers require proper airflow to operate efficiently and safely.  Though she was unhappy about the added expense of replacing the clothes dryer, she was very grateful that she saw me in the area and learned a valuable lesson in dryer fire prevention."

Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago was awarded the prestigious 2008 Angie's List Super Service Award.  This award is given to companies who have achieved and maintained a superior service rating on Angie's List throughout the past year.  Fewer than 5 percent of the companies on Angie's List meet the eligibility requirements to be considered for this award.

To promote public awareness and educate consumers on dryer safety Mory has written articles and posted them to his blog at http://dryerventcleaningchicago.blogspot.com/

All appliances require proper maintenance in order for them to work safely and efficiently.  Unfortunately, too many people take their clothes dryers for granted; fill it with wet laundry, set the dial, turn it on and remove dry clothes 30 - 45 minutes later. 

I recently got a call from a woman who purchased a new dryer because the one she had was taking several cycles to get her clothes dry.  She assumed it was old and worn out.  The delivery man installed the dryer and she began using it, but she noticed that it ran very hot.  I just happened to be in her neighborhood on a service call and she took down the number printed on my work van.  I went to her home after completing the job I was on. 

The first thing I noticed was that the dryer duct was the old vinyl type and it was longer than necessary.  The excess tubing was coiled and jammed behind the dryer while the rest of it extended about 10 feet to the dryer vent outside.  When I disconnected it from the dryer, I noticed that it was full of lint.  I found it unbelievable that an appliance deliver person would attach this dirty old thing to a new appliance.   I explained to the customer how her dryer is unable to vent the hot air; therefore working too hard, wasting energy and it's a fire hazard.

I explained that this type of venting is not in compliance with today's safety codes.  The vinyl material is really designed for bathroom exhaust fans and not for clothes dryers.  We only install dryer ducts of rigid or semi-rigid metal that is smooth inside to minimize lint build-up. 

I also broke her heart when I explained that she probably did not need a new dryer.  She needed a better dryer exhaust system.  The dryer ducts and dryer vent are responsible for removing lint, heat and moisture from the dryer drum to the outdoors.  If you have a gas dryer the system also removes gas by-products from your home.  A poorly vented gas dryer can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home.

When the dryer ducts are clogged with lint then heat cannot escape the dryer drum; they system overheats and the lint catches on fire.  Lint is very combustible; therefore, fuel for a rapidly spreading fire.  Clogged dryer ducts also cause a dryer to cost an additional $18-24 per month to operate.

Mory Matias is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago, specializing in dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation.  Mory specializes in all dryer exhaust issues as he educates his customers on the importance of annual dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer vent installation to prevent fires and save energy.  Read more great articles written by Mory Matias at http://dryerventcleaningwilmette.blogspot.com/

If you live in a newer home you may be thinking everything is up to code because the home was built more recently than others in your area.  Surprisingly, dryer venting and dryer exhaust systems are often improperly installed.  I've seen newer homes with the dryer venting into the attic.  Builders will defend this practice saying it is OK; however, the law states that a clothes dryer must be vented outdoors.

Improper dryer venting can cause serious problems in your home.  The dryer exhaust removes the heat and moisture from your dryer to the outdoors.  If your dryer is venting into an attic, basement or crawl space, mildew is allowed to grow.  Mold and mildew cause damage to your home and problems with your health, namely, upper respiratory irritation.  Worse yet, it is a fire hazard.  Lint is highly combustible, making great fuel for a quickly spreading fire.

As your dryer runs the blower motor pushes the hot, moist air through the dryer duct to the vent outdoors.  The problem is that there is a limit as to how far the motor can push the air.  The longer the ducts and the more bends and turns they have, the more resistance there is. 

Smooth metal pipe is recommended by clothes dryer manufacturers today; not the plastic corrugated venting that is so popular due to easy installation.  Flexible foil and vinyl vents can easily become crushed behind the dryer, blocking air flow and creating a fire hazard.

It is OK to vent a dryer through the roof if you use the right type of exhaust hood to draw out the hot air.  A hood with a wide flange is the best type for a roof-top dryer vent.  A dryer should not be vented through the soffits.

If you live in an area where the climate is cooler be sure your vent pipe is properly insulated to prevent condensation from running down the pipe and leaking down the pipe and pooling under the dryer.

Sections of dryer duct should be properly joined, using metal tape, not screws that protrude into the duct to catch and trap lint. 

The best dryer exhaust system is semi-rigid metal, smooth inside, joined with metal tape, as short as possible and has as few turns as possible.  Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended each year to be sure your system is working properly.  A dryer vent system that is properly installed and properly maintained will increase the life of your clothes dryer, save energy and prevent a fire.

Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, specializes in dryer vent and dryer exhaust.  Mory provides professional inspections, dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation in the North side Chicago area in Cook and Lake Counties.  Read more articles containing appliance maintenance tips on Mory's blog at http://dryerventcleaningchicago.blogspot.com/

Improper dryer exhaust installation is even common in newer homes and just as much a fire hazard as in the older homes

Chicago, IL - Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Chicago, recently inspected a dryer exhaust system in a newer home.  The homeowner was confident that everything would be correct and up to code because the home was less than one year old.

Mory looked behind the clothes dryer and he was happy to find that the proper material was used for the dryer ducts; semi-rigid metal instead of corrugated plastic or vinyl.  The pieces were joined with metal tape rather than screws that protrude into the inside of the ducts to catch and trap lint.

Mory followed the duct to see where it ends; he was disappointed to find that it went right into the attic.  "There was a pile of lint in the attic and I could see that mold and mildew was growing on the rafters," said Mory.  "Mold will eventually cause the rafters to rot.  Mold spores in the home cause upper respiratory problems for people too.  By law, the dryer must be vented outdoors.  If you have a gas dryer, you are also risking carbon monoxide in your home."

Mory also explained the importance of properly insulating a dryer duct that goes through the roof to prevent condensation from running down and perhaps pooling behind the clothes dryer.  It is also important to have the proper type of exhaust hood with a wide flange for dryers that are vented through the roof.

The best dryer exhaust system is made of semi-rigid metal, smooth inside, joined with metal tape and is as short and straight as possible.  Mory explained, "The longer your dryer exhaust pipe is, the more resistance there is to air-flow.  Bends and turns also cause resistance.  Proper air-flow is essential for a clothes dryer to work safely and efficiently, saving energy and preventing fires."

Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard provides professional dryer vent inspections, dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation in the Chicago area.  http://www.dryerventwizard.com has a policy that all technicians explain to their customers how their dryer exhaust system works and how to properly maintain the system between annual professional visits.  

Dryer vent cleaning and maintenance prolongs the life of your dryer, saves on energy bills and prevents fires

Chicago, Ill - Mory Matias is known for his efforts to promote public awareness of dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer exhaust maintenance to prevent fires.  Some people would say that Mory is constantly "venting" about dryer vent cleaning.

Mory is often overheard by others when he is speaking to consumers or apartment building managers about the danger of lint build-up in dryer ducts.  "Think about what the dryer vent and exhaust ducts are removing from your home," said Matias.  "Heat, moisture and lint must escape the dryer drum in order for clothes to come out dry.  In addition, if you have a gas dryer, then proper venting is essential to prevent carbon monoxide from leaking into your home."

Mory says a lot about the danger of lint build-up, in just a few words, "Hot sticky lint builds up on the inside of your dryer duct to the point of restricting air flow, causing overheating, and eventually, a fire.  Lint being very combustible, adds plenty of fuel for a fire to spread quickly."

Mory also talks a lot about the old fashioned vinyl or plastic venting systems that all dryers used to have; sadly, many still do.  "There are a number of problems with vinyl, plastic and flexible foil dryer ducts; they crack and break, they're easily crushed or the excess tubing is coiled and stuffed behind the dryer, making it impossible for it to vent hot air and lint.  Using materials that do not meet current safety standards can void the warranty on your clothes dryer."

Dryer Vent Wizard of Chicago provides dryer vent cleaning and dryer vent services to residential and commercial customers in Cook County, Arlington Heights, Chicago, Oak Forest, Lake County and neighboring cities and communities. 

There is a man on a mission to prevent clothes dryer fires in Chicago.   He is a dryer vent cleaning and dryer exhaust specialist who is concerned with the safety of consumers and business owners in his community.  Some say he is constantly ranting, raving and "venting" about dryer vent cleaning.  The Chicago Wizard vents:

Dryer Vents and Ducts

Your clothes dryer requires proper air-flow in order to do its job efficiently.  The dryer vent and exhaust duct is responsible for removing heat, moisture and lint from your laundry as it dries.  Hot moist lint that escapes the lint screen often ends up stuck to the sides of the dryer exhaust duct; though some will make it to the vent outdoors.

Dryer vents and ducts are also responsible for removing gas by-products from your home; if you have a gas dryer, poor venting can result in carbon monoxide leaking into your home.

Lint Build-up Restricts Air-flow

Eventually, trapped lint will build up in the dryer duct, or inside the dryer near the motor, causing the dryer to work harder to do its job.  The harder the dryer is working, the more you are spending on energy to operate the dryer, and the greater the chances are that the dryer will break down.  Dryer vent cleaning helps to save energy and reduce the need for repair expenses as it prolongs the life of the dryer.

When the dryer is taking more than one cycle to properly dry a load of clothes, chances are likely that the ducts are clogged with lint.  Heat and moisture cannot escape the dryer drum.  You may also notice that clothes are very hot when you remove them, or that the outside of the dryer is very hot. 

When lint is allowed to build up to the point of restricting air-flow it causes overheating which eventually leads to a fire.  The lint is very combustible; therefore, fuel for a fire that will spread quickly.

Properly Installed

In addition to proper maintenance, a dryer duct and vent system must meet current safety standards.  Too many people are still using the old plastic, vinyl or flexible foil type of venting for their dryers.  These are no longer considered to be safe for several reasons.

• Vinyl or Plastic deteriorates, cracks and breaks
• The flexible foil type is easily crushed or bent, restricting air flow and trapping lint
• Excess venting material is often coiled or stuffed behind the dryer, trapping hot air, moisture and lint
• Use of incorrect venting materials can void the warranty on your dryer

These are just a few of the problems associated with an insufficient dryer duct system.  The ideal venting is short, has few turns, is smooth inside and is made of semi-rigid metal. 

Mory Matias is the Chicago Wizard; owner/operator of Dryer Vent Wizard serving the Northshore Chicago area.  Mory provides dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation services while he explains the importance of proper maintenance to his customers.