Clogged dryer vents are the number one cause of increased wear and tear on the appliance, resulting in higher energy costs

Charlotte, NC - Clothes dryers are one of the most expensive appliances to operate, especially when they are not properly vented.  Emilie Benvegna, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, explains, "The dryer vent system is the most important part of the dryer; if you don't have air-flow and ventilation, then the dryer will not function efficiently.  It will labor extra hard, use more energy and put excess stress on the dryer, leading to repair expenses.  Worse yet, after suffering higher utility bills for a few months, the clogged dryer vent system becomes a serious fire hazard."

Emilie provides dryer vent cleaning and maintenance in the Charlotte, NC area.  She explains to her customers how proper maintenance will save them a lot of money on utilities and appliance repairs while preventing a dryer fire.  "The fee for professional dryer vent cleaning is small compared to the cost of not cleaning dryer vent," said Emilie.

Dryer Vent Wizard also advises consumers to be sure their dryer vent system measures up to current safety codes.  Read more about dryer vent maintenance at http://dryerventcleaningconcordnc.blogspot.com/

Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes is the largest chain of dryer vent specialists in the U.S.  With rising energy costs, their role is to educate consumers as they provide dryer vent solutions.  Dryer Vent Wizard shares information on dryer vent maintenance and how to keep dryers running efficiently and reduce energy consumption and costs.  Visit http://www.charlottedryerventlady.com

The number one cause of dryer fires is reduced airflow from lint build-up inside the dryer and in the dryer ducts.  As the dryer labors to force heat and moisture through the clogged dryer vent system, a spark is thrown; the flammable lint ignites and creates perfect fuel for a rapidly spreading fire.

Proper air flow keeps drying time down, which keeps operating costs down.  Proper dryer vent cleaning and maintenance ensures your dryer is operating safely and efficiently.

Be sure your dryer duct system meets local codes.  Vinyl and flexible foil venting are not up to code; use semi rigid or rigid metal to achieve maximum air flow, extend the life of your dryer and reduce wear on your clothing.

Your clothes dryer was built to last; not too much can go wrong with it if the dryer vent system is installed properly and is properly maintained.  Many people call a dryer repair service when they notice increased drying times.  They think something in the dryer is wearing out; this is rarely the case.

Increased drying time is due to a lack of air-flow.  A dryer vent cleaning technician is who you need to call; not a dryer repair service.  In fact, most dryer ailments are caused by lint build-up; cleaning dryer vents cures most dryer ailments.

Emilie Benvegna owns Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte, NC.  DVW specializes in all dryer exhaust issues; they provide dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation to make clothes dryers operate safely and efficiently.  Learn more at http://dryerventcleaningmooresville.blogspot.com/

Dryer Vent Cleaning is the number one defense against clothes dryer fires.  Out of sight, out of mind is the reason dryer vent cleaning is often overlooked, but you really cannot afford to ignore this chore.  Dryer lint screens only catch about 60-80 percent of the lint removed from laundry; the rest ends up trapped in the dryer exhaust system where it builds up and becomes a fire hazard.

Lint is highly flammable which makes it good fuel for a fire to spread throughout your dryer vent system and your home.  As your dryer is working moisture and lint are removed from your clothes.  The moist lint sticks to the sides of the dryer ducts and eventually builds up.  Over time this reduces airflow, the dryer works harder and the motor overheats.  This is a fire hazard and the cause of increased energy consumption.

Dryer Vent Inspection and Safety Tips

Clean the lint trap after every load of laundry even if there is only a small amount of lint on the screen.  The lint should be dry; if it's wet then there is an airflow problem most likely due to lint build-up in the dryer ducts.  Wash the lint screen with soapy water every few months to remove residue from dryer sheets.  Check the screen for tears. 

Look for lint on the floor behind and around the dryer.  If there is lint around the dryer then you need to have a dryer vent specialist inspect the system; this is a sign that it is time for dryer vent cleaning.

Go outside and inspect the dryer vent hood while the dryer is running to be sure it is opening and there is airflow.  You should see it working; if not, then it is time for a good dryer vent cleaning and inspection.

If clothes are taking more than one cycle to dry this is a sign of restricted airflow.  It is not a sign that the dryer is wearing out even if it is very old.  Other signs of poor airflow are clothes having a moldy or smoky smell when they come out of the dryer or if laundry is very hot when you remove it.

More Safety Tips for the Laundry Room

Do not place clothes or rags soaked with flammable materials in the dryer even if they have been washed.  Some combustible residue can remain on the fabric and cause a fire hazard.  These items should be line dried.

Laundry rooms make great storage areas but do not store flammable chemicals like paint thinners or lighter fluid near the clothes dryer.

Never leave the house or go to sleep when the dryer is running.

Dryer Vent Cleaning and Maintenance

Dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year.  There are products you can buy to clean your dryer ducts including brushes with rods that can be attached to a drill but most of these products are only good for short, straight dryer ducts.  If you have a run longer that 10 feet or one with elbows then it's a good idea to call a dryer vent cleaning professional to do the job.  A dryer vent repair and maintenance specialist will have the equipment needed to do the job right.  Since most dryer exhaust systems are installed by homeowners many have problems that need to be addressed. 

Dryer Vent Repairs and Alterations

A dryer vent professional can do a thorough inspection of your dryer vent system to be sure it meets current safety codes.  Plastic or vinyl ducts should be replaced with rigid or semi-rigid metal.  Depending on the location of your clothes dryer this can prove to be a big job, sometimes requiring tearing into a wall or ceiling. 

Dryer vent cleaning, repair and proper installation are critical to preventing fires and ensuring your dryer exhaust system is working efficiently.  The fee for this service is small compared to the loss of your home should you have a fire.  In addition the money saved on energy bills and appliance repair bills is much more than the service charge for dryer vent cleaning and maintenance.

Emilie Benvegna is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte, North Carolina.  She specializes in all dryer vent and dryer exhaust issues, providing dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation while educating her customers on dryer fire prevention and energy savings.  To promote public awareness on the importance of dryer vent cleaning and maintenance Emilie has posted informative articles on her blog at http://dryerventcleaninghuntersville.blogspot.com/

99 out of 100 clothes dryers have a problem with air flow and lint build up which can cause a dryer to run inefficiently and eventually, lead to a fire

Charlotte, NC -- Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes has noticed the biggest safety hazard in clothes dryers are the dryer vent and duct assembly.  Emilie Benvegna, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Charlotte, North Carolina, once received a call from a tenant who was concerned about her clothes dryer taking more than one cycle to dry a load of laundry.  When Emilie arrived at the apartment complex where roof was recently replaced she discovered that the dryer ducts were completely obstructed.   The tenant was appreciative of Emilie's service,  "I'm so happy that I called Dryer Vent Wizard.  Emilie explained the problem to me and I just can't put into words how relieved I am that a potential fire hazard has been fixed."

Emilie specializes in all dryer exhaust issues as she performs dryer vent inspections and corrects problems before they become dangerous.  There are at least 10 factors to look at when checking a clothes dryer for safety, including the dryer ducts and vents, airflow and signs of lint build-up.  When a customer complains about their clothes dryer taking too long to get clothes dry, this is a big red flag, indicating a probable venting problem.  Many people think it is normal for older dryers to take longer to dry their clothes.  Emilie makes sure her customers understand that this is a myth.

Dryer exhaust systems should be checked by a professional annually to be sure the system is in good working order.  Some homes have longer vents making it more difficult for homeowners to access all parts of the vent for cleaning.  Dryer Vent Wizard has special equipment for accessing and cleaning all parts of the dryer vent system. 

To promote consumer awareness on the importance of dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer duct installation, read Emilie's articles at http://dryerventcleaninghuntersville.blogspot.com/

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.  Visit http://www.charlottedryerventlady.com to learn more.

Dryer vent cleaning; is it really that big of a deal?  Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about dryer vent cleaning:

Q:  Honestly, do I really need to concern myself with dryer vent cleaning?

A:  Yes!  One of the leading causes of house fires is the clothes dryer!  Most dryer fires happen as the result of improper maintenance, mainly, failure to clean the dryer vents and exhaust ducts.

Q:  How often is dryer vent cleaning recommended?

A:  Dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year; more often if you have a large family or several pets as pet hair also builds up in the system.

Q:  How can I tell if dryer vent cleaning is necessary?

A:  The number one sign of dryer lint build-up is your dryer taking more than one cycle to properly dry your clothes.

Q:  My home is a newer model with the laundry facilities upstairs near the bedrooms; does this mean my dryer vent system is more efficient; therefore requiring less need for maintenance?

A:  No!  Though there are advantages to newer systems being more energy efficient, your clothes dryer requires proper air-flow in order to perform its job.  The location of your laundry room requires longer exhaust ducts; therefore, more places for lint to build up and create a problem.  In fact, longer ducts means less air-flow and increased lint build-up.

Q:  My old dryer does take longer to dry a load of laundry; could it be wearing out?

A:  Not likely; this is a sure sign of lint build-up.  If your dryer is heating up and clothes are not drying, it is because there is no air-flow.  Lint has built up so heat and moisture cannot escape from the dryer drum.  Even a brand new dryer will not work if the dryer ducts are blocked.

Most dryer vents are mounted about two feet above the ground on the wall outside of the laundry room.  Some dryers are vented through the roof.  Some dryer ducts are very short and straight; others are very long, especially if the laundry room is upstairs or in the basement.  Some systems are quite easily cleaned by the average homeowner; others require special tools and equipment.  A certified dryer vent professional will have the necessary tools to do the job.

Emilie Benvegna is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte North Carolina.  She started business in 2006 and has over seven years of experience in the construction field industry.  For more tips on saving energy and preventing dryer fires read Emilie's blog at http://dryerventcleaningcharlottenc.blogspot.com/

Dryer vent cleaning; is it really that big of a deal?  Questions answered during recent interview with Emilie Benvegna, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard

Huntersville, NC - Emilie Benvegna is the owner/operator of Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte, NC.  During a recent interview, Emilie made it quite clear that dryer vent cleaning is important.

When asked, "Honestly, do I really need to concern myself with dryer vent cleaning?"  Emilie answered, "Yes!  The clothes dryer is one of the leading causes of house fires.  Failure to maintain the dryer exhaust system causes over 15,000 fires annually."

The next question was, "How often is dryer vent cleaning recommended?"  Emilie said, "Dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year; more often if you have a large family or several pets, as pet hair also clogs a dryer vent system."

Someone who owns a newer home asked Emilie, "I have a newer home with the laundry room upstairs near the bedrooms.  Does this mean I have a more efficient system that requires less maintenance?"  Emilie answered, "No!  Though there are advantages to newer appliances being more energy efficient, your clothes dryer requires proper air-flow in order to perform its job.  The location of your laundry room requires longer exhaust ducts; therefore, more places for lint to build up and create a problem."

Another person told Emilie, "My old dryer is taking much longer to dry a load of clothes than it did when it was new; therefore, I think I should go ahead and buy a new dryer before having any work done on the dryer exhaust."  Emilie responded, "If your dryer is heating up and clothes are not drying, it is because there is no air-flow.  Lint has built up so heat and moisture cannot escape from the dryer drum.  Even a brand new dryer will not work if the dryer ducts are blocked."

Emilie Benvegna is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte North Carolina.  She started business in 2006 and has over seven years of experience in the construction field industry.  Emilie provides dryer vent cleaning and repairs for consumers and businesses in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg Counties and neighboring cities and communities.  Learn more at http://www.charlottedryerventlady.com

There is always something that needs a homeowner's attention, including yard maintenance, appliance maintenance, plumbing, electrical and much more!  It all can be very overwhelming; some important things are often forgotten.

The most common appliance maintenance issue often overlooked by homeowners is the clothes dryer.  We throw in a load of wet laundry, set the dial and take it for granted as it usually gives us the result we are looking for; dry clothes.

Unless you're one of the unfortunate people who have experienced a dryer fire you probably don't give it much thought.  Do you know that over 15,000 dryer fires are reported annually?  Almost every one of these fires is caused by failure to maintain with proper dryer vent cleaning.

Your dryer duct system removes the moisture, heat and lint from your laundry as it dries.  If you have a gas dryer, it also removes gas by-products that you don't want venting into your home as they pose a carbon monoxide risk.

Approximately 60% of the lint is caught in the lint screen that should be cleaned after each load of laundry.  The other 40% escapes into your dryer duct system where some of it makes it to the vent outside.  Some gets stuck in the ducts along the way.  As the lint builds up, air flow is restricted; therefore, the heat and moisture cannot escape and clothes take longer to dry.

Sticky, moist lint attracts more lint.  It can build up quite quickly.  Lint is combustible; a dryer fire will spread very quickly.  A professional dryer vent cleaning specialist can inspect your system to be sure it meets today's safety codes.  Not only is dryer vent cleaning essential; proper installation of proper materials is important to ensure safety.

This article was written by Emilie Benvegna, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Fort Mill, SC.  Emilie specializes in dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, maintenance and installation, while educating consumers on preventing dryer fires and saving energy.  Visit http://www.charlottedryerventlady.com to learn more.

The most common appliance maintenance issue often overlooked by homeowners is the clothes dryer

Fort Mill, SC - At a recent workshop for homeowners, Emilie Benvegna, owner of dryer vent wizard spoke about appliance maintenance, mainly, clothes dryers.  "Over 15,000 dryer fires are reported annually; most of these fires are a result of improper maintenance.  Your clothes dryer is more likely to start a fire than any other appliance in your home; yet, many consumers are not aware of the importance of annual dryer vent cleaning."

Emilie explained that the lint screen only catches about 60 percent of the lint removed from laundry.  This means that nearly 40 percent becomes trapped in the dryer duct system.

Emilie said, "As lint builds up, air flow is restricted; therefore, heat and moisture are unable to escape the dryer drum.  Clothes take longer to dry and your over-worked dryer is using excess energy.  This is also a fire hazard."

Emilie purchased her Dryer Vent Wizard franchise in 2006 after seven years in the construction field industry.  Emilie has found the career change rewarding as she educates her customers on the importance of proper dryer vent cleaning and maintenance.

Emilie's closing remarks really hit home for those who attended the workshop.  "Your dryer vent system is also responsible for removing gas by-products from your home, if you have a gas dryer. When the ducts are clogged with lint-build up, it can cause carbon monoxide to vent into your home.

Dryer Vent Wizard recommends professional dryer vent cleaning annually.  They also provide dryer vent repair, installation and inspections to be sure dryer vent systems meet current safety codes.  Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com to learn more.

When a dryer fire occurs in an apartment complex, a lot of lives are in danger and many people end up homeless, due to the negligence of one tenant

Charlotte, NC - Over 15,000 clothes dryer fires are reported annually; fires are most devastating when they occur in apartment buildings.  Emilie Benvegna recently spoke at a real estate investor's association meeting where she displayed a model of a dryer vent system as she explained its function.  She showed everyone how easily a fire could start in the dryer vent and how quickly it could spread throughout the apartment complex.   Emilie explained, "Lint is highly combustible.  When a dryer vent is clogged with lint, air-flow is restricted, causing overheating and eventually, a fire.  This is especially devastating in an apartment building where many lives are at risk."

Emilie Benvegna, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Charlotte, North Carolina, explained the importance of proper maintenance to prevent dryer fires.  "Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year.  When tenants don't properly maintain their dryer vent systems, the landlord or property manager is liable for whatever happens.  In large buildings, many lives are at risk, because of one negligent tenant," Emilie explained.

Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in dryer vent cleaning, repair, installation and alterations.  They also provide an invaluable service to their community, educating each customer in dryer vent maintenance and dryer fire prevention.  Emilie covers everything her customers need to know about proper cleaning and maintenance of their dryer vent system.  "My job isn't complete until my customer understands how their dryer vent system works and how to maintain it between annual cleanings," Emilie said.

Emilie 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 inspection and necessary repairs is really small compared to potential damages, injuries and loss of lives if a dryer vent fire should occur," said Emilie.  Read Emilie's blog at http://dryerventcleaningcharlottenc.blogspot.com/  for more tips and information on dryer vent maintenance. 

The clothes dryer is a convenience most people refuse to be without and many take for granted.  It seems to be the simplest appliance that rarely breaks down; it just keeps working.  It may be slowing down over the years, but don't all clothes dryers eventually take an extra cycle to get the laundry dry?  Sadly, this is misconception; many people think it is normal when an older dryer takes longer to dry a load of clothes. 

The most common cause of a dryer cycle taking longer to complete is lint build-up in the dryer duct and vent system.  The lint that escapes the trap should make it outside, but some gets trapped in the ductwork along the way.  Eventually, it builds up and reduces the air flow needed by the dryer to properly dry the clothes.  The duct system is responsible for removing the lint and moisture from the laundry as it dries.  Without air flow, the hot moisture is trapped in the dryer drum with the wet laundry.

The Lint Screen 

The lint screen catches most of the lint that is removed from your laundry and should be cleaned after each load.  Notice as you pull it out that not all of the lint remains on the screen.  Some is already dusted on the housing for the screen; some probably fell off way down in there.  It will be forced down further as you replace the lint screen.  It isn't much, but this much, each time you do a load of laundry, adds up. 

Dryer Ducts and Dryer Vent 

The dryer ducts and vent that leads to the outside of your home is designed to remove the heat and moisture from the dryer as the clothing dries.  With sufficient air flow, a great deal of the lint that escaped the screen should float out through the vent as well; however, moist lint can easily stick to the sides of the ducts, especially if your duct system is very long or if it takes one or more turns on the way to the vent.  Moist lint attracts more moist lint; it eventually builds up and clogs the vent, reducing air flow and increasing drying time.

Proper Maintenance 

Keeping the lint screen clean after each load of laundry is only one small part of clothes dryer maintenance.  A professional dryer vent cleaning specialist should inspect your dryer vent system and perform a thorough cleaning at least once a year.  Dryer vent cleaning will make your clothes dryer run more efficiently, save on drying time and energy costs, reduce the chances of break-down, avoiding appliance repair bills and increase the life of your appliance.  Most importantly, dryer vent cleaning will prevent a clothes dryer fire which is the ultimate result of lint build-up in a dryer vent system.

This article was written by Emilie Benvegna, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte, North Carolina.  Emilie happily began her rewarding career in the dryer vent cleaning business in 2006.  Her goal is to provide great customer service and educate consumers with tips to save energy and prevent fires with proper dryer maintenance.  Dryer Vent Wizard services Charlotte, Concord, Huntersville, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Matthews, Pineville, Monroe, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Mooresville, Gastonia, Rock Hill, Cornelius, UpTown, SouthPark, Ballentine and neighboring cities and communities.