Dryer Vent Cleaning Advice – Sterling, VA: Do you Know What is in Your Dryer Vent?

By: Dayne

When is the last time you thought about your dryer vent? Few people realize the lint from your clothes ends up not only in the lint trap but also flows into the dryer vent where it accumulates over time. Highly combustible lint combined with excessive temperatures from the dryer is a recipe for a fire. 


Dryer fires usually start beneath the dryer when the motor overheats. Overheating is caused by a build-up of lint in the duct that increases the drying time and blocks the flow of air. Other contributing conditions may include lint inside the dryer, a missing or damaged lint screen, an excessively long vent, non-code vent material (plastic, vinyl and non-rated foil) that may kink or stop airflow, or a bird’s nest or other debris blocking the vent. 


The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there are 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries associated with dryers annually, with costs over $80 million. Dryer vent cleaning significantly reduces the risk of this type of fire. 


Warning Signs 



  • Dryer is still producing heat but taking longer and longer to dry clothes

  • Clothes are hotter than usual at the end of the cycle or smell burnt

  • Outdoor flapper on vent hood doesn't fully open when the dryer is on.

  • Condensation is found on the dryer’s interior


 

Additional Benefits to Dryer Vent Cleaning 



  • Allows dryer to operate more efficiently and saves you money.

  • Protects dryer from excess wear and premature death.

  • Helps clothes dry faster—a time saver for busy families.

  • Reduces excess household dust and humidity.

  • Helps preserve clothing, as many fabrics are damaged by excessive heat.


 

Dryer Vent Cleaning 


Service providers should thoroughly inspect your dryer vent line from the dryer to the termination point outside your home. A brush and vacuum system is the most effective method of cleaning vents, and providers should have a tool long enough to clean the entire vent. Plastic, vinyl or foil vent material could be damaged by cleaning tools, allowing moisture to flow into walls or living spaces. This can result in mold growth and respiratory illness. This material should be replaced with code-compliant vent material. 


By following these simple guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of having a dryer fire or moisture damage in your home. And always remember – never run the clothes dryer while you are out of the house or sleeping, and it really is important to clean your lint trap every time you dry a load of clothes. 


This article was written by Janice Bittner, owner of http://www.dryerventwizard  in Northern Virginia.  Janice specializes in dryer vent cleaning, maintenance, repair and alterations to prevent clothes dryer fires.  She is also committed to educating all of her customers, explaining to them how their dryer duct and vent system works and how to properly maintain it to reduce the risk of fire.  Janice services Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington and Alexandria Counties.

Article Source: http://www.articleszoom.com

About the Author :
Dryer Vent Wizard is a nationwide company, 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.At Dryer Vent Wizard, we take pride that we are helping homeowners and apartment managers preventdryer vent fires and other dryer vent hazards. At the same time, we are keeping their utility bills down with a semi-annual dryer vent cleaning.We pride ourselves on our quality service and professionalism. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction.Our service are Cleaning, Repair,Alteration, Installation Service.

Please Rate this Article

 

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Business & Careers Articles Via RSS!

Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
© 2006 articleszoom.com | Free Quality Articles for Everyone

Powered by Article Dashboard