Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Dryer Vent Repair: Are Raccoons Living in your Dryer Vent?

Dryer vent cleaning and dryer vent repair are necessary if you notice raccoons or other small critters making their winter home in your dryer vent. This is not something for the average homeowner to handle; it’s best left to a professional. Raccoons and other small animals can carry rabies or other diseases.

Once the critters have been evicted you will need to call a dryer vent cleaning specialist to remove the flammable nesting materials that they brought in. They will also do a thorough dryer vent cleaning, including inside the back of the clothes dryer. Lint build-up in the dryer chassis can cause mechanical problems as well as a fire hazard.

After a complete dryer vent cleaning, the service technician will install a proper dryer vent and vent guard outside to keep the small animals out. Dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually to be sure the dryer exhaust system is working safely and efficiently.

Cleaning dryer vents is the number one way to prevent dryer fires. Dryer vent cleaning helps your clothes dryer function more efficiently; therefore, saving energy and reducing the risk of mechanical breakdown resulting in high appliance repair bills. Clean dryer vent to increase the life of your appliance.

Don Brusseau is a certified dryer vent and dryer exhaust technician specializing in dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair and dryer vent installation. Don enjoys building relationships with his customers and educating them on efficient use and maintenance of their dryer vent system.

Get the Lint out! Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent lint cleaning for homes and businesses in Hartford, Newington, New Britain, Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Danbury, Middletown, Portland, New Haven, Waterbury, Milford, and all cities and communities in Connecticut.

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Monday, November 2, 2009

Dryer Vent Repair and Annual Dryer Vent Cleaning advice from the Wizard of Connecticut

Dryer vent repair and regular dryer vent cleaning is necessary to prevent over 15,000 dryer fires that occur each year. Failure to complete routine maintenance and inspections is a leading contributor in dryer fires across the nation.

Dryer vents clogged with lint, dust and hair are the top contributors to dryer related fires. To reduce this risk, clean lint screens and traps before and after every use. Wash lint screens with soap and water at least once a month to remove residue buildup caused by dryer sheets. Make sure your dryer vent system is properly installed and up to code according to city, state, and manufacturer recommendations. Replace foil or plastic vents with vent made from semi-rigid or solid metal material. Check the path of the dryer vent. Be sure it is as straight and short as possible. This helps prevent buildup at the elbows of vent systems. Check out the outside hood of the venting system. Make sure it is free from blockages, freezing, or other damages. In addition to these actions, have the dryer vent system and your dryer professionally inspected and cleaned seasonally.

Dryer vent repair, proper installation and annual dryer vent cleaning are very important for reducing the risk of a dryer fire. To enhance prevention, be sure to keep a working fire extinguisher that is designed for use in laundry rooms near the washer and dryer. Test the batteries on all smoke alarms frequently and replace when necessary. Do not store flammable or combustible materials near the dryer and avoid drying clothing covered in such materials. Develop a fire safety/emergency plan. Be sure to include exits and meeting places in the plan. Discuss and practice the plan with all household members. Learn the warning signs of lint buildup and clogged dryer vents.

Dryer Vent Repair or Dryer Vent Cleaning is Necessary if:

• Clothes take more than one cycle to dry
• There is no lint visible on lint screen
• Dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle
• Clothes have a moldy smell after a dry cycle
• Clothes are very hot after a dry cycle

Dryer vent repair and cleaning will cure most dryer ailments. If your clothes dryer is working less efficiently than when it was new, then you likely have a clogged dryer vent system. This is not a sign of age or the dryer being worn out. In most cases, dryer problems are caused by lack of air-flow. Ignoring the problem can lead to a dryer fire.

Don Brusseau, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Connecticut, is a certified dryer exhaust technician who specializes in dryer vent exhaust systems. Don enjoys building relationships with customers and educating them on the efficient use and maintenance of their dryer exhaust system. Don provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation, dryer vent inspections and all dryer vent services for homes and businesses in Hartford, Newington, New Britain, Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Danbury, Middletown, Portland, New Haven, Waterbury, Milford, and all cities and communities in Connecticut

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Dryer Vent Repair Advice from the Wizard of Danbury

Dryer Vent Repair for Dryer Efficiency Danbury, Connecticut

The most important thing your clothes dryer needs is clear exhaust; most dryers fail to operate as a result of inadequate dryer vent systems. Improperly maintained dryer vent systems can lead to premature failure of bearings, drum rollers, motor, element and other critical parts.

Indications of improper dryer venting includes:

Longer drying time; more than one cycle to dry a load
Clothes are unusually hot at the end of the dryer cycle
Dryer is noisy – thumping scraping sounds
Dryer repeatedly shuts off before clothes are dry
Automatic sensors fail to shut off
Clothes have a moldy or smoky smell after dryer cycle
Dryer cabinet is hot when dryer is running

Dryer Vent Repair for Consumers in Danbury, Connecticut

Dryer vent repair is necessary if you are experiencing any of the above listed problems. The dryer vent system through which dryer exhaust travels is critical in keeping your home free of excess heat and moisture. The health of your dryer vent system is directly related to the stress that is placed on the dryer. Failure to repair and maintain your dryer vent system will lessen the lifespan of your dryer.

Typical Dryer Vent Repairs for Danbury Customers

Check the dryer vent to be sure the clamps are tight; often a loose clamp causes a dryer vent become disconnected.

Vinyl or flexible foil dryer venting is no longer considered acceptable for dryer ducts. Replace this with 4-inch rigid metal piping. Connect it to the dryer with a pipe clamp and seal joints with foil tape (not duct tape!)

If you have a good dryer vent exhaust system that meets city, state and manufacturer’s codes and you are still experiencing problems then a good cleaning is necessary to remove lint build-up.

Dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually to maintain a safe, efficient clothes dryer. Failure to maintain dryer vent systems is the number one cause of dryer fires and increased energy bills.

Dryer Vent Wizard of Connecticut provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation, dryer vent inspections and all dryer vent services for homes and businesses in Hartford, Newington, New Britain, Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Danbury, Middletown, Portland, New Haven, Waterbury, Milford, and all cities and communities in Connecticut

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