Clean Dryer Vents to Avoid Paying the Appliance Repair Man

Clean dryer vents each year to keep your clothes dryer running safely and efficiently. With a properly installed dryer vent system that is kept free from lint build-up, your clothes dryer should last a very long time.

Blocked air-flow is your clothes dryer’s worst enemy; however, there are several common things that can prevent a clothes dryer from working properly. Here is a guide for troubleshooting dryer problems:

The Dryer won’t Start

Even though this seems too simple, check the power supply; make sure it is plugged in and check the circuit breaker or fuse. Many homeowners have been embarrassed when the technician comes in and bills them for a service call when all they had to do was plug the dryer in. There are reasons the dryer could have been unplugged; maybe you were doing some spring cleaning and the cord was in the way or it came loose when you were sweeping behind the dryer. Cats seem to like to go where they shouldn’t; it’s possible the cat brushed by and the cord came loose.

Check the timer to see if it is working; you should be able to hear it clicking as it moves. Check the start switch for loose connections or broken wires. Make sure the door closes properly to engage the door switch.

Drum Turns but no Heat

Check to be sure the gas is on. Yes, this is another simple, obvious solution that could save you some money. Make sure the door seal fits tight; check for signs of wear. Check the thermostat

Dryer Runs – Drum doesn’t Turn

First, make sure the door closes properly so the switch is engaged and the dryer isn’t overloaded. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, the drum belt is likely loose or the bearings are worn. The manual should have instructions on how to tighten or replace the belt. While you’re checking the belt, look for other items that could be rubbing against the drum.

The Dryer makes loud Thumping or Scraping Noises

There are a number of things that can cause this problem, including a loose drum belt, worn bearings or the drum support roller.

Clothes take Longer to Dry

This is a very common problem that eventually happens with most dryers. Most people think that this is normal; the dryer is old and worn out. This is a myth; there is most likely nothing wrong with the dryer. The problem is lint build-up in the dryer ducts; this is a fire hazard. The dryer needs to be pulled away from the wall and the dryer duct needs to be cleaned. Lint blockages in the dryer vent system will prevent the dryer from expelling hot air; the heat is trapped in the system and the combustible lint catches fire.

Lint can also be built up around the dryer drum, on the motor or heating element. Manufacturers recommend professional annual dryer vent cleaning to be sure your clothes dryer is working safely and efficiently.

Always unplug the dryer before attempting to take it apart to check for problems. If you are unable to diagnose or fix the problem yourself then you need to call a professional. Dryer vent cleaning fixes most problems with clothes dryers as the air-flow is the most important part of a clothes dryer’s function. Most dryer vent cleaning specialists can also do the simple repairs like tightening belts and pulleys or replacing bearings.

Dryer Vent Wizard is a nationwide company providing dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, and dryer vent installation in many market areas including Boise, ID; Charlotte, NC; San Diego, CA; Leesburg, VA; Arlington, VA, Fairfax, VA; Connecticut; Raleigh, NC; Washington DC, VA; Livonia, MI; Denver, CO; Cleveland, OH; Boston, MA; Massachusetts, New Hampshire; Birmingham, MI; Bloomfield Hills, MI; Wausau, WI; Long Island, NY; Sacramento, CA; Temecula, CA; Baltimore, MD; Columbus, OH; Minneapolis, MN; St. Joseph, MO; Kansas City, MO; Boca Raton, FL; Atlanta, GA; York, PA; Lancaster, PA; Nashville, TN; Murfreesboro, TN; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Santa Rosa, CA; Vallejo, CA; San Francisco, CA; Fresno, CA; Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH; Birmingham, AL; Baltimore, MD; Pittsburg, PA; Modesto, CA; Syracuse, NY

Clean Dryer Vents, Repair Dryer Vents, Properly Install Dryer Vents, Prevent Fires, Save Energy

One of the main concerns consumers have when purchasing new appliances is energy efficiency. Clothes dryers are among the top five energy users in your home. When looking at clothes dryers, choose one that has automatic sensors that shut the dryer off when the clothes are dry.

Clean dryer vents to maximize air flow, prevent dryer fires and reduce energy consumption. Proper installation of dryer vent systems is also very important. If you are not sure if your dryer vent system is up to code, then you should have an inspection done by a dryer vent installation specialist.

Here are some additional energy saving facts about clothes dryers:

What is better, Electric or Gas?

Gas dryers typically cost about half as much to operate than electric dryers. Check with you local appliance store for information about the operating costs for both gas and electric on the model you are considering.

Install Dryer Vents to Vent Outside!

By law, all dryers must be vented to the outdoors; not the basement, attic or craw space. The combination of heat and moisture can produce mold which is harmful to your health. Mold and mildew also causes damage to the walls and ceilings in your home. In addition, you should also be concerned about carbon monoxide if you have a gas dryer.

Dryer Vent Installation Code

Dryer vent exhaust ducts should be made of rigid metal, not flexible foil or vinyl. The dryer duct should be 4 inches in diameter with a smooth interior. The entire dryer vent pipe should be short and straight for optimum air-flow. 45 degree and 90 degree turns slow down the air-flow and put stress on the dryer. A very long duct also slows down air-flow, causing the dryer to labor and use more energy.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

There are tools available for homeowners to purchase for cleaning their dryer ducts. One is a brush that attaches to a long, flexible rod. There is also a vent cleaning augur brush that rotates on a cordless drill. Dryer lint also accumulates inside the dryer, around the drum, motor, heating element, etc…

Some dryer vents are short, straight and easy for the homeowner to get to. Others require special tools and the expertise of a dryer vent cleaning professional.

No matter how energy efficient your clothes dryer is, it will cost an additional $200 – 300 per year to operate if it does not get proper air flow. Dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer vent installation is important for preventing fires and reducing energy cost.

This article was written by D. Benson, franchise leader of Dryer Vent Wizard, the largest chain of dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation companies in the US. Dryer Vent Wizard is meeting their goal to make one million clothes dryers safer and greener by the year 2010.

Dryer Vent Wizard of Central Indiana provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation, dryer vent inspections and all dryer vent services for homes and businesses in Boise, ID; Charlotte, NC; San Diego, CA; Leesburg, VA; Arlington, VA, Fairfax, VA; Connecticut; Raleigh, NC; Washington DC, VA; Livonia, MI; Denver, CO; Cleveland, OH; Boston, MA; Massachusetts, New Hampshire; Birmingham, MI; Bloomfield Hills, MI; Wausau, WI; Long Island, NY; Sacramento, CA; Temecula, CA; Baltimore, MD; Columbus, OH; Minneapolis, MN; St. Joseph, MO; Kansas City, MO; Boca Raton, FL; Atlanta, GA; York, PA; Lancaster, PA; Nashville, TN; Murfreesboro, TN; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Santa Rosa, CA; Vallejo, CA; San Francisco, CA; Fresno, CA; Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH; Birmingham, AL; Baltimore, MD; Pittsburg, PA; Modesto, CA; Syracuse, NY and neighboring cities and communities.

Green Dryer Tips: Cleaning Clogged Dryer Vents

Automatic clothes dryers are a wonderful invention; very convenient, but not without a price. Over 6 % of electricity consumed by Americans was from clothes dryers. Even more energy is consumed by dryers when dryer vents are clogged with lint.

Remember the clothes line your grand parents used? Sheets and towels dry in the sun and breeze. No need for artificial products to make your laundry smell mountain fresh. No need for gas or electricity. The greenest of clothes dryers is free and it can be in your back yard.

Okay, so we sound a little outdated here. Few Americans will fall for this one, but some are still using clotheslines when the weather is right. I’m sure very few will completely give up the convenience of the clothes dryer, but you can save some energy by using a clothesline part of the time.

So, you get a new clothes dryer and enjoy the convenience of the appliance. Soon you notice clothes taking longer to dry. You ignore the warning sign of a fire hazard because you believe this to be normal; the dryer is over a year old! There is nothing wrong with the dryer; lint has built up in the dryer ducts and heat and moisture are not able to escape the dryer drum.

You ignore the problem while you continue to spend even more on energy to get your clothes dry. The biggest financial set back is yet to come. As the dryer vent system overheats, a spark is thrown; the flammable lint ignites and you lose your entire home!

Almost every home in the US has a clothes dryer and over 15,000 dryer fires are reported each year. Clogged dryer vents were cited as the number one cause of dryer related fires. Annual dryer vent cleaning is recommended to keep clothes dryers running safely and efficiently.

D. Benson of Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in all dryer vent exhaust issues. Dryer Vent Wizard, in cooperation with the NFPA, is working to promote consumer awareness on dryer fire prevention and to make one million clothes dryers safer and greener by the year 2010.

Dryer Vent Wizard is a nationwide company servicing many areas in and around Boise, ID; Charlotte, NC; San Diego, CA; Leesburg, VA; Arlington, VA, Fairfax, VA; Connecticut; Raleigh, NC; Washington DC, VA; Livonia, MI; Denver, CO; Cleveland, OH; Boston, MA; Massachusetts, New Hampshire; Birmingham, MI; Bloomfield Hills, MI; Wausau, WI; Long Island, NY; Sacramento, CA; Temecula, CA; Baltimore, MD; Columbus, OH; Minneapolis, MN; St. Joseph, MO; Kansas City, MO; Boca Raton, FL; Atlanta, GA; York, PA; Lancaster, PA; Nashville, TN; Murfreesboro, TN; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Santa Rosa, CA; Vallejo, CA; San Francisco, CA; Fresno, CA; Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH; Birmingham, AL; Baltimore, MD; Pittsburg, PA; Modesto, CA; Syracuse, NY