Dryer Vent Wizard Names Dayton Dryer Vent Cleaning Franchisee Rookie of the Year

The award recognizes Ken Mladonicky for his solid start, steady growth and generous contribution to the franchise network

Greg Longe, CEO of Dryer Vent Wizard announced the awarding of the Rookie of the Year Award to franchisee, Ken Mladonicky at the national conference in Orlando, Florida. This award recognizes Mladonicky for his solid start, steady growth, high level of customer ratings and contributions to the franchise network. Prior to becoming a dryer vent cleaning wizard he was employed as an engineer.

Dryer Vent Wizard is a national franchise company specializing in dryer vent maintenance, inspections, repair, replacement and alterations for residential, commercial and multi-family condo and townhouses. Dryer vent cleaning service is the best solution to poor dryer performance caused by lint accumulation in the dryer vent, disrepair or improper vent configuration or venting material causing problems with airflow --a known fire hazard.

The company’s ongoing dryer fire prevention and energy savings awareness campaign has helped residential and commercial clients understand the need for annual dryer vent maintenance in the laundry room. Dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair and new dryer vent installation by the Wizard ensures the clothes dryer operates safely and efficiently. Visit http://www.dryerventinstallation.net/ to learn more.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration there are an average of 17,000 dryer fires in the U.S. with an approximate $194 million in property, damage 15 deaths and 400 injuries annually. “Failure to clean” was cited as the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in residential buildings. Similar reports by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, (CPSC), confirm annual maintenance of dryers and dryer vents as a home safety issue lacking consumer awareness.

Dryer Vent Wizard was founded in 2004 by David Lavalle in Boston, Massachusetts. The company has awarded 60 franchises in major metro markets since franchising began in March 2005. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com for “tips” on dryer fire prevention and energy savings in the home.

About Dryer Vent Wizard:
Dryer Vent Wizard 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 nearly 60 franchisees in major markets. Dryer Vent Wizard franchisees work to promote public awareness on the importance of dryer vent cleaning to prevent dryer fires and save energy. Consumer education while making clothes dryers safer and greener are the main focus of DVW franchisees. Dryer Vent Wizard was founded in 2004 by Dave Lavalle who is also the founder of the Mr. Handyman franchise.

Dryer Vent Cleaning and Proper Dryer Vent Installation can save you $300 per year…or more!

Dryer vent cleaning is important maintenance to keep your clothes dryer operating efficiently. An overworked, poorly vented clothes dryer can cost an additional $300 per year to operate. It can also be a serious fire hazard, resulting in the loss of your home or even your life!

Like with any appliance, there are several things that can go wrong with a clothes dryer; however, most dryer ailments can be cured with professional dryer vent cleaning. The most important thing your dryer needs in order to operate is air-flow. Think about it; the heat and moisture from your wet laundry has to go somewhere in order for the load to come out dry. If there is a blockage in the dryer vent system the heat and moisture are trapped in your laundry; therefore, it doesn’t dry.

There are several things you can do to properly maintain your clothes dryer. Obviously, keeping the lint screen clean is one of them. The lint screen should be cleaned after every load of laundry. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets can cause a residue to build up over time; the lint screen should be cleaned with hot, soapy water every few months to prevent air-flow blockage.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Lint build-up in the dryer duct restricts air-flow; this is the most common problem found when a clothes dryer isn’t functioning properly. Not only is this a fire hazard; it also causes your dryer to work harder and use more energy. A clogged dryer vent can increase your utility bills by nearly $300 per year.

Many dryers have longer ducts with places that are difficult for the average homeowner to get to. A professional has the tools required to do the job efficiently.

Inside the Dryer

Lint also builds up inside the dryer, in the slot for the removable lint filter, the vents on the back panel, around the motor, drums, pulleys and other essential parts of your dryer. A dryer vent cleaning professional has the knowledge and tools to get to all the areas where lint gets trapped.

It is important that your dryer exhaust system is properly installed and that the right materials are used. Older systems use vinyl, plastic or flexible foil for the exhaust duct; studies have proven this to be unsafe. A professional inspection is recommended to be sure your system is safe.

Manufacturers suggest having a professional provide dryer vent cleaning and maintenance at least once a year to be sure your dryer is venting properly and the system is up to current safety standards.

Dryer vent cleaning is the most important maintenance you can do for your dryer. Poor maintenance causes the dryer to overwork putting undue stress on the motor, bearings, belts and other parts of your dryer. Failure to properly maintain your dryer exhaust ducts will eventually result in a fire.

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

Dryer Vent Installation: Properly Installed Dryer Vents Prevent Fires

Dryer vent installation, when done correctly, prevents dryer fires and helps reduce energy costs. The clothes dryer is one of the most expensive appliances to operate. When dryer vents are clogged with lint or are improperly installed, more energy is wasted and they can be a fire hazard.

When moisture and lint are allowed to accumulate in the dryer vent system, air flow is restricted, causing your dryer to run longer, consuming more energy, as it labors to dry your laundry. Eventually, the entire system overheats or the dryer throws a spark and the flammable lint ignites.

Failure to clean dryer vents is the number one cause of dryer related fires. Another common cause is improperly installed dryer vent systems, or dryer vent systems of inferior material. Your dryer vent pipes should be replaced if:

• It is made of flexible foil or vinyl – these materials are no longer considered safe for dryer vents. Install dryer vents made of rigid or semi rigid metal for maximum air flow, safety and efficiency.

• It is very long – Longer dryer ducts allow moisture to condense, causing lint to stick to the sides of the dryer vent ducts and accumulate. The longer dryer ducts also cause your dryer to work harder to expel hot air.

• There are too many bends and turns – Bends and turns in the dryer duct slow air flow, causing the dryer to work harder.

• Sections are joined with screws – Screws protrude to the inside of the dryer vent pipe, catching lint and allowing it to build up and block air flow. Sections should be joined with metal tape so the inside of the dryer vent system is smooth.

• The laundry room is hot and humid – Leaks in the dryer vent ducts allow moisture to escape into your home, causing mold and mildew damage and upper respiratory problems for residents. In addition, if you have a gas dryer, you could also be in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• The dryer is vented into the crawl space, garage or attic – By law, all gas dryers must be vented outside! Venting heat and moisture to the crawl space or attic will cause mold and mildew damage to your home.

Proper dryer vent installation is important to reduce the risk of a dryer fire, improve the air quality in your home and ensure your clothes dryer is operating efficiently to save energy.

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.

Dryer Vent Installation Guide for Safety and Efficiency

Proper dryer vent installation is necessary to promote maximum air flow and prevent dryer fires. Improper installation can also cause condensation leading to mold and mildew damage to your home.

Short and Straight

The most direct route from the back of the dryer to the vent on the outside of your home, with few bends and turns, is the best. That is the reason clothes dryers are usually placed on an outside wall.

There are some cases where the direct route is not possible including dryers located in the basement, laundry rooms in apartment buildings or in the case of some newer homes, centrally located laundry areas where dryers must be vented through the roof.

Maximum Length

Dryer ducts should not be more than 25 feet if they are straight. Reduce the total length by 2.5 feet for each 45-deree bend and 5 feet for each 90-degree bend.

Rigid metal vent pipe is recommended for dryer vent systems; if you are using flexible dryer vent pipe it reduces airflow by 25%; therefore you must also reduce the total length of your dryer duct by 25%.

Flexible foil or vinyl dryer ducts are not safe to use for any dryer vent system because they can become crushed or sag, reducing air flow and creating a serious fire hazard.

Dryer Vent Booster Fan

If you have no choice but to exceed the 25 feet limit or you are venting your dryer through the roof it would be a good idea to install a dryer vent booster fan to increase air flow.

If your dryer vent installation project is particularly difficult you may want to hire it done to ensure you have a safe and efficient dryer vent system. Poorly installed dryer vent systems can be a fire hazard and they can cause you to have increased energy bills. Also, don't forget to have dryer vent cleaning done annually to keep your dryer vent system venting properly.

D. Benson of Dryer Vent Wizard is a dryer vent installation expert who provides all dryer exhaust services. Though homeowners can install their own, professional dryer vent installation is recommended to insure your clothes dryer has adequate air flow for safety and efficiency.

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

Dryer Vent Installation: Doing the Job Right

Proper dryer vent installation is crucial to safety and efficiency for your clothes dryer. Though kits are sold for indoor dryer vent, they are not safe and they do not provide adequate venting. Venting you clothes dryer to the outside is not an option; it is a requirement!

Improper dryer vent installation or use of inferior materials can result in damage to your home. Clothes dryers that are not vented create a huge mess of lint and excess moisture in the air you breathe. Worse yet, the hot air in the dryer may contain gas by-products like carbon monoxide that can be extremely dangerous.

Dryer vent installation is not too difficult as long as you have the proper tools and the ability to measure accurately. You will need a power drill, a jig saw or hole saw, tape measure, caulking gun and basic hand tools. The materials required include 4 inch rigid sheet metal duct, a dryer vent kit and foil tape (not duct tape).

Choose the location for the dryer vent and drill a hole through the wall from the inside. Insert a coat hanger bent at 90-degrees and spin it around to be sure you don’t hit anything inside the wall. Carefully enlarge the hole and look to see if there are any electrical wires that could be damaged in the process.

Now, drill a hole to the outside then check outside to see if the location is appropriate for a dryer vent; away from shrubbery or anything else that may be in the way. From the outside, use a 4-inch hole saw to cut the hole for the dryer vent pipe.

Use rust resistant wood screws to attach the dryer vent hood to the side of the house. The vent hood generally comes with a piece of vent pipe about a foot long which is already attached.

The best dryer vent system is straight; it doesn’t contain elbows. If this is the case, attach a piece of 4-inch dryer duct to the existing piece already attached to the hood with large hose clamps and seal the joints with foil tape. Do not use sheet metal screws as they will protrude into the pipe where they will catch and trap lint or create dryer exhaust leaks. Also, do not substitute duct tape for foil tape as duct tape is combustible.

It might be necessary to use 90-degree elbows to create your dryer duct. Keep in mind that short and straight are the best; a dryer duct should not be more than 25 feet long; reduce this by 5 feet for each 90-degree bend and 2.5 feet for each 45-degree bend.

D. Benson of Dryer Vent Wizard is a dryer vent installation expert who provides all dryer exhaust services. Though homeowners can install their own, professional dryer vent installation is recommended to insure your clothes dryer has adequate air flow for safety and efficiency.

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

Dryer Vent Installation Tips – Vent Outdoors Only!

Improper dryer vent installation can allow excess moisture into your home, causing mold and mildew problems. All clothes dryers should be vented to the outside of your home.

Indoor Dryer Vents

Indoor dryer vents are inadequate and they require extra attention. They are supposed to be filled with water to trap the lint while the warm air goes into the room. This type of dryer vent also makes the air very damp which will lead to mold and mildew problems.

An indoor vent usually has a duct made of flexible foil. If the foil should get crushed or sag it will allow lint to build up which is a fire hazard. If it gets punctured then dryer exhaust is also leaking into your home.

Manufacturers recommend that all clothes dryers be vented outdoors. If you dryer is in the basement, this means cutting a hole through the cement block to slide the vent tube through.

A dryer vent installation technician has the tools to perform this job. Proper dryer vent installation ensures your clothes dryer is operating safely and efficiently. The cost of having this done is little compared to the damage done to your home from excess heat and moisture. Improper dryer vent installation is also a fire hazard.

Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation and all dryer exhaust services to make clothes dryers operate safely and efficiently. Dryer Vent Wizard has made a commitment to make 1 million clothes dryers safer and greener by the year 2010.

Dryer Vent Installation Safety Codes

Dryer vent installation companies recommend annual dryer vent cleaning and maintenance to prevent dryer fires and reduce energy bills. Failure to maintain the dryer vent system will result in higher energy bills and could lead to a dryer fire. Approximately 40 percent of the lint that is removed from your laundry escapes the lint screen and ends up trapped where it doesn’t belong; around the dryer drum, on the motor or in your dryer ducts.

Safety Standards for Dryer Vents

Too many people are still using flexible foil, plastic or vinyl venting, which is no longer up to code. Manufacturers recommend using semi-rigid metal for a safer, more efficient dryer vent system.

Improper dryer vent installation causes many problems. Bends and turns slow down the flow of dryer exhaust; longer lengths of duct cause moisture to condense, trapping and allowing lint to build up. All of these issues make your dryer work harder; therefore, use more energy.

Improper dryer vent installation can also cause health problems for residents. When sections are joined with screws that protrude to inside of the dryer duct, they catch lint and cause exhaust leaks. If you have a gas dryer, this could cause carbon monoxide to lean into your home. Leaks in the system also add to the humidity and cause mold and mildew growth. Mold spores are then leaked into your home causing upper respiratory problems for residents.

Manufacturers recommend a professional dryer vent cleaning be done annually to keep clothes dryers running safely and efficiently. A specialized technician will do a thorough inspection to be sure your system meets current safety codes and is properly installed for optimum air-flow.

D. Benson of Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation and all dryer exhaust services to make clothes dryers operate safely and efficiently. Dryer Vent Wizard has made a commitment to make 1 million clothes dryers safer and greener by the year 2010. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com to learn more.


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