Dryer Vent Installation

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

2009-12-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-09-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-19T10:53:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

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

Dryer Vent Installation Safety Codes

2009-07-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Dryer vent systems constructed of vinyl or flexible foil are not safe; this type of venting is really designed for use in bathroom exhaust fans. Dryer exhaust ducts must be constructed of rigid metal with smooth interiors to promote maximum air flow. Exhaust ducts should be connected with foil tape, not sheet metal screws which protrude to the inside, catching lint and causing dryer exhaust leaks.

Length of the Dryer Exhaust Duct

The length of dryer exhaust ducts should not exceed 25 feet from the back of the dryer to the vent outdoors. This recommendation applies to straight ducts; reduce the length by 2.5 feet for each 45-degree bend and 5 feet for each 90-degree bend. Bends restrict air flow.

Vent Outside

The dryer exhaust ducts must terminate outside, not into the attic or crawl space. The vent should be located at least 3 feet from any entrance into your home. When dryers are vented into the attic or crawl space they allow mold to grow and cause wood decay. Mold in your home is also a health hazard, causing upper respiratory problems. If you have a gas dryer you should be aware that the dryer vent system is also removing gas by-products, including carbon monoxide from your home.

Another common mistake found when inspecting dryer vent systems is a screen at the termination point. Screens allow lint and dust to build up, reducing air flow. The vent should have a back draft damper or flaps that open and expel air when the dryer is running.

It is recommended that you have a dryer exhaust specialist inspect your dryer vent system to be sure it is properly installed to meet city, state and manufacturer’s safety codes. In addition, professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year; more often if you have a large family and are doing more laundry than the average household.

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 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 Experts Recommend Aluminum Dryer Ducts

2009-06-23T09:32:00.002-07:00

Dryer vent installation technicians find problems with nearly all clothes dryers they inspect. Many homeowners are still using the vinyl or plastic ducts that are really designed for bathroom exhaust fans.

Look at the back of your clothes dryer. You should see an exhaust pipe leading to a dryer vent attached to the outside of your home. Is the vent flexible, plastic or vinyl? Or is it semi-rigid metal or aluminum? The answer to this question is critical to your safety.

Plastic, flexible exhaust ducts are not acceptable venting material for your clothes dryer. Though this type was used, years ago, it is no longer code. Even the thin metal foil vents which are claimed to resist fire are easily crushed, restricting air-flow which is required for your dryer to work. When the duct is crushed, heat, lint and moisture cannot escape from the clothes dryer.

Flexible metal pipes are acceptable, but they are not recommended. The ideal material for your dryer duct is a semi-rigid metal pipe that is very smooth inside. There should be no protrusions which lint can become caught on and build up. Pieces should be joined with duct tape, not screws which protrude to the inside. They should also be joined in the direction of the air flow to minimize the chances of lint becoming trapped.

Your dryer exhaust and dryer vent system is designed to remove heat, moisture and lint from your laundry as it is being dried. If you have a gas dryer, it is also removing gas by-products from your home. Improper venting can cause a dryer fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year to keep your appliance running efficiently and safely. The fee for this service is small compared to the cost of repairing or replacing an over worked clothes dryer, or the cost of losing your home or even your life.

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 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

How to Properly Install a Dryer Vent

2009-06-23T09:32:00.001-07:00

A properly installed dryer vent helps reduce energy cost and prevent dryer fires. Properly installing a dryer vent is important to provide maximum airflow so your dryer does not have to work overtime to get each load dry.

Keeping the lint screen clean between loads is very important to maintain air flow and prevent excess lint from being forced into your dryer ducts. When the dryer ducts become clogged with lint, air flow is restricted and it creates a fire hazard.

The vinyl or flexible foil dryer ducts used to be very popular because they were so easy for homeowners to install themselves. This type is no longer acceptable. It deteriorates, causing leaks and easily becomes crushed, restricting all air flow.

Proper installation is important to keep the dryer venting efficiently. There should be few bends and turns and the inside of the duct work should be very smooth to allow easy air flow.

The duct work should be a short as possible to minimize the distance your dryer has to force the air to the vent outdoors. Pieces should be joined with metal tape, not screws which protrude to the inside and catch lint.

If the run has to travel up (as from a basement) to vent out, then you may need a dryer vent booster to help push the air up and out. It is important the duct be secured tightly to your dryer and to the vent outdoors to prevent dryer exhaust from leaking into your home.

Though the technology is quite simple, the installation of an efficient dryer duct system does require some thought. Manufacturers recommend having a professional install the dryer vent system and provide annual dryer vent cleaning and maintenance.

Dryer Vent Wizard installs dryer vents and dryer exhaust ducts in homes and businesses all across the nation. They will provide a complete inspection and explain their recommendations to the customer. It is DVW’s desire to prevent dryer fires and increase dryer efficiency as they educate the public on dryer vent maintenance and proper installation.

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

Is your Dryer Vent Installed Properly?

2009-06-08T13:04:00.001-07:00

Proper Installation of a dryer vent and dryer exhaust ducts is essential in promoting maximum airflow for your clothes dryer. Air flow is the number one requirement for your dryer to work properly. If heat and moisture are unable to escape from the dryer drum your clothes will not get dry, the system will overheat and the dryer will labor extensively.

Many appliance manufacturers have made it a policy to advise service companies and consumers that the use of vinyl, plastic or flexible foil no longer meets current safety codes. They are also advising that dryer exhaust ducts be within maximums provided for length and the number of bends and turns.

Short and straight is the rule for installing a dryer exhaust duct and venting system. In the past most dryers were located in the basement. As times changed, people preferred to have their laundry facilities on the first floor. This convenience also improved efficiency as the dryer ducts are very short with the dryer placed on an outside wall and the vent located outdoors, just a few inches away.

Newer homes are built with convenience for the homeowner in mind; unfortunately, not enough consideration was given to safety and efficiency as the laundry room is now located near the center of the home, upstairs between bedrooms where most dirty laundry originates. Now the distance from the dryer to the vent outside is considerably longer. Proper installation of a dryer vent system is important in this situation.

It is more difficult to push air through a longer vent because the air inside has weight and volume. The average clothes dryer can handle venting through about 20 feet of venting pipe before having any difficulty. The motor lacks the strength needed to push the air much further as the weight increases and the flow slows down.

When the air flow is too slow moisture is allowed to accumulate in the venting. When the dryer ducts are moist, lint will stick and accumulate, building up and restricting air flow.

When lint is allowed too build up and block the air duct the system overheats. The normal drum temperature of 175 degrees can quickly increase to 300 degrees or higher, eventually becoming hot enough to ignite.

If you have noticed that your clothes dryer is not performing as well as it used to then it would be a good idea to have a dryer vent installation expert come to your home and perform a complete inspection.

Dryer Vent Wizard installs dryer vents and dryer exhaust ducts in homes and businesses all across the nation. They will provide a complete inspection and explain their recommendations to the customer. It is DVW’s desire to prevent dryer fires and increase dryer efficiency as they educate the public on dryer vent maintenance and proper installation.

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

2009-06-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

Dryer vent installation requires the understanding of how your dryer exhaust system works. Forced heat produced by natural gas or electricity is blown on your laundry as it tumbles in your dryer. This moist heat must escape through the dryer exhaust ducts to the vent outdoors.

An improperly installed dryer vent system will restrict airflow and your dryer will work harder to do its job. The dryer vent pipe should be made of rigid or semi-rigid material about 4 inches in diameter. The old flexible vinyl or foil type no longer meets current safety codes.

Dryer lint will build up in the dryer exhaust duct over time. To reduce lint build-up, the dryer duct should be very smooth inside. Pieces of ductwork should be connected with metal duct tape, not screws that protrude to the inside which can catch and trap lint.

By law, all clothes dryers must be vented to the outdoors. If you have a gas dryer, the dryer vent system is responsible for removing gas by-products, like carbon monoxide, from your home.

The dryer duct should be installed with as few turns as possible and the shorter the run, the better. The longer the dryer duct, the harder the dryer works to force the hot air to the vent outside.

Use straps to support the duct so that there are no low points for lint to collect and build up. Use a level to set horizontal sections with a slight fall to prevent moisture from collecting.

Lint builds up in even the best of dryer exhaust ducts over time; however, the tips provided above will help prevent lint from building up in one specific spot, causing a blockage. Remember that annual dryer vent cleaning is recommended to properly maintain the system, extend the life of your clothes dryer, save energy and prevent fires.

A properly installed dryer vent system of the correct dryer exhaust material will improve the efficiency and safety of your clothes dryer. A dryer vent installation expert will install the best dryer exhaust system for your clothes dryer. If you are not sure if your dryer exhaust system meets current UL safety standards then it would be a good idea to have a dryer vent specialist do a complete inspection.

Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in dryer vent installation, dryer vent repair and maintenance. A DVW technician will perform a complete inspection of your dryer vent system and explain their recommendations if corrections or repairs are necessary. Dryer Vent Wizard has a vision of making 1 millions dryers safer and greener by the year 2010.

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