Dryer Vent Cleaning: FAQ About Cleaning and Repairing Dryer Ducts

If you haven't had your dryer vent cleaned recently, you may want to rectify the situation as a clogged duct is a hazard to you and your family. This matter can be fixed if you hire an expert to rectify the issue. Here are some of the most common questions about this type of cleaning and repairs:

dryer duct cleaning kit

How often should my dryer vent be cleaned?
You should have a thorough cleaning done at least every two years. Factors determining this include the length of the vent, how many turns it has and how often the dryer is used. A dryer with a short vent and is used little may be able to go without cleaning longer than normal, while those who use the appliance on a regular basis might need a yearly cleaning.

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Why should I get my dryer vent cleaned?
Cleaning it lifts a huge safety risk that weighs on you and your family. Dryer fires are usually the cause of a dirty or improperly installed vent. Another risk from dirty vents is carbon monoxide gas buildup.

A proper cleaning will save you on the cost of electric or gas. A spotless pipe will allow the appliance to move the proper amount of air through the system, allowing your clothes to dry at a faster rate without using extra power.

How will I know it's time for a cleaning?
Your dryer will leave a few tell tale signs. If you notice a significant change in drying times, if you can't feel air blowing from the vent outside from at least a foot or if you see lots of lint starting to collect, then you need to get it cleaned.

Is there a difference between vinyl and metal hoses?
Aluminum hoses have a much higher temperature range, and they do not deteriorate like vinyl hoses. Maybe most importantly, aluminum hoses are also fireproof.

Is a longer hose better than a short one?
A shorter run is more efficient, as it doesn't clog up as fast with lint and costs less to clean, while a longer hose run will have your dryer working harder.

How should I protect my dryer vent from intrusion?
There are covers available for purchase. One of the most common ways is to cover it with mesh, but this creates a fire hazard, so experts don't recommended you do this.

My dryer smells like smoke whenever I turn it on.
The lint is probably getting trapped behind the dryer tumbler, and this is because your hose is jammed with lint or other debris. The lint gets trapped on the tumbler and the heating element dries it out, causing it to catch fire. Have your vent cleaned immediately.

Why is my hose collecting water?
Most likely because the hose has a sag. This sag is causing condensation to collect more water over time. Water will lead to rust and sludge, so have it fixed ASAP.

Should I remove the back of the dryer to clean the vent?
You should really call a professional to have your vent cleaned. It is not recommended you remove the back of the dryer.

Can I vent my dryer to the basement?
You should never vent it to an indoor space, as the heat and moisture will result in mold growth. Always have your dryer vented outside.

Dryer Vent Cleaning: FAQ About Cleaning and Repairing Dryer Ducts

Dryer Duct Cleaning

Clothes Dryer Vent Cleaning

A clothes dryer needs a little ongoing maintenance to keep it in safe and in proper working condition.

dryer duct cleaning kit

How does a clothes dryer work?

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The way a clothes dryer works is pretty simple, it spins clothes around in hot air while an exhaust vent sends damp air outside. An exhaust tube connects to the back of your clothes dryer and then to a duct in the wall that leads somewhere outside, so all the hot, moist air coming out of the dryer ends up outside. As your heated clothes tumble in the hot air, lint comes off the fabric and most of it gets caught in the lint trap as the exhaust air passes through it. The lint trap is usually accessed either inside the dryer door or on top of the dryer and it usually looks like a plastic or wire screen. Whatever gets past the lint trap goes out the exhaust vent and duct and either clings to the sides of the tube or blows out the exhaust vent outside.

Clothes dryers blow exhaust air out through ducts, the shorter the ductwork the better. The total recommended length is less than 25 feet from the back of your dryer to the outside vent cover, that's with a straight running exhaust duct. If you have bends and turns, it should be an even shorter distance. The more turns and the further the distance, the harder your dryer must work to move exhaust air and loose lint. The harder your clothes dryer works and the longer it runs, the sooner it will wear out and have to be replaced or repaired.

If your clothes dryer has clogged vents and ducts, there are usually a few signs you'll see:
• Loads of clothing will take longer to dry.
• Clothing will be very hot and still damp when the dryer finishes.
• The clothes dryer itself will feel hotter.

A lint-clogged clothes dryer can often consume 15 - 25 dollars worth of extra electricity every month trying to dry your clothes, so it makes good sense to keep your dryer vent and it's ductwork clean.

So what kind of maintenance do you need to do for your clothes dryer?
Lint tends to build up in 3 areas:
1. Inside the lint trap.
2. Inside the flexible duct hose behind the dryer.
3. Inside the in-wall duct work, leading to the outside vent flap.

Step one is to clean the lint trap after every load of laundry. How do you clean the lint trap? You pull out the lint trap and scrape out the lint with your fingers or bang it over the trash can to clear it out, and then replace it. When you pull out the lint trap, look around inside the dryer in the pocket where it sat, if you see more loose lint there, take it out (you can use your hand, a brush, or your vacuum). By doing this simple cleaning regularly, you will avoid 90% of clothes dryer vent problems.

Step two, once a year (or more if you suspect a problem) you should unplug your dryer and pull it out from the wall, then disconnect the exhaust tube from the dryer and the wall and clean it out with a vacuum. That cleans out area #2. Area #3 is the in-wall ductwork that leads to the outside. Clean out this area using a vacuum or blower (a leaf blower with a towel wrapped around the vent opening, to create a seal works great) along with a dryer brush or auger, put everything back together and in place, and you're done.

Clothes Dryer Vent Cleaning

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Is Dryer Vent Cleaning Really Necessary?

So, you have been noticing that it is now taking longer to dry your clothes. And perhaps you have received a postcard in the mail from a company offering to clean your clothes dryer vents. Like many people, you are also perhaps wondering if dryer vent cleaning is really necessary.

dryer duct cleaning equipment

According to a June 2003 Consumer Product Safety Commission report*, in 1998 clothes dryers were associated with 15,600 fires, which resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries. The article goes on to explain that fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.

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Dryer vents are one of those "hidden" maintenance items that is often forgotten. The old adage; "out of sight, out of mind" really holds true when it comes to cleaning dryer ducts. Unfortunately, neglecting this area of your home can produce harmful and in some instances, even fatal results.

A restricted vent from your clothes dryer extends dryer run time, requiring more energy (your hard earned money) and can be an extreme fire hazard. Because so many homes burn each year due to dryer vent fires, it is recommended your clothes dryer venting be cleaned annually.

Some clothes dryers have vents which are readily accessible while others have long duct runs where moisture condenses and creates restriction. Still other dryer vents have sharp turns and twists or use flexible ducting which further restricts air-flow.

It is also extremely important to keep the lint screen clean after every load of clothes and that only aluminum ductwork is used to vent heat and moisture away from the dryer.

Annual clothes dryer vent cleaning, keeping your lint screen clean, and having short, straight, ductwork will help ensure the safety of your household. Using only aluminum ducting will further help prevent overheating and will add to your family's safety.

* http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5022.html

Is Dryer Vent Cleaning Really Necessary?

Dryer Duct Cleaning

Air Duct Cleaning - How Often

As a qualified Air Duct cleaning technician it is my intention here to answer one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to air duct cleaning.

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The one question that we are asked on all of our air duct cleaning jobs is...How often should my air ducts be cleaned?

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If you have ever asked an air duct cleaning company that same question, then you have probably received the standard answer of...Every 3 to 5 years.

I've even heard of some air duct cleaning companies making ridiculous claims that they will warranty their work for a minimum of 5 years, in other words they are saying that no dust will enter your air duct system for a period of 5 years. That's like saying that if I wash your windows, they won't get dirty for 5 years.

I suggest that you stay clear of any air duct cleaning company that makes such a ridiculous claim, If they are going to start off their business relationship with you on a complete lie then they are likely to be unethical, unprofessional and a rip off company.

As you can tell... These kinds of air duct cleaning companies make my blood boil!

Now, back to the topic of how often you should have your air duct cleaned.

The standard answer in this industry is as I mentioned above, every 3 to 5 years however, one must take several things in to consideration, a more frequent air duct cleaning should be performed if:

1) there are smokers in the house

2) there are shedding pets in the house

3) there has been recent remodeling work

4) there are numerous occupants in the home

5) you are not very tidy

6) the cold air return vents are located on the floors versus on the walls

7) you are moving into a new home

these are just a few of the reasons why one might consider a more frequent air duct cleaning schedule.

If you are unsure as to weather or not you are due for an air duct cleaning, I suggest that you remove one of the cold air registers in you home and have a look inside, If you don't like what you see then hire an air duct cleaning company.

Air Duct Cleaning Could be the Healthiest Home Improvement You Will Ever Make!

Air Duct Cleaning - How Often

Dryer Duct Cleaning

The Calphalon Grill Pan - Getting Outdoor Cooking Flavor Indoors

Calphalon grill pans are a great idea if you are looking for high quality cookware for your kitchen needs. A grill pan allows you to cook with the flavor and style of a backyard grill. The grill pans in the Calphalon collection are known to provide amazing service for decades, and that is exactly why they come with a lifetime warranty. If you love to cook and need something reliable and contemporary for your kitchen, then Calphalon items are certainly the best you can get anywhere in the world. You can find some great deals at online stores and on auction sites like eBay and Amazon on the Calphalon items of your choice.

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Among the best Calphalon grill pans is the contemporary non-stick square pan in the 11-inch width. This is priced at about 40 dollars, and has received some great reviews. The pan itself is made of a hard anodized aluminum that is 98.7 percent pure. It has a stay-cool handle, which is great for stove top cooking, and there is also a capacity indicator line. You can also use it in the oven, since it can handle temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The interior is 3-ply, which makes it a durable non-stick pan for ease of cooking.

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Other similar Calphalon pans that have good reviews include the Simply Calphalon Non-stick grill pan that is round in shape, and with a 1-inch capacity. This one is priced similar to the previous style, and has deep ridges in the interior that are perfect for outdoor barbecues. The handle is a contoured stainless steel, with silicone that is meant to be safe for stove top cooking, and is safe to the touch.

The Calphalon Unison is another amazing utensil in the line of Calphalon grill pans. This one is non-stick as well, and is round in shape with a 12-inch grill width. This costs about 10 dollars more than the previous designs, but it is a great deal with the hard anodized aluminum pan with heavy gauge quality, and a special non-stick sear interior. The textured interior is great at sealing in the flavors in the food that is being cooked.

The Calphalon Grill Pan - Getting Outdoor Cooking Flavor Indoors

Dryer Duct Cleaning

Can I Use Regular Detergent in a Front Load Washer?

Front load washing machines greatly differ from that of top load washing machines. One of their screaming differences is the choice of detergent. In front load washers, it is highly suggested to use HE detergents or high efficiency detergents.

Many people ask why there is a need to use HE detergents. Why not just use regular detergent? There is no stopping you from using regular soap for your front loader but I have to say that would be suicide for your machine.

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A front load washer has different washing cycles compared to top loaders. Unlike the latter, the former has more friction in its functions. It therefore easily produces soap suds. Regular soaps easily produce soaps suds even though you only use a meager amount of it.

When too much soap suds appear in your washing machine, it can confuse your front loader. The functions will mess up in the long run. In addition to this, it may lead to the improper rinsing of your clothes.

Also, if you use regular detergent for front loading washing machines, your warranty claim will be rendered void. Manufacturing companies do not acknowledge warranty claims with washers that have been used with a regular detergent.

There is no harm in choosing high efficiency detergents. They may be more expensive that the regular ones but their cleaning action is certainly better. These detergents produce fewer suds and are not prone to friction inside the washer but they can still wash your clothes efficiently and get rid of dirt and stains effectively.

Also, you need only a small of that and it will definitely go a long way. In the long run, you will be saving more on money because one package of HE detergent can be used in many a number of clothes washing.

It is also interesting to note that these detergents have been made more eco-friendly due to its manufacturing processes. The packaging is recyclable unlike other detergent brands. In addition to that, most of the ingredients used are natural. If you use one, you are a huge help to Mother earth.

Instead of using regular detergent, why not invest in the powerful action of a high efficiency detergent when you are using your front loader? You will be prolonging the life of your washing machine. You will also be prolonging the life of the world you live in and that is something that cannot be undermined.

Can I Use Regular Detergent in a Front Load Washer?

Dryer Duct Cleaning

How to Conserve Energy by Cleaning Your Refrigerator's Coils

Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy consumers in your home. This isn't exactly an appliance that you turn on and off every time. The plug is constantly glued to the electricity outlet.

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But by simply cleaning the refrigerator coil, you can lessen energy consumption. The coils actually disperse heat coming from the fridge. But if dirt has accumulated in the coils, the machine will not work as efficiently as it should.

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Here are some steps you can follow when cleaning the coils:

Step 1: Locate the coils. Usually, these are found at the back portion of the machine. Most of the older versions of refrigerators have coils located at the back. But if you are using a more modern fridge, you can find these at the bottom part of the machine. They might be covered with a panel or a kick plate.

Step 2: Before doing anything with your fridge, unplug it first. Ask someone to help you pull it forward, away from the wall. If someone is not available to assist you, you can just "walk" the machine forward by pushing one side at a time. If you are using a built-in refrigerator, you can turn off your circuit breaker first.

Step 3: If the coil has a cover plate, remove it first by detaching the spring clips. It depends on the brand and model of refrigerator you are using. Other cover plates are secured with screws. You can use a screw driver to remove the screws.

Step 4: Get your vacuum cleaner. Most vacuum cleaners have narrow attachments included. Use that to get rid of the dust and cobwebs that have accumulated on the coils. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to clean it properly.

Step 5: If oil and grease has accumulated in the coils, use dishwashing liquid and warm water to clean it out. Dissolve dishwashing liquid in warm water and then use a clean cloth to get rid of the oil build up. Dry it up by wiping it with a dry cloth.

Step 6: Put the cover panel back again and then push the refrigerator back to its original place. Plug it in.

It is advisable to clean your fridge's coils two times a year. This will make sure that nothing will obstruct the emission of hot air from the machine. Now your refrigerator will work more efficiently. These cleaning tips can also prolong the life of your appliance.

How to Conserve Energy by Cleaning Your Refrigerator's Coils

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