Author: Vincent Platania
All the talk you have been hearing lately about dryer lint may sound like a lot of fluff, but in reality it is no joking matter. The vent behind your dryer's lint trap can easily become clogged because lint traps are simply not capable of catching all that lint being produced by your clothes and linens. That residual lint, accumulated over time, can pose a genuine threat to your home and to your loved ones. In fact, a real danger exists for a fire to start in your dryer if you do not regularly clean out the vent in addition to the lint trap. Fortunately, cleaning out the lint trap vent is easy when you have a dryer lint vent-cleaning tool.
Lint Plus Heat Equals Fire!
We all know we should remove the lint from the trap after each load of laundry is finished drying. But it is a fact that up to 35% of the lint and hair from your clothes manages to slip by the lint trap and lodge itself into the vent behind. Dryer sheets only add to the problem, as they tend to leave an invisible film on the mesh filter of the lint trap, making it less effective at catching the lint. Load after load, all that fuzz escapes past the lint trap and accumulates in the vent. This build-up of lint restricts the heated air from sufficiently blowing out, causing your dryer to work harder and eventually to overheat. Lint, when combined with that much heat, creates the perfect environment for a fire to catch. To reduce the risk of a fire starting in your dryer, you need an effective dryer lint cleaner.
Keeping Your Dryer Safe
Keeping your dryer safe from overheating and potentially catching fire is easy. Not only should you wipe the lint trap clean after each load, but its vent should also be cleared of any residual lint and hair. You may be wondering at this point how you are supposed to cram your fingers into that tiny vent. Simple. Don't even try. Instead, invest in a lint brush for the dryer (FULLER Clothes Dryer Lint Brush). These brushes are long and narrow and can easily be inserted into the lint trap vent to collect all the built-up lint, hair, or anything else that may obstruct the airflow of your dryer. Passing one through the vent, ideally after each load, will ensure that your dryer's lint trap vent remains unclogged. When your dryer does not overheat, your house does not go up in flames.
Your dryer is one of the most used appliances in your home. The convenience it brings to daily living is immeasurable. The simple cleaning out of its lint trap and vent will not only keep it in tip-top shape and prolong its life; it will also reduce the risk of it catching fire, not to mention lower your electricity bill. All you need is the proper tool ? and to not forget to use it every time.
Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.
Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean.
Visit http://www.fullerstore.com
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Why You Need A Dryer Lint Vent Cleaning Tool
Clothes Dryer Safety Secrets
Author: Corey Tournet
Few people realize the importance of dryer safety. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries caused by dryer fire. Several hundred people a year are also subjected to carbon monoxide poisoning from improper dryer safety measures. The financial costs come to nearly $100,000,000 per year. In some cases faulty appliances are to blame, but many fires can be prevented with proper dryer safety precautions.
Why Dryer Fires Occur
Lint accumulation and reduced airflow feed on each other to provide conditions ripe for a fire. Lint is a highly combustible material, which, interestingly enough, is one of the ingredients in a recipe for home-made fire starters. A number of dryer vent problems contribute to this.
A growing problem
Traditionally, most clothes dryers were in the basement. However, nowadays many newer homes tend to have dryers located away from an outside wall in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and hall closets. These new locations mean dryers tend to be vented longer distances and vents are generally installed with sharp turns and bends to accommodate the structure of the home. As a result, dryer vents are harder to reach, and also create more places for lint to gather. The ideal solution is to have short, straight, dryer duct venting. However, a dryer vent booster, while not the ideal approach, can improve your dryer venting in cases where your venting is longer and/or has more bends than it should. In addition to creating a fire hazard, if the venting is too long and/or has two many bends, it will cause your dryer to take much longer than necessary to dry loads.
Inside the Dryer
Lint is the biggest culprit here. As you know from cleaning out your lint filter, dryers produce very large quantities of lint. Most people assume their lint traps catch all the lint, and that all they need to do is clean them out after each load. However, a significant amount of this lint is not caught by the lint trap and builds up inside the dryer-even on the heating element! If you are skeptical, try this experiment: pull out the lint trap and look underneath it- you may find large mounds of lint staring at you. Lint can build up on the heating element and in other places inside the dryer, causing it to overheat and possibly catch fire. As a rule, a fire starts from a spark in the machine. However, improper clothes dryer venting practices outside the dryer can play a key role in this process.
Outside the Dryer
There are many improper dryer vent practices which restrict airflow and lead to lint buildup, the two main preventable causes of dryer fires.
Some of the most common and important dryer vent mistakes are:
1. Dryer vents are too long and/or have too many bends, but don't use a dryer duct booster, resulting in lint buildup. When it comes to dryer vents, shorter and straighter is better.
2. Use of flammable, flimsy plastic or foil duct extenders. Only metal vents should be used, which is what most manufacturers specify. Metal vents also resist crushing better than plastic and foil, which allows the air and lint to be carried out of the system. Reduced airflow from build-up or crushing can cause overheating and wear out the clothes and appliance faster. In fact, many state and local municipalities have placed requirements on new and remodeling projects to include all metal dryer venting.
3. Inadequate clearance space between dryer and wall. Many people create problems by putting their dryer right against the wall, crushing the venting material in the process. The cumulative effect of reduced airflow and the resulting lint build-up prevent the dryer from drying at the normal rate. This causes the high temperature limit safety switch to cycle on and off to control the heater. Most high temperature limit safety switches were not designed to continuously cycle on and off, so they fail over a period of time.
4. Failure to clean the dryer duct.
Your Dryer May be Failing If:
The clothes are taking an inordinately long period of time to dry, come out hotter than usual or if the vent hood flapper doesn't open. Maintenance is needed in these cases.
Only You Can Prevent Clothes Dryer Fires
Proper Installation & Choice of Building Materials
1. Make sure the dryer duct is made of solid metallic material. Both vinyl and foil are combustible and spiral-wound surfaces tend to catch lint more readily.
2. The dryer duct should vent to the exterior and in no case should it vent to the attic or crawlspace. Avoid the use of inside heat recovery diverter valves or termination boxes, which do not comply with current standards.
3. Avoid kinking or crushing the dryer duct to make up for installation in tight quarters -this further restricts airflow. If you really want to save the extra space, the Dryerbox is a new invention that allows the dryer to be safely installed against the wall.
4. Minimize the length of the exhaust duct (maximum recommended lengths depend on a number of factors, such as number of bends, and vary by model-check with your manufacturer for their specifications). If this is not possible, you can install a dryer duct booster.
5. If at all possible, use 4-inch diameter vent pipe and exterior exhaust hoods that have openings of sixteen square inches or more, which offer the least resistance to air flow.
6. Don't use screws to put your vent pipe together - the screw shafts inside the piping collect lint and cause additional friction.
Keep the Dryer Duct in Good Condition
Disconnect, clean and inspect the dryer duct run on a regular basis, or hire a professional company to clean the dryer duct. This will reduce the fire hazard, increase the dryer's efficiency and increase its lifespan. In addition, you are less likely to experience water damage.
Keep Your Dryer as Lint-Free as Possible
By keeping your dryer clean, not only will you significantly reduce the fire hazard, you will also save money as your dryer will run more efficiently and last longer.
To keep your dryer clean:
1. Use a lint brush or vacuum attachment to remove accumulated lint from under the lint trap and other accessible places on a periodic basis.
2. Every 1-3 years, depending upon usage, have the dryer taken apart and thoroughly cleaned out by a qualified service technician.
3. Clean the lint trap after each load.
Alternative Solutions
1. Use a condensing dryer. Unlike conventional clothes dryers, condensing dryers do require external clothes dryer venting. This significantly reduces the risk of a dryer fire.
2. Use a spin dryer, which uses an extremely fast spin speed to extract water from the clothes. They extract significantly more water from the clothes than a washing machine spin cycle does. Spin dryers can be used alone or in conjunction with a conventional clothes dryer.
Before You Go....
1. Never let your clothes dryer run while you are out of the house or even worse, when you are asleep.
2. Thoroughly read manufacturers' instructions regarding the safe use of their dryers.
3. If all else fails, you can always use an old-fashioned clothesline. There have never been any reported clothesline fires!
Your Laundry And Energy Consumption
Author: Andrew Wroblewski
The washer and dryer are probably two of the most commonly forgotten appliances in the house, but their energy consumption is considerable. You may have no idea about it, but you can reduce your energy bills simply by changing a way of doing your laundry. I promise, it will be painless and easy to do.
First of all, remember that nine tenths of the energy used by a washer comes from the heating of the water. Try to reduce the temperature of your water and use cold water whenever possible. This will get rid of most of your washer energy consumption while not reducing the quality of laundry and your comfort level. Yes, things will still come clean.
As for the dryer: first of all, keep its vents clean. If they get clogged, they will reduce the dryer's efficiency. Always clean the lint trap before loading the dryer and check the vent if you think drying goes slower or less efficiently than usual. However, the best solution is usually just to skip the dryer, if you can. First, it saves a lot of power. Then, it adds a fresh smell to your clothing if you dry them on a clothesline instead of inside your dryer. At the very least you can just partially dry your garments in the dryer and then hang them up to dry the rest of the way.
Generally, if you laundry appliances days are numbered and you have older models, think about buying new ones. First, newer models tend to be much more efficient. This is especially true for dryers - new models are now commonly equipped with moisture sensors which allow your dryer to stop working as soon as your clothes are clean. While the purchase may be a little painful for your budget, the savings will quickly become visible and the appliances will pay itself off in a few years' time at most.
A tip: try to avoid cleaning towels after you use them only once. A towel, if you hang it up and let it dry, can be safely re-used a few times before it gets dirty. This change may seem very simple, but it may reduce the time and energy you use for laundering your stuff by as much as 20% a month.
Many washers and dryers now are equipped with timers that allow you to start them at a specific time. Set them to run at night when electric costs are lower. If you do not have a timer on your washer or dryer, than just do your laundry later in the day. Just switching your laundry usage to evening hours can reduce energy costs by another 10%. It all adds up!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/your-laundry-and-energy-consumption-234416.html
About the Author:
Find out how to earn an income by teaching others how to inform people about reducing their utility bills at: Ignite and Stream Electric and explore the possibilities that energy de-regulation has created.
Fire Hazard Alert – Is Your Dryer Ready To Ignite
By Donald Grummett
In recent years there has been many stories about dryers
catching on fire*. Should we be concerned? Yes of course. We
should take seriously anything that may put our family at risk.
Was the problem the dryer? Rarely.
After investigating it is usually determined to have been the
venting within the home catching on fire, and not the dryer.
The drying process
When clothes are being dried inside your family dryer there are
two processes happening. Firstly, heat is applied to the air
inside the dryer drum as it turns. This raises its internal
temperature to approximately 165 degrees Fahrenheit and causing
moisture to be driven out of the clothes by evaporation.
Secondly, a constant flow of air is passed through the clothes.
Surprisingly, the real trick to efficiently dry clothes is not
the heat, but rather this vast volume of air.
Most people think the purpose of venting is to push the heat
and lint outside. Actually, its primary purpose is to dump the
moisture outside the home. This job is accomplished easily when
the dryer is near an outside wall.
The venting pipe
In many new houses the laundry room is located in the centre of
the home, close to the family room or kitchen. If located
upstairs it is often between the bedrooms, to allow easier
access to laundry. Easier access, but the distance from the
dryer to an outside wall is substantially longer. This leads to
the crux of our problem. The venting is either too long, or has
become restricted.
It is more difficult to push air down a long venting pipe than
a short one. When the venting is too long the excess air can
cause the venting to misbehave. This results in the moisture and
lint collecting in the venting, rather than being dumped
outside.
Taken to extremes lint can block the venting closed. When this
happens it can cause the dryer to overheat. The normal drum
temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit can quickly shoot up to
300 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. It may even get hot enough to
allow lint in the venting to ignite.
For this reason manufacturers now suggest a maximum venting
length of 15 feet. Excluding the first two elbows.
True venting length
If you want to know the true equivalent length of dryer
venting, calculate the following:
1. Measure all the straight lengths and add them together
2. Count the number of turns or elbows, and multiply this
number by 4
3. Add up the totals of steps 1 and 2
Example: 20 feet of venting with 4 turns would actually be: 20
feet + 4X4 feet = 36 feet
Don’t be surprised by the true equivalent length of your
venting. In modern homes it can be substantially longer than the
manufacturers suggested maximum.
Watch for these signs
If the blockage becomes critical the dryer will stop doing its
job properly. As a homeowner watch for the following signs that
the venting may be starting to block.
· Clothes coming out wet
· Excess lint left on clothes at cycle end
· Inside of dryer feels wet
· Taking too long to dry a load
· Clothes very hot at end of cycle
· Electrical consumption greatly increased
Since you can't move the laundry room the best thing you can do
is be aware that the problem exists. Consider taking down the
venting and cleaning out the lint buildup during your annual
spring-cleaning. Also, regularly walk outside and check the vent
cap where it exits your house. Remove any lint buildup and make
sure the flap moves freely.
If for any reason you suspect a venting problem turn off the
dryer, unplug it, and call your appliance service company. Tell
them your concerns, and ask for their help. As the old saying
states, "better safe than sorry".
* There are an average of 14,5oo dryer fires every year.
National Fire Prevention Association
About the Author: Copyright 2005 by Donald Grummett. All right
reserved. In the trade over 30 years as a technician, business
owner, and technical trainer. For more information about
appliances including FAQ, Stain guide, and Recycling visit
http://www.mgservices.ca
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=3626&ca=Home+Management
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent
Dryer Vent Manufactures recommend that you should get your Dryer Vent Inspected and Cleaned Annually, to assist in the prevention of dryer fires.
Sphere: Related ContentDryer Vent Blockages
If You are Having a Dificult time Drying your Clothes it could be that you have a blockage in your Dryer Vent.
Common Blockages
- Birds Nests
- Birds and Rodents (Squirles, Mice, Chipmunks etc..)
- Water
- Smashed Duct behind the Dryer
- Clogged Bird Guards and Screens
- Lint Trap
Dryer Vent Cleaning Costs
The Cost of Cleaning Your Dryer Vent Can Vary from 25.00 - 250.00.
Some Dryer Vent Cleaning Company's may offer a Local Fee if you are within a certain distance from their Main Office, Just Ask and you may get a good deal. The Further out a Company has to Travel means more Expenses and Higher Prices.
Also The Size of The Company performing the Service is Very Important when Cost is an Issue, A Bigger Staff means higher prices, you may find a small company in your neighborhood That Specializes in Dryer Vent Cleaning, and offers great service. Remember A Bigger Company does not guarantee a Better Job.
Factors include Equipment Maintenance, Upgrades , Vehicle And Fuel Expenses, the distance the company has to travel, Employee Payroll.
