Category: Blog

Although it may seem like a simple job, installing a dryer vent requires precision and expertise. When done improperly, a clothes dryer will have ventilation problems that delay drying of clothes and could lead to a fire. It is best to have this type of work right to ensure your dryer drys your laundry as quickly as possible and as safely as possible–for as long as possible.

Why Correct Installation is Important

Dryers work by evaporating the water in damp clothes. This is done through tumbling action and heating provided by either a gas burner or an electrical element. The removed water travels out of the dryer by way of the dryer’s exhaust duct or, “dryer vent”, to the outside of the house. In addition to being installed correctly, the vent should be cleaned on a regular basis to keep the dryer running efficiently and to reduce fire risk.

The Installation Process

A dryer vent install is done in three steps:

• Rerouting. In many cases, the vent route can be improved, especially when there are older and non-compliant materials in place. Reducing the the dryer hose length will allow the machine to run optimally. A dryer hose that passes through a ceiling, attic or drywall should be galvanized metal and free of screws.
• Hose inspection. It is estimated that 90 percent of clothes dryers are connected to an improper transition hose. The rear of the appliance will have a warning to not use vinyl or a thin-foil hose as a connection point to the wall. The installation company will provide the right hose.
• Vent installation. After determining the best route for the vent based on the building code, it will be professionally installed using high-quality duct for the best results.

Why White Vinyl Hose Should Not be Used

If a dryer is connected to the wall with a white vinyl hose, this should be corrected immediately because this type of hose does not meet manufacturer recommendations. If a dryer fire occurs while using vinyl hose, it may not be covered by insurance. If lint buildup is present due to lack of cleaning, a vinyl hose will not contain a fire and prevent it from spreading into the walls. This is why semi-rigid or solid metal hoses should always be used in a dryer vent installation. This material greatly reduces the chances of a fire. In addition, duct tape should be avoided on the duct work because it will eventually become less sticky and fall apart. Aluminum tape is the best choice.

Vent Code for Dryers

All dryers must vent to the exterior of a building or home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, especially when gas is being used to fuel the heat source. Other important specifications include the following:

• The vent should be installed on the shortest route from the dryer to the outside. All concealed ducting should be solid metal and not be longer than 35 feet. Five feet should be deducted for 90-degree turns, and 2.5 feet should be deducted for 45-degree bends.
• The male section of the duct work should always point in the direction the air is flowing, which is the exterior wall.
• The dryer vent should never share space with other vents, such as a bathroom fan vent or a fireplace chimney. This could cause a fire.
• The vent should be tightly secured with braces and straps to reduce strain and keep the exhaust system in the proper position.
• The transition hose should not be more than eight feet long. If the dryer only requires one foot of hose to connect to the wall, that is the amount that should be used.

Prevent Problems in the Future

Dryer vents in a business or a home should be cleaned every year for proper maintenance. This will save money and lower energy use. This also provides the following benefits:

• Faster drying times
• Fewer repairs for problems caused by a stressed or overheated unit
• No toxic fumes or mildew buildup
• Lower risk of fire

There is a great deal to consider with a dryer vent installation, and it can be difficult to know if all the codes and standards are being met. Superior Dryer Vent Cleaning of North Texas will clean, repair and reroute dryer vents. Call today or go online to schedule a professional inspection and dryer vent cleaning.

There might not be a more overlooked part of your house than the dryer vent, and it’s easy to see why. No moving parts. No exciting bells or whistles. It just sits there quietly year after year collecting dust, allergens, pollutants, and sometimes lint which bursts into flames. Every year brings more reports of dryer vent fires that could easily have been prevented with a call to a dryer vent cleaning company. The following are six tangible benefits in having your dryer vent cleaned and sooner rather than later would be a good idea.

Longer Lasting Clothing

Bet you never thought of this. A clogged dryer vent reduces the lifespan of your clothing! The process goes like this. As lint and other materials build up inside a vent, it reduces the amount of heat from the dryer that is properly routed outside the house. This means more heat is retained in the appliance. It also means that more than the needed amount of heat stays in the appliance, creating damage to the clothing fibers and hastening the day of their demise. It’s simply too much heat in too confined a space.

Stop Burning Money

Another excellent reason to call a dryer vent cleaning service is that operating your dryer with a clogged vent might be costing you as much as thirty dollars monthly. Are you the kind of person who likes to take out a twenty and ten dollar dollar bill the first of each month and burn them to ashes? We sincerely hope not, but those are the facts. A clogged vent causes the dryer to run less efficiently, resulting in more energy used, and – you guessed it – the extra cost shows up on your utilities bill. If it’s been a while since the vent has been cleaned, the cost has likely crept up so slowly you haven’t even noticed.

Healthier Living

We mentioned the idea earlier that allergens tend to collect in dryer vents. This doesn’t sound like an especially big deal except that it can literally make members of your household sick, as well as cause structural damage to the house. How does this happen? Let’s assume your dryer runs inefficiently (due to a partially clogged vent) and clothes seem to always be a little damp after the drying cycle. This creates allergens which end up in the vent, are multiplied by moisture, and likely to get blown around the house and eventually turn into the mold that makes you sick and rots the structure.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Perhaps one of the most critical services dryer vent cleaning companies perform is to reduce the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. What does carbon monoxide have to do with a dirty vent? Quite a lot, actually. This odorless, colorless substance is literally undetectable with human sense but becomes a real danger when your dryer vent doesn’t exhaust properly. If you have a gas dryer, pay attention! A clogged vent can send this by-product of gas burning back into your house where it can create flu-like symptoms in the household. If family members seem to stay chronically ill, this could be a possibility.

Longer Lasting Appliance

When clothes aren’t completely dry after a single cycle, the dryer normally gets the blame. While it could be it’s time to replace the thing, there’s also a chance that a clogged vent is causing the “backflow” we referred to earlier, making it run inefficiently. The byproduct of damp clothes has already been mentioned, but you should also be aware that a poorly-running dryer will wear out faster. Poor performance creates a shorter lifespan and, before you know it, you’re back at the local appliance store preparing to spend hundreds of dollars.

Reduce Fire Hazard

This truth is simple. A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard. Let’s assume you have dryer lint collecting in the vent. As the dryer discharges heated air into the vent, it flows over the lint and there is the real possibility it could ignite into flames. It happens more frequently than we’d like to think. With so many laundry rooms stuck off in distant areas of the house, that fire might turn into an inferno before you notice it. We don’t need to mention the potential fact of loss of your home or even your life.

The Bottom Line

If you can’t remember the last time your dryer vent was cleaned, for your family’s health and safety, please contact Superior Dryer Vent Cleaning, a dryer vent cleaning company with a stellar reputation for vent cleaning, replacement, repair, or rerouting anywhere in North Texas. We’re always glad to receive your call, or feel free to go online and schedule a professional inspection. One thing to keep in mind. The proper and effective cleaning of a dryer vent is a job for professionals. This is a high stakes activity that needs to be done right.

As a homeowner, you do your best to maintain your home in top condition and keep it safe for you and your family. Home security systems, periodic check-ups for the electrical system, and chimney cleaning are just a few of the methods you use to ensure the health and happiness of your loved ones. But, there may be a hidden danger present in your home: your clothes dryer vent.

Dryer vent fires are the cause of 35 million dollars in property losses each year. There are 2,900 dryer fires reported every year, causing an estimated 5 deaths and 100 injuries. It’s crucial to your family’s safety that you know how to protect your home from clothes dryer fires.

Research shows that 34 percent of clothes dryer fires are caused by failure to keep the dryer vent clean. Before we take a closer look at how you can avoid becoming a statistic, let’s look at some of the ways that you can keep your clothes dryer working at an optimum safety level.

Clothes Dryers 101

Don’t DIY

Have your new clothes dryer installed by a professional. This will ensure that all the connections are set up properly, including the dryer plug, outlet, and venting hoses.

Maintenance

Keep the area behind your dryer clean and free of any flammable items. Perform periodic inspections on the venting system to check for wear and to keep it clear.

Check to make sure that the outside vent flap is opening when the dryer is being used. This is also a good time to look for animal and insect nests.

Dryer Don’ts

Don’t:

• Neglect cleaning dryer vent
• Overload your dryer
• Dry rubber, plastic, or foam items
• Leave the dryer on while you sleep or while you’re not at home

The Most Important Steps

As noted previously, the leading cause of dryer vent fires is the failure to keep the vent cleaned properly. Everyone knows that the lint filter should be cleaned, but did you know that it should be done with every single load? When cleaning dryer vent, don’t forget that lint can also build up on the back of your dryer. Make a habit of checking the back every time you finish the week’s laundry. Filters should also be washed with detergent and water every 6 months.

The dryer vent pipe can become clogged with lint over time. Some signs that indicate a clogged pipe are clothes being unusually hot, windows fogging over, musty odors in your clothes, very large amounts of lint in the filter, and clothes taking longer than normal to dry.

A professional dryer vent cleaning done on a regular schedule is the best way to keep ahead of any possible problems with your dryer. Superior Dryer Vent Cleaning is proud to offer cleaning, repairs, replacements and rerouting of dryer vents across North Texas. Call Superior Dryer Vent Cleaning today or schedule an inspection online! With Superior, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’re taking all possible steps to keeping your dryer working at its highest efficiency and protecting your home and family!

 

QUESTIONS? CALL US : (214) 494-9740

A clogged dryer vent is more than just a nuisance. Aside from affecting the efficiency of your dryer, it can pose a serious danger to your home. Clogged vents can lead to fires. Thousands of U.S. households learn this the hard way every year. Don’t be one of them! Use these five tips to determine whether your dryer vent needs immediate attention.

1. Automatic Shut-offs

Most modern dryers will automatically shut down when they overheat. The high temperatures result from blockages that exist in the dryer exhaust duct (AKA: “dryer vent”). These blockages produce excess heat and moisture that prompts the system to self-terminate. If this is occurring with your dryer, you should seek out a professional dryer vent specialist as soon as possible; your dryer is trying to tell you there is a serious problem with the exhaust system.

2. Burning Smells

When burning smells emanate from the dryer it is a signal that the vent is not functioning correctly. Clean dryer vents do not produce any foul scents. The unwelcome smell occurs due to the burning of trapped lint. In general, lint can become lodged in the exhaust, lint trap or the drum area. The high heat of the dryer can actually incinerate these small pieces of lint and cause a fire. This is a very dangerous situation that should be addressed right away.

3. Out of Place Lint

You shouldn’t see lint in places it shouldn’t be. Obstructions in the dryer exhaust duct will usually displace lint throughout the machine. If lint is building up around the hose or vent it should not be overlooked. You should also keep an eye out for lint in the door seal, or behind the machine. When lint stays in an area it does not belong it increases the chances of a fire.

You should also be on the lookout for the absence of lint. Don’t just check the lint trap to clean out the accumulated lint. Also, take note of the amount of lint that is being collected. If you notice that there is a reduced amount, or none at all, it means there is a blockage in the dryer exhaust duct. Another telltale sign, is when lint is building up on the wrong side of the lint screen.

Another place to look for out of place lint is on dried clothing. Ideally, no lint should end up on the clothes. The presence of lint points to an airflow problem in the dryer exhaust duct. Lint on clothes isn’t just annoying, it also means your dryer needs service.

4. Hot to the Touch

When the metal surface of the dryer is hotter than usual, it indicates over-heating. This is also true when clothes retrieved from the dryer are extremely hot and crisp. Signs of excessive heat indicate that the dryer vent is clogged. If you notice this is happening, stop using the dryer until it can be inspected by an experienced dryer vent technician. When your dryer gets too hot, it can ruin dryer component parts (often costly repairs) and clothing. It can also lead to a dryer fire.

5. Excessive Drying Times

Another telltale sign that you need to clean the dryer vents is an increase in drying times. Blockages that restrict airflow inside the dryer are largely responsible for this. When the airflow is hampered, it allows for extra moisture to build up inside the drying container. This prevents clothes from drying during a single cycle. The only way to fix this is to remove the clog in the dryer exhaust duct.

Get Help With Dryer Vent Problems

Issues with dryer vents are commonly looked over. However, it is wise to perform regular check-ups of the dryer vent to prevent hazards, and to maintain efficient energy use. By remembering the steps above, you’ll be able to perform DIY checkups on your dryer’s health. Dryer repair technicians recommend getting your unit serviced on a yearly basis. You may need to do so more frequently if you have pets in the home because pet hair clogs a lot quicker. Aside from regular servicing, you should contact a dryer vent cleaning company whenever you notice one of the signs. Don’t risk your family’s safety when it comes to dryer vent problems.

If you need assistance in the North Texas area, contact Superior Dryer Vent Cleaning. Superior can handle all aspects of dryer vent repair. Their services include vent cleaning, repairs and replacements. They can even perform a vent re-route if necessary. Contact Superior today for detailed inspection of your dryer unit. Make an appointment through the website, or by contacting a representative via phone.

Dryer vents are an integral component of a common appliance found in many households and inside the laundry rooms of most apartment and condominium complexes. Proper maintenance of these items is critical for a variety of safety, economical and efficiency reasons. Superior Dryer Vent Cleaning, a professional dryer vent company located in the Dallas, Texas region answers the important inquiry: how often should dryer vents be cleaned?

What Are The Purpose Of Dryer Vents?

A dryer removes the moisture contained inside recently washed clothing by generating hot air. These warm air currents are fostered out of the home or laundry room from within where the appliance is located to the outdoors through a vent.

Without proper ventilation, instead of being directed outdoors, warm air would circulate inside.

How Do Dryer Vents Become Clogged?

Typically, after a specific amount of time or usages, the filter often becomes clogged by lint, dust, dirt and small particles of clothing.

What Could Happen If Dryer Vents Are Not Cleaned?

Health Issues:

• Stale Air
  Such a circumstance could precipitate exceedingly high indoor temperatures and the exposure of air to humidity that would make for uncomfortable conditions and potentially lead to these vapors developing mold and other airborne allergens that could pose a health threat to those breathing them.
• Breeding Ground For Pests
  If the vent grows so clogged that its flap experiences difficult shutting, the structure could provide a breeding ground for various pests such as mice, rats and birds. This is especially true during wintertime when those creatures seek shelter from harsh weather conditions. Not only might pests cause expensive damage but could carry potentially serious illnesses.

Safety Issues:

• Fire
  Vents overfilled with lint prevents the smooth flow of air. When air flow is restricted, the vent may experience a buildup of gases. The increased presence of these volatile substances, high levels of heat and combustible particles like lint provides a serious fire danger.

Economical Issues:

• Increased Electric Bills
  A clogged vent will eventually force the dryer to which it is attached to work harder to achieve its intended results. Therefore, it will necessitate the usage of more power to perform properly. The end result for the homeowner could be exceedingly high energy bills.

How Often To Clean Dryer Vent?

Many dryer vent professionals suggest that vents be cleaned and inspected at least once per year. However, more cleanings and examinations should be considered if the dryers are located in frequently used locations like laundry rooms are or utilized more than average in a private home. In short, the answer to the question of how often should you clean dryer vent? In many instances and for many people, the easy answer is, more often than you probably have previously.

For more answers to the inquiry how often to clean dryer vent or information about any of our other services which include vent repair, rerouting and replacement, please contact Superior Dryer Vent Cleaning. We serve the entire North Texas area. To schedule a dryer vent cleaning or for any other questions, visit www.superiordryervent.com.