Sunday, May 30, 2010

Do you know were your Dryer Vent is venting or whats in it?





Dryer vent cleaning Charlotte, NC:

Dog Rescued from Dryer Vent!

Firefighters had to rescue the black and white Staffordshire terrier, Daisy, who had poked her head into a hole which was to be used to install a dryer vent. It took 30 minutes for firefighters to remove some bricks from the outside of the property and then chisel away at the area of the wall surrounding the dog’s head to free her. Other than a few minor scratches to her face, she was unharmed; her vet checked her over and gave her a clean bill of health.



Dryer vent cleaning and proper outdoor venting is the only way to remove lint build-up and ensure your dryer is operating safely and efficiently. Dryer vent cleaning promotes air flow needed for maximum dryer performance. One of the most common signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned is when the dryer starts taking longer to dry your clothes.

If you neglect to clean dryer exhaust ducts you might notice more bad signs, like clothing wearing out and towels losing their fluff. Are clothes very hot when you remove them from the dryer; or is the room excessively hot and humid when the dryer is running? This is because there is not enough air-flow. Where do you think the moisture and heat are going as laundry is drying? The dryer exhaust ducts and dryer vent are responsible for removing heat and moisture from the dryer drum.

I spend my days cleaning, repairing and installing dryer vent systems and educating consumers on the importance of dryer vent cleaning to prevent dryer related fires. One of the most common complaints that I hear from customers is the dryer is taking much longer to dry a load of laundry. My services are a sure cure for this problem.

Sometimes I will talk to a customer who thinks they should buy a new dryer before I come in. They believe the age of the dryer has something to do with decreased efficiency. In this case, I explain that they will be wasting their money. Increased drying time rarely indicates a worn out appliance. This is a sure sign of blocked air-flow, likely caused by lint build-up. Even a brand new dryer will take longer to dry a load of laundry without sufficient air flow.

This happened recently and the customer agreed to let me check their dryer vent system. The first thing I noticed when I went into the basement was the flexible metal dryer exhaust duct which traveled up from the back of the dryer and then turned to head about 4 feet to the dryer vent outside. The 4 foot extension was installed at a slight decline. Can you guess what I found in this dryer vent?

I unscrewed the clamp and emptied about a gallon of lint, dust and water from the dryer duct. I explained to my customer that this is a very poorly installed dryer vent system. The decline allowed cold air to cause steam from the dryer to liquefy and become trapped in the pipe, already clogged with lint. The flexible duct material, sagging between the joists allowed the lint and water to pool in a low spot and block air flow from the dryer.

I take pride in my work and my relationship with my customers. I explained why the dryer vent system she had was not in compliance with current safety codes. I installed a new dryer vent system made of rigid metal, and strapped it to the joists properly so that it led to the dryer vent at a slight incline. The customer was very happy to have her dryer operating safely and efficiently. I promised to contact her every year for dryer vent cleaning service.

So, do you know what’s in your dryer vent or where it vents too? You might be surprised. Water, lint, dust, and debris are commonly found in neglected dryer vent systems. Birds, bees and rodents like to invade this area as well, as they move right in and build a nest.

Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Dave Lavalle provide dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation for homes and businesses within Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, Davidson, Huntersville, Cornelius, Mint Hill, Matthews, Pineville.

Contact:
David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-886-7078
davidlavalle@gmail.com
www.charlottedryerventlady.com

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Thursday, May 27, 2010

Appliance-rebate program restarts Tuesday June 1st

From CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL

Thursday, May 27, 2010, 11:15am EDT
Appliance-rebate program restarts

The N.C. Energy Star appliance-rebate program will resume Tuesday. The program is designed to encourage consumers to buy energy-efficient products.
North Carolina received $8.8 million through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund the program.
During the program’s first phase, which ran April 22 to April 25, about $7 million was used for rebates on purchases of 54,400 appliances.
The unspent funds will be available in the second phase.
Consumers may go online at www.energync.net or call (877) 379-7323 to apply for the rebate.
Eligible appliances include central air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnaces, water heaters, refrigerators and washing machines. Rebates range from $75 to $300.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Consumers Prefer the Wizard of Charlotte for Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning and Installation



Charlotte, NC – With the Memorial Day weekend upon us that means that Summer is almost here and business is booming for dryer vent cleaning and installation technicians in North Carolina. There are several good dryer vent cleaning companies in the Charlotte area but dryer vent Wizard stands out from the rest.

Dave Lavalle owns Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte, providing dryer vent installation, repair and maintenance for homes and businesses in his community. “Though there is no wrong time to schedule annual dryer vent cleaning, business increases significantly during the spring and summer,” said Lavalle. “I’m very busy taking care of new customers who were referred to me by previous happy customers.

Here's what a few customers had to say: "The best service tech I have dealt with in years! I will definitely recommend you to my friends + neighbors! Susan"

In spite of the significant growth in business, Dave Lavalle makes it a point to schedule appointments quickly. Most ofter the same day or next day. “I’ve had calls from customers who called someone else first, but were told they would have to wait a week,” said Lavalle. “Who wants to let their laundry pile up for a week while they wait to have their dryer vent serviced?”

“I received the survey today from one of my Dryer Vent Wizard customers that said: Thanks Dave, great job! We really appreciate your work + now feel safe using the dryer again! Many blessings to your family!! Thanks again Nancy.” Lavalle says " it sure makes me feel good that I'm helping people and there so happy with the service I provide to them."

With over 50 franchise locations in the US, Dryer Vent Wizard services has gained the attention of homes and businesses, condo associations and apartment managers, public laundries and anyone who owns a clothes dryer.

David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-886-7078
davidlavalle@gmail.com
www.charlottedryerventlady.com

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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Dryer Vent Cleaning Matthews, North Carolina.



This picture is from a 20+ year old home in Matthews, NC which most likely has never scheduled the dryer vent cleaning service.

How to Schedule Dryer Vent Cleaning According to the Dryer Vent Wizard:

Dryer vent cleaning should be added to everyone’s home and appliance maintenance schedules. Dryer vent cleaning is the number one way to eliminate a fire hazard and reduce the energy used by clothes dryers.

Dave Lavalle, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, provides dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation services while educating consumers about the importance of proper maintenance. Dave recommends annual dryer vent cleaning for most people; however, those who have larger families or several large pets will need to clean dryer vents more often. Lint isn’t the only culprit that blocks dryer vents. Animal hair sticks to clothing and can be quite stubborn as it remains even after clothes are washed, so it ends up in the dryer vent system.

Other factors that determine how often dryer vent cleaning is necessary include the age of the dryer, the length of the dryer duct, and the amount of bends and turns in the duct leading to the dryer vent outside.

Dryer Vent Wizard provides professional dryer vent repair and installation services. Dryer vent systems made of flexible foil or vinyl should be replaced by a solid metal system. Dryer Vent Wizard installs dryer vent systems according to manufacturer’s safety standards.

Dryer Vent Wizard and Dave Lavalle provide dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation for homes and businesses within Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, Davidson, Huntersville, Cornelius, Mint Hill, Matthews, Pineville.

Contact:

David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-886-7078
davidlavalle@gmail.com
www.charlottedryerventlady.com

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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Dryer vent cleaning Charlotte Mecklenburg





Dryer vent cleaning can eliminate a serious fire hazard while promoting maximum dryer performance. Dave Lavalle notes that as seen in these pictures its not always just lint that can be found in a dryer vent. Both picture show construction debris that can cause a real fire hazard years after construction.

Lavalle cleans dryer vents for residents and business owners in Mecklenburg County.

Dave Lavalle often receives phone calls and emails from customers expressing their appreciation for his services. Dave likes to develop a personal relationships with his customers as he provides them valuable information about dryer vent cleaning and maintenance. “My customers appreciate the advice,” said Lavalle. “The time I spend educating the customer often pays off with the customer knowing how to keep their dryer vent safe in the future.”

“Dryer fires are caused by a combination of heat and blockage of air flow. If there is a lint build-up in the system then you have the combustibles needed to start a fire,” Lavalle explained. “When a fire occurs in a public place or apartment building, even more lives are at risk. Anyone who owns a clothes dryer needs dryer vent cleaning.”

Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation for homes and businesses.

Contact:

David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-886-7078
davidlavalle@gmail.com
www.charlottedryerventlady.com

28202, 28203, 28204, 28205, 28206, 28207, 28208, 28209, 28210, 28211, 28212, 28213, 28214, 28215, 28216, 28217, 28223, 28226, 28035, 28036, 28025, 28027, 28078, 28134, 28031, 28144, 28146, 28147.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Yes, a clothes dryer can be a carbon monoxide threat



Crushed venting, as seen in this picture can cause carbon monoxide to back up into your home.

Poorly vented fuel-burning appliances, including gas dryers, can emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

Dryer vent cleaning prevents a number of home appliance hazards including dryer fires and mildew damage in homes. Dryer vent cleaning also prevents a number of health hazards including mold related illness and carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, dryer vent cleaning can result in over $300 per year in energy savings. All this being considered, the fee for dryer vent cleaning is little compared to the many threats that can be eliminated.

Dave Lavalle owns Dryer Vent Wizard and is, serving consumers and businesses in the Greater Charlotte area. In addition to dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation, Dave also works to promote public awareness on dryer fire prevention and energy savings through proper appliance maintenance.

“Unfortunately, too few people think about dryer vent cleaning in spite of all the publicity about dryer fires,” said Lavalle. “Dryer vent cleaning is important for the same reasons furnace cleaning is important. All fuel burning appliances like gas furnaces, water heaters and dryers must be adequately vented to prevent high levels of carbon monoxide from entering your home.”

Dave Lavalle also advises his customers that dryer vent cleaning extends the life of their appliance and prevents expensive repair bills. Dryer vent cleaning promotes maximum dryer performance by improving air flow required to release heat and moisture from tumbling laundry. Reducing the stress and work load on a dryer can also save consumers a lot of money in energy costs.

Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in all dryer exhaust issues. Their services ensure clothes dryers operate safely and efficiently. Dryer Vent Wizard is making homes safer and greener, one dryer vent at a time.

Dave Lavalle provides dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation for homes and businesses within Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, Davidson, Huntersville, Cornelius, Mint Hill, Matthews, Pineville.

Contact:

David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-886-7078
davidlavalle@gmail.com
www.charlottedryerventlady.com

28202, 28203, 28204, 28205, 28206, 28207, 28208, 28209, 28210, 28211, 28212, 28213, 28214, 28215, 28216, 28217, 28223, 28226, 28035, 28036, 28025, 28027, 28078, 28134, 28031, 28144, 28146, 28147.

Dryer vent cleaning is necessary for everyone who owns a clothes dryer



This picture shows how birds pecked and broke through a non-code vinyl dryer vent at Lake Norman.

Dryer Vent Cleaning Tips from the Wizard of Charlotte, NC.

Dryer vent cleaning is necessary for everyone who owns a clothes dryer. Dryer vent cleaning opens the air-way to allow heat and moisture to escape as your laundry dries. Dryer vent cleaning promotes maximum dryer performance and eliminates a fire hazard.

If you live in an older home, you may appreciate its beauty and charm; however, there are some common hazards found in older homes.

When an older home was built, and the appliances were installed, there were very different safety codes in place. Back then vinyl or flexible foil vents were commonly used for dryer vent systems. Over the years it has been determined that these flammable materials are not safe for venting your clothes dryer.

While you may not want to think of your dryer as something that can cause a fire, the reality is that it produces hot air and it is a machine, so there is always a possibility of sparks being created. The type of duct you have attached to your dryer can make the difference between a spark that harmlessly fizzles out and one that grows to a rapidly spreading fire.

There is no reason to sacrifice the charm of an older home; however, it would be a good idea to have it inspected for safety. If you do not know what type of dryer vent system you have then it is likely to be serious fire hazard. A dryer exhaust specialist can inspect your dryer vent system and make necessary upgrades to ensure you dryer is operating safely and efficiently.

Dave Lavalle owns Dryer Vent Wizard in Mecklenberg County, a company who specializes in all dryer exhaust issues. Dryer Vent Wizard technicians are committed to educating consumers to make them aware of how their dryer vent system works and signs to look for indicating the need for service.

Dave Lavalle provides dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation for homes and businesses within Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, Davidson, Huntersville, Cornelius, Mint Hill, Matthews, Pineville.

Contact:

David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-886-7078
davidlavalle@gmail.com
www.charlottedryerventlady.com

28202, 28203, 28204, 28205, 28206, 28207, 28208, 28209, 28210, 28211, 28212, 28213, 28214, 28215, 28216, 28217, 28223, 28226, 28035, 28036, 28025, 28027, 28078, 28134, 28031, 28144, 28146, 28147.

Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard of Charlotte Says Don’t let your Dryer Start a Fire! Clean Dryer Vents



Dryer vent cleaning prevents dryer fires and a number of other problems caused by poorly vented clothes dryers. The broken vent in this picture will expel moisture and lint into crawlspaces causing mold and mildew issues.

Dryer vent cleaning is the number one fire prevention tip offered by Charlotte, NC's Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard. Over 15,000 dryer fires are reported annually, causing injuries, deaths and millions of dollars in property damage. Failure to clean dryer vents was cited as the number one cause of these fires.

Home, yard and appliance maintenance are a never ending project. There always seems to be something that requires a homeowner’s attention. Whether for looks, durability, safety or efficiency, home maintenance is essential to keep things in working order.
Dave Lavalle owns Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte, NC, specializing in dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation for homes, apartment buildings and commercial businesses…anyplace where a clothes dryer is operated. “One of the most important; yet, the most often over-looked appliance maintenance task is dryer vent cleaning,” said Lavalle. “Many people are unaware of the fact that the clothes dryer is one of the most likely appliances to cause a fire when it is not properly maintained.”

Dryer Vent Wizard is the largest dryer vent cleaning and installation franchise with over 50 locations in the U.S. Franchisees work hard to promote public awareness by educating their customers as they provide an important service. “Our goal is to make one million clothes dryers safer and greener each year,” said Lavalle.

Dave Lavalle started as a Dryer Vent Wizard business owner in 2004. He has found his career to be most rewarding as he provides an important service to keep families in his community safe. Dave enjoys building relationships with his customers as he educates them while providing professional dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation services. Visit dryerventwizard.com to learn more.

Dave Lavalle provides dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation for homes and businesses within Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, Davidson, Huntersville, Cornelius, Mint Hill, Matthews, Pineville.

Contact:

David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-886-7078
davidlavalle@gmail.com
www.charlottedryerventlady.com

28202, 28203, 28204, 28205, 28206, 28207, 28208, 28209, 28210, 28211, 28212, 28213, 28214, 28215, 28216, 28217, 28223, 28226, 28035, 28036, 28025, 28027, 28078, 28134, 28031, 28144, 28146, 28147.
Contact:

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Dryer vent cleaning Charlotte Mecklenburg




Dryer vent cleaning eliminates a serious fire hazard and promotes maximum dryer performance. Lint is highly combustible and as seen in these pictures, it can also build up within the clothes dryer. It will ignite quickly, burn very hot and start a rapidly spreading fire.

Dave Lavalle of Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte/ Mecklenburg notes that when the dryer vent system is clogged with lint build-up, the dryer works harder and consumes more energy; while your laundry comes out slightly damp. This is because your dryer needs air flow in order to function properly. Without air flow, the heat and moisture cannot escape from the dryer drum. The dryer will get very hot, but if the moisture cannot evaporate then the laundry will not dry.

Eventually, the extreme heat can cause the dryer to throw a spark. Naturally, the spark will go into the dryer duct to ignite the flammable lint that is built up. In this case, the dryer lint fire is a very bad thing.

Good Dryer Lint Fire:

A good dryer lint fire is one you start yourself, in the outdoor grill or fire pit. Dryer lint is a very good fire starter and much cheaper than going out and buying charcoal lighter or other fire starter products. Dryer lint is an effective fire starter. All it needs is a spark to quickly start a hot burning fire. This is a good reason to get the lint out of your dryer vent system and into your fire pit!

Other Ways to Recycle Dryer Lint

Dryer vent cleaning goes a long way in energy savings. Poorly vented dryers can cost up to $300.00 more per year to operate. Reduce energy bills and eliminate a fire hazard by cleaning dryer vents at least once a year.

Even though dryer lint can be evil, it does have a few good uses. Those who are really into “green” living might recycle their dryer lint. Dryer lint can be added to your compost pile and spread into the flower or vegetable garden.

Dryer lint can be hung out in a mesh bag near the bird feeder. Birds will appreciate the nesting material.

Another use for dryer lint is to make a modeling dough out of it. This gives the kids something creative to do. Make the lint-dough as follows:

Mix 3 cups of dryer lint with 2 cups of water, 1 cup of flour and ½ teaspoon of vegetable oil into a pan. Stir over low heat until the mixture binds together to a smooth consistency. Pour onto a baking sheet coated with wax paper to cool.

Dave Lavalle provides dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation for homes and businesses within Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, Davidson, Huntersville, Cornelius, Mint Hill, Matthews, Pineville.

Contact:

David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-886-7078
davidlavalle@gmail.com
www.charlottedryerventlady.com

28202, 28203, 28204, 28205, 28206, 28207, 28208, 28209, 28210, 28211, 28212, 28213, 28214, 28215, 28216, 28217, 28223, 28226, 28035, 28036, 28025, 28027, 28078, 28134, 28031, 28144, 28146, 28147.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Dryer Vent Cleaning Huntersville, NC



Huntersville, NC May 3, 2010

This picture is from a Huntersville's home at Highland Creek that had been vacant for over a year. The birds had nested so deeply in the vent that their nesting material made it all the way down the wall and to the back of the dryer. The birds also pecked away most of the vent cover and broke the venting pipe. But after a few hours of work and a bird proof vent cover, Dryer Vent Wizard had it all back at it should be.

Dryer vent cleaning business picks up in the Spring time when people are doing their annual spring cleaning. Dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually…it doesn’t matter what time of year it is done, as long as it gets done. Dave Lavalle, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte, NC notices how business tends to pick up more in the Spring time.

Dave said, “More people are having their dryer vent system inspected and cleaned in the spring time, once they have recovered from winter time heating bills and holiday expenses,” said Lavalle. “There is no right or wrong time to clean dryer vents. Over 15,000 dryer fires are reported annually, most of them are caused by failure to clean dryer vents, and they happen at all times of the year.” In fact there were two dryer fires within Mecklenburg County in April.

Dave Lavalle advises his customers to watch for warning signs that their dryer vent system is compromised, such as, when a dryer takes longer than 45 minutes to dry a load of laundry. Other signs include the room becoming unusually hot and humid when the dryer is running or when clothes or the dryer is hot to touch during a cycle.

Homeowners should check the dryer vent on the outside of their home to be sure it is working properly. “You should be able to see the exhaust coming out when the dryer is running,” said Buie. “The vent flaps should be open when the dryer is running and closed when it is not. Check for damage, cracks, or evidence that small animals may have entered.”

Dave Lavalle began his dryer vent cleaning career on August 12, 2004, serving the Boston, MA area. In 2006 Dave move to Charlotte, NC with his wife Lynne and 9 of their 10 children. Dave Lavalle now provides dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation for homes and businesses within Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, Davidson, Huntersville, Cornelius, Mint Hill, Matthews, Pineville.

Contact:

David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-886-7078
davidlavalle@gmail.com
www.charlottedryerventlady.com

28202, 28203, 28204, 28205, 28206, 28207, 28208, 28209, 28210, 28211, 28212, 28213, 28214, 28215, 28216, 28217, 28223, 28226, 28035, 28036, 28025, 28027, 28078, 28134, 28031, 28144, 28146, 28147.