Dryer Vent Wizard Discusses Dryer Vent Installation in Newer Homes

Professional dryer vent installation is just as important as annual dryer vent cleaning, even in newer homes. Many consumers believe their newer home is likely to contain fewer if any fire hazards. Dave Lavalle, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Charlotte; recently a DVW tech inspected a dryer vent system in a newer home. The homeowner was confident that everything would be correct and up to code because the home was less than one year old.

The tech looked behind the clothes dryer and he was happy to find that the proper material was used for the dryer ducts; solid metal instead of corrugated plastic or vinyl. The pieces were joined with metal tape rather than screws that protrude into the inside of the ducts to catch and trap lint.

The tech also followed the duct to see where it ends; he was disappointed to find that it went right into the attic. “There was a pile of lint in the attic and I could see that mold and mildew was growing on the rafters,” said the tech. “Mold will eventually cause the rafters to rot. Mold spores in the home can cause upper respiratory problems for residents. By law, the dryer must be vented outdoors. If you have a gas dryer, you are also risking carbon monoxide in your home” said Lavalle.

The best dryer exhaust system is made of solid metal, smooth inside, joined with metal tape and is as short and straight as possible. Lavalle explained, “The longer your dryer exhaust pipe is, the more resistance there is to air-flow. Bends and turns also cause resistance. Proper air-flow is essential for a clothes dryer to work safely and efficiently, saving energy and preventing fires.”

Dave Lavalle, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard provides professional dryer vent inspections, dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation in the Charlotte area. All Dryer Vent Wizard technicians are happy to explain to their customers how their dryer vent system works and how to properly maintain the system between annual professional visits.

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

Dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually

Dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually by dryer manufacturers and the National Fire Prevention Association.

Over 17,000 dryer fires occur each year causing injuries, deaths and over $100 million in property damages. The frequency of home fires increases significantly during the fall and winter months.

According to Dave Lavalle, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, failure to clean dryer vents is the number one cause of dryer related fires. When asked why so many consumers fail to clean dryer vents, Lavalle answered, “Out of sight, out of mind. People take the clothes dryer for granted and since they cannot see the inside of their dryer ducts, they do not think about it.”

According to Dave, many people think it is normal for an older dryer to take longer to properly dry laundry. “This is a very dangerous misconception,” said Lavalle. “This is a sure sign of lint build-up blocking air-flow. If left unchecked, it can lead to a devastating fire.”

Dave recalls two dryer fires that were reported earlier this year. “Thankfully, no one was injured and damages were minimal,” said Lavalle. “Dryer fires are most devastating and easily prevented through proper dryer vent installation and maintenance.”

Canonsburg, PA: A dryer fire sent flames shooting through the second story of a Washington County home causing fire damage to the laundry area as well as heat and smoke damage throughout the home. The fire was put out in less than an hour and no injuries were reported.

Portsmouth, NH: A dryer fire caused heavy smoke damage to contents in the basement of a home while the resident was upstairs. She smelled the smoke but thought it was a neighbor having a BBQ. Minutes later, a neighbor knocked at her door to tell her that smoke was coming from her dryer vent. Thanks to an alert neighbor and the quick response from the fire department, damages were minimal and there were no injuries.
The above stories could have ended much worse than they did. Though damages were extensive, no one was injured. “Dryer fires are caused by a combination of intense heat and air-flow blockage,” said Lavalle. “If you have a build up of lint in the dryer vent system then you have the combustibles needed to start a rapidly spreading fire.”

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

Dryer Vent Installation Wizard Provides Tips that Make a Big Difference

Professional dryer vent installation and regular dryer vent cleaning is necessary to eliminate a fire hazard and promote dryer efficiency. According to Dave Lavalle, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte, most dryer fires are easily preventable through proper maintenance. “Lint build-up in the dryer vent system will restrict air flow and make your dryer work harder to do its job,” said Lavalle. “Eventually the dryer will overheat and cause a fire.”

Dryer Vent Wizard is a national franchise company specializing in dryer vent installation and dryer exhaust service while educating consumers dryer safety and efficiency. “Educating the consumer is a major part of our service,” said Lavalle. “My customers appreciate the time I spend with them providing safety tips and information about their dryer vent system.”

Dave recalls a dryer vent inspection where his customer expressed her appreciation for his concern. “It was not until I had David Lavalle of Dryer Vent Wizard come to my home that I realized how dangerous dryer vent lint build-up can be,” said one recent customer. “He went well beyond his service call by showing me how to clean and wash the lint trap and he changed the washing machine lines to the stainless steel hoses making them safe from splitting and causing a flood.”

Though dryer vents are their major focus, Dryer Vent Wizard technicians also recommend replacing standard washing machine hoses with stainless steel hoses to prevent bursting. “Most people do not think about the constant pressure on their washing machine hoses,” said Lavalle. “If a water hose bursts the home could be completely flooded within minutes. Water valves to the washer should be turned off if residents are on vacation or away from home for an extended period of time.”

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