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

Dryer Vent Wizard Eliminates Fire Hazard and Repairs Dryer for Huntersville Consumers'

Professional dryer vent installation was the solution for a recent customer who called Dryer Vent Wizard when she experienced problems with her clothes dryer. “There was plenty of heat being produced by the dryer,” said owner, Dave Lavalle. “I noticed that immediately when I entered the laundry room. It was like a sauna.”

Dave Lavalle knew that the problem was caused by an air flow blockage, so he turned off the dyer and pulled it out from the wall. Dave was horrified to see the crushed, foil dryer duct and a large pile of lint. “The old, flexible foil dryer duct had been crushed when the homeowner pushed the dryer against the wall,” said Lavalle. “A large tear in the duct allowed lint to pour out onto the floor behind the dryer.”

Dave explained to the customer that this type of dryer vent system no longer meets safety standards. To ensure dryer safety and efficiency, he would have to install a new dryer vent system made of rigid metal. “The customer was relived to have eliminated a serious fire hazard and she was very happy to have her dryer working efficiently,” said Lavalle.

On his way out, Dave promised to follow up with the customer to clean the dryer vent every year. “Even the very best dryer vent system needs to be cleaned periodically to ensure safety and efficiency,” said Lavalle. “Technology just hasn’t produced the maintenance-free dryer vent system.”

Dave Lavalle provides professional dryer vent services while educating his customers on the importance of dryer vent cleaning and proper maintenance. He advises his customers to check the dryer vent outside often to be sure it is functioning properly. “When the dryer is running you should be able to see the exhaust coming from the vent. When the dryer is off, the vent should be closed."

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

Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte asks Do you Know What’s in Your Dryer Vent?

Dryer vent cleaning 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,” said Dave Lavalle, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard.

Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in cleaning, repairing and installing dryer vent systems. Dave Lavalle advises his customers to clean dryer vents annually to remove lint build-up to eliminate a fire hazard and increase dryer efficiency. ‘Poorly vented clothes dryers cost substantially more money to operate,” said Lavalle.

Dave recalled a recent phone call where the potential customer expressed concern about increased drying time. “She was going to buy a new dryer because she thought the problem was due to aging,” said Lavalle. “I explained to her that even a new dryer was not going to work efficiently with poor ventilation.”

Upon inspecting the dryer vent system Dave found several problems. “The first thing I noticed when I went into the crawl space was the flexible foil 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, allowing cold air to cause steam to liquefy and become trapped in the dryer exhaust pipe. The flexible duct material, sagging allowed the lint and water to pool in a low spot and block air flow from the dryer.

Dryer Vent Wizard is the nation’s largest dryer vent installation and cleaning franchise with nearly 60 locations in the U.S. Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning and installation according to current safety standards to make clothes dryers operate safely and efficiently.

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

Dryer Vent Wizard Joins National Fire Prevention Association; Offers Dryer Fire Prevention Tips

Charlotte, NC —October is National Fire Prevention Month. Dryer Vent Wizard is joining the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) in fire prevention awareness efforts by providing tips for preventing dryer fires.

“We found that there is still a huge lack of awareness among consumers who think it’s normal for their dryer to take two to three cycles to dry one load of clothing. They typically don’t realize that this is a warning sign of a dryer vent clog and fire hazard. Unfortunately one such incident resulted in the tragic death of a mother in Massachusetts,” says Dave Lavalle, formally of Massachusetts. “That unfortunate situation haunts me because I drove by the street where this dryer fire happened weekly with my dryer vent cleaning equipment in tow.” Dryer Vent Wizard is a nationwide chain of 55 dryer vent cleaning, repair, replacement and alteration specialists in the U.S.

During the month of October, consumers will be encouraged to visit the Dryer Vent Wizard Wisdom website section to become informed of the dangers that lurk in the laundry room.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, dryer fires account for an average of 15,000 fires with an approximate $88 million in property damage, 15 deaths and 400 injuries annually.  “Failure to clean” was cited as the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.

Dryer Vent Wizard has joined the efforts of the National Fire Prevention Association for Fire Prevention Month to create consumer awareness by providing the following advice to minimize the risk of dryer fires.
Be sure that dryer vent systems are up to code with city, state and manufacturer per the owners’ manual.
Replace any plastic or foil vent with semi-rigid or solid metal venting.
Clean screen lint trays before and after drying a load.
Wash lint screens with soap and water every few months to remove residue left behind by fabric softeners.
Have dryer vents professionally cleaned and inspected annually.
Don’t keep combustibles like chemical cleaning products or chemical laden rags near your dryer.

           Warning signs to look for:
Clothes are taking more than one cycle to dry, especially jeans and towels.
No lint visible on lint screen.
Dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle.
Clothes have moldy smell after dry cycle.


“Educating the consumer is top priority here at Dryer Vent Wizard. Tragedies like the one in Massachusetts could be prevented by following these tips,” says Lavalle.

For additional information on the National Fire Prevention Association’s “Practice Your Escape Plan,”

Dryer Vent Wizard is the largest chain of dryer vent cleaning, repair, replacement and alternation specialists in the U.S.

Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard Promotes National Fire Prevention Week

Dryer Vent Wizard Joins National Fire Protection Association Awareness Efforts educating consumers about dryer fire prevention


Dryer vent cleaning Wizards cross the nation are promoting National Fire Prevention Week while providing an essential home maintenance service. Dryer Vent Wizard, Get the Lint Out supports the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as they work toward a common goal to make clothes dryers in their community safer and greener.

Dave Lavalle owns Dryer Vent Wizard in Charlotte North Carolina. “Many people believe it is normal for their dryer to take more than one cycle to dry a load of laundry,” said Lavalle. “They don’t realize this is a warning sign indicating a serious fire hazard.”

During National Fire Prevention Week in October franchisees are encouraged to update their blogs and write new articles to inform the public of the dangers that could be lurking in their laundry room.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration over 15,000 dryer fires occur annually, causing death, injury and property damage. “Failure to clean dryer vents” was citied as the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.

In joining efforts with the NFPA for Fire Prevention month, the Raleigh Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard is providing the following advice to consumers to reduce the risk of dryer fires.

• Make sure your dryer vent system meets current safety standards
• Replace all plastic or flexible foil dryer vent tubes with semi-rigid or solid metal venting.
• Clean the lint screen after every load of laundry
• Wash lint screens with soap and water every few months to remove residue left behind by fabric softeners.
• Order dryer vent cleaning and dryer vent inspections annually
• Do not store combustibles like chemical cleaning products or chemical laden rags near dryers.

Warning signs of a clogged dryer vent system include clothes taking more than one cycle to dry, clothes being hot to the touch after a dry cycle, clothes have a moldy smell when removed from the dryer, or the dryer repeatedly shutting off during the dry cycle. “All of these symptoms indicate a blockage in air-flow,” said Lavalle. “Your clothes dryer will last a very long time if the dryer vent system is properly maintained. None of these are indications that your clothes dryer is worn out. Dryer vent cleaning and dryer vent repair cures most dryer malfunctions.”

Dryer Vent Wizard is the largest chain of dryer vent cleaning, repair, replacement and alteration specialists in the U.S. with over 50 franchisees in major markets in the U.S.

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

Dryer Vent Cleaning Charlotte Wizard Provides Fire Prevention Tips

October marks National Fire Prevention Month. This is the time local fire departments visit schools to teach kids fire safety and magazines and newspapers publish articles to encourage public awareness. Fall is also the season when the number of home fires is on the rise.

Dave Lavalle, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, is reminding consumers to eliminate a fire hazard by having their dryer vent system inspected for safety. “We concentrate on educating our customers all year; however, extra effort is focused on fire safety during National Fire Prevention Month,” said Dave. “15,000 to 17,000 dryer fires occur each year with failure to clean dryer vents being the number one cause.”

Dave explained why dryer vent cleaning is so important. “Over 80% of American homes have a clothes dryer which is one of the most likely appliances to cause a fire. When dryer lint is trapped in the dryer ducts, it builds up and eventually blocks air flow, causing the dryer to over heat. If the dryer throws a spark, the flammable lint provides the necessary fuel to start a rapidly spreading fire.”

According to some Fire Departments, “1/3 of the runs we go on are dryer fires,” said Fire Department Sgt. Salvador Melendez.

Dave Lavalle is encouraging consumers to be aware of possible fire hazards in their home, “There are many things around the house that can be fire hazards. Freak accidents occur because they are totally unanticipated. That is why they are called freak accidents. Dryer vent fires; however, are not freak accidents because they are easily preventable. Professional dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer vent installation will help eliminate a serious fire hazard.”

Dave Lavalle owns Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent cleaning, repair, and installation company that provides dryer vent exhaust service while educating consumers on dryer fire prevention. Their technicians provide tips and advise their customers of the warning signs to be aware of. “Increased drying time is the most common sign of blocked air flow,” said Lavalle.

Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in dryer fire prevention and “urgent response” dryer and dryer vent maintenance, repair, replacement and alterations. DVW services keep dryers functioning properly, prevent dryer fires and reduce energy costs. To learn visit our website below:

Dryer Vent Wizard is the largest chain of dryer vent cleaning, repair, replacement and alteration specialists in the U.S. with over 50 franchisees in major markets in the U.S.

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