Eggs in time for Easter!

This picture was taken by Dave Lavalle, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte, on April 11, 2011. A customer call because they thought something was wrong with the dryer vent. It was taking to long to dry their clothes. The dryer vent was filled with a birds nest and the birds broke through the vent into the attic as you can see by this picture.

Dryer Vent Wizard has nearly 60 independently owned franchises in major market areas across the U.S. Services by the Wizard ensure clothes dryers operate as safely and efficiently as possible. The fee for dryer vent cleaning is quickly recovered in energy savings and extended dryer life, not to mention saving a home and contents from fire.

Contact:
David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd

Hickory, NC dryer fire

April 01, 2011: Charlotte, NC -- Dryer vent cleaning is important for a number of reasons. Dryer vent cleaning enhances dryer performance, extends the life of the appliance and helps save energy. Most importantly, dryer vent cleaning eliminates a potential fire hazard that could be lurking in nearly 80 percent of American homes today.

Hickory, NC A dryer fire caused $60,000 in damage as it spread rapidly throughout the home. An additional truck and crew were called in to help and one occupant was taken to the hospital for observation.

Howards Creek, NC Firefighters were called to a mobile home when it filled with smoke. The fire was in the back of the home and under the home, and it started in the clogged dryer vent.

Over 17,000 dryer fires occur annually, causing deaths, injuries and loss of homes. Dryer fires are especially devastating in apartment buildings and attached condos where more homes and lives can be at risk. Since many renters do not have insurance for their belongings, they can lose everything. Dryer vent cleaning is simple, but often forgotten maintenance that eliminates a fire hazard and promotes dryer efficiency.

Dave Lavalle is Charlotte's Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard, serving homes and businesses in Greater Charlotte North Carolina. Since purchasing his Dryer Vent Wizard franchise, Dave has enjoyed a rewarding career as he makes a difference in his neighborhood. Dryer Vent Wizard technicians work to educate their customers by explaining what they are doing and why they are doing it. We like our customers to be confident that they are paying for a very necessary service, said Lavalle. This is one reason we explain what we are doing and why; so they understand the importance of dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer vent installation.

Dryer Vent Wizard has nearly 60 independently owned franchises in major market areas across the U.S. Services by the Wizard ensure clothes dryers operate as safely and efficiently as possible. The fee for dryer vent cleaning is quickly recovered in energy savings and extended dryer life, not to mention saving a home and contents from fire.

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

Dryer vent cleaning can be nutty!

This job on 12-27-10 in Charlotte's, 28210 area drove us a little "nutty" as we extracted about 8 lbs of acorns from a dryer vent.

Professional dryer vent installation by the Greater Charlotte Dryer Vent Wizard ensures maximum dryer performance while eliminating a fire hazard. Over 17,000 dryer related fires occur annually. Though failure to clean dryer vent systems is the number one cause, improper dryer vent installation and mechanical problems can also be a hazard.

Dave Lavalle, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Charlotte explained some of the common problems he finds with older style dryer vent systems. “The flexible foil, vinyl and corrugated plastic systems increase friction and slow down air flow,” said Lavalle. “The harder the dryer is working, the greater the chance of mechanical break-down or overheating. Dryer vent repair and maintenance can extend the life of the dryer, reduce energy expenses, and eliminate a fire hazard.”

Dryer Vent Wizard technicians specialize in all dryer exhaust issues while they educate their customers on the importance of dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer vent installation. Dave often performs dryer vent services for landlords and property managers. “Renters are less likely to be aware of the importance of appliance maintenance services like furnace or dryer vent cleaning,” said Lavalle. “This is why I urge landlords and property managers to have dryer vent systems inspected and cleaned regularly.”

“I used them on an investment property that I own,” said a local property manager. “They replaced the dryer vent hose and cleaned the vent. They did a great job and left the job site cleaner than when they found it. They were professional, friendly and arrived on time.”

Dave Lavalle is confident that he is making a difference in his community as customers often refer their family and friends to the Wizard for dryer vent services. Educating consumers while making clothes dryers safer and greener is the Wizard’s passion.

Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Charlotte is the most qualified dryer vent company in the area with the best trained technicians. Dave carries all the tools and equipment needed to clean dryer vents, repair dryer vents and install new dryer vent systems according to current safety standards. For more information:

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

These pictures are from a condo in South Charlotte. Birds built a nest and broke through within the ceiling.

Charlotte, NC – Professional dryer vent installation and regular dryer vent cleaning are the top two tips on the Wizard’s list. Dave Lavalle, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard is celebrating another year of making clothes dryers safer and greener while educating consumers with fire safety tips.

Lavalle knows that the number of home fires increases during the holiday season; many are caused by holiday lights and decorations. For this reason, Dave Lavalle has added some holiday safety tips to his conversation with customers.

“Take care when bringing a live tree into your home,” said Lavalle. “A dry tree can be a serious fire hazard, quickly engulfing a home as it fills up with dangerous fumes as well. Choose a fresh cut tree. Needles should be green and flexible; not brittle and falling off. Do not keep a live tree in your home for more than two weeks and keep it watered at all times.”

Christmas trees, holiday lights and dryer vent systems have some astonishing things in common…all can be a fire hazard. Never go to sleep or leave the house with the dryer running and the holiday lights on. Avoid overloading the dryer and avoid overloading electrical sockets with too many strings of lights. Use holiday lights only as intended; some are for indoor use only, some are for outdoor use only.

Dryer Vent Wizard is the largest franchise chain of dryer vent installation and cleaning companies with nearly 60 locations in the U.S. Dave Lavalle provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation, dryer vent inspections and all dryer vent services for homes and businesses in the Greater Charlotte, NC metro area.

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

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