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February 11 2021

Is Dryer Vent Cleaning Worth It?

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Dryer Vent cleaning not only allows your dryer to run more efficiently, but it’s essential for preventing dryer fires. They are to blame for over 13,000 house fires every year in the United States. That’s a scary statistic considering that each dryer fire doesn’t need to happen.

Proper Dryer Maintenance

One of the required steps during a Preventative Maintenance procedure (PM) for dryers in the Fort Wayne area is the technician cleans the vent or a qualified third party performs the dryer vent cleaning. In fact, they do not consider the PM complete until it’s confirmed the vent is clear.

After they confirm the vent is clear and not kinked or crushed, they check the airflow through the dryer and the vent, following it to the end. If a dryer vent is too long, the back pressure developed by the dryer blower motor mimics the effects of a blocked dryer vent. That creates a similar, but bigger problem.

Lint Buildup

Lint buildup inside the dryer is a mystery for many homeowners. They don’t understand the principle of dryer ventilation. It’s this lack of understanding that prevents a dryer from receiving essential PMs that leads to lint gradually building up inside the dryer, close to the heat source. If enough time goes by and the lint continues to build, it can catch fire inside the dryer because it’s too close to the dryer heater. The red-hot heater ignites the lint, and a dryer fire starts.

Preventing Dryer Fires

Dryer fires caused by lint are easy to prevent, but homeowners must follow a regular PM schedule that includes a dryer vent cleaning. They must ensure the dryer always receives proper ventilation.

Users need to remember to clean the lint screen before or after each load without fail. A dryer reacts to a dirty lint screen similarly as a blocked vent. It’s blocked airflow, meaning airborne lint cannot escape the dryer and ends up landing inside, near the heat source.

Dryer Ventilation

For efficient and safe operation, a dryer (electric or gas) must have a 4-inch diameter vent running from the rear of the dryer to the outdoors, with no blockages anywhere, including the end that exhausts warm air outdoors.

Underwriters’ Laboratory issued several recommendations over the years about the length of vent and how it affects efficient operation of the dryer. Ideally, the vent must be as short as possible, without bends or turns. A vent that is 10 feet long is good. One that is 30 feet long prevents the dryer blower motor from pushing air that distance. The effect is leftover lint inside the dryer, once again increasing the chance of a future dryer fire.

A 4-inch diameter vent that is the correct length will remove nearly all the lint from the dryer during each use. With a clean lint screen and clear vent, the dryer’s efficiency is at the highest level. That means faster drying clothes, towels, and blankets, too.

Warning Signs of Blocked Airflow

If you notice your clothes take longer to dry than normal, aside from a defective heater inside the dryer, it’s likely you have a vent problem. That’s a sign to call Dusty Brothers in Fort Wayne right away and have them diagnose the situation.

Another sign of blocked or restricted air flow is the surface temperature of your dryer. If it feels unusually warm and moist or it’s hot to the touch on top, that’s a sure sign of blocked air flow.

March 9 2020

Reasons Why You Should Have Your Dryer Vents Cleaned

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Reason to Have Your Dryer Vents Cleaned

Having a dryer can make your life so much easier. Instead of it taking hours or days for clothes to dry, it can be done quickly and efficiently.

While the dryer has made it easy and convenient to do laundry, it is important to do some maintenance to ensure that this appliance runs properly. This includes conducting dryer vent cleaning. Below are the reasons why this is beneficial to have done in Fort Wayne.

Reasons to Get Your Dryer Vent Cleaned

A Buildup of Lint Reduces Your Dryer’s Efficiency

The way your dryer works is by taking the moisture that is in your clothes and venting it through a tube outside of your home. If the tube is full of lint, then the air has nowhere to go, and the moisture backs up into your dryer. Thus, if you don’t call in a dryer vent cleaner to remove the lint on a regular basis, it will take your clothes longer to dry.

If you’re like most people, you don’t want to run your dryer numerous times to get your clothes clean. Not only does this impact your schedule, but it also increases your utility bill. Thus, if you find that it’s taking several cycles to get your clothes dry and you cleaned the lint trap on the inside of your dryer, you might consider having someone do dryer vent cleaning.

Lint Can Cause a Fire

If you allow lint to build up in your dryer vents, it increases the chances of a fire occurring. The lint acts as kindling, and it can quickly and easily spread the fire from the vent into the rest of your home. To keep you and your family safe, it’s advised you call Dusty Brothers in Fort Wayne and have your dryer vents cleaned on a regular basis.

In addition to a clogged dryer vent increasing your risk of fire, it can also lead to the buildup of CO2. This gas can have a negative impact on your health, causing headaches and other health issues, or even lead to death. Your dryer vent is responsible for venting moisture outside, but it also gets rid of this dangerous gas. If it’s clogged, the gas could back into your home and create a safety issue. Therefore, you need to call a dryer vent cleaner and get this cleaned out regularly.

Lint Makes an Appealing Nest

Insects and rodents are just like you, and they are constantly on the lookout for warm places to make their home. If you don’t get dryer vent cleaning done on a regular basis, you are inviting pests such as mice and cockroaches into your vent. Once they get into this area, it won’t be long before they are exploring the rest of your house, looking for a quick, easy meal.

Signs You Need to Clean Your Dryer Vent

Lint Flies Out of Your Dryer When You Start It

It’s normal for a burst of air to come out of your dryer when you hit the button to get it started. However, if you also notice that lint flies out with it, this is a sign that you need to have your vent cleaned.

It Smells Like Your Dryer Is Burning

To work effectively, your dryer has to get incredibly hot, and it may smell hot, but it should never smell like something is on fire. If it does, this could be a sign that an abundance of lint has built up around a heating element or the motor and is burning. This could lead to an increased risk of fire, so getting your dryer serviced and cleaned is the best way to keep everyone safe and your dryer working effectively.

It Takes Several Cycles to Dry Your Clothes

As mentioned, if it takes more than one cycle to get your clothes dry, this could be because your vent is clogged with lint and the moist air has nowhere to go. Getting it cleaned should ensure that the right number of cycles are needed to get your clothes dry, and it should keep your utility bill reasonable and affordable.

Having an efficient, effective dryer makes doing laundry faster and easier. Over time, lint will build up in the dryer vent, so it’s recommended that this get cleaned on a regular basis. This will ensure that your dryer works the way it should and that you are safe when doing laundry.

At Dusty Brothers in Fort Wayne, IN our certified, insured, and bonded experts offer complete dryer vent repair and cleaning services in the greater Fort Wayne area that will make your dryer safe and energy efficient. Don’t take any chances – lower your risk of fire now. Our rates are competitive – guaranteed. Check out our FAQ section on the importance of dryer vent cleaning and maintenance.

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October 16 2019

Why Chimney Inspections and Cleaning Is Not A DIY Job

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Are you one of those people who like to do things yourself? You have no doubt heard about various DIY methods of cleaning your chimney like using salt, potato peelings, and aluminum cans. But you should know that cleaning a chimney is not as easy as one may think. It is dangerous and not a project to take on yourself. Here are a few reasons chimney cleaning in Fort Wayne is not a DIY job:

Why Chimney Cleaning Should Be Done by a Professional

Many jobs around the house and yard can be safely done by the homeowner. However, when it comes to chimneys and roofing, this type of task is best left to a professional. They are trained to spot things that you might miss or not realize is important.

They Are Trained, Certified Professionals

Professional chimney sweeps are trained and know what they are doing when it comes to cleaning creosote, a flammable material that builds up inside the chimney as a result of burning wood. A chimney fire can break out suddenly and can destroy not only the chimney but your roof and possibly your entire house. A house fire is devastating and can be easily prevented by taking the proper precautions.

They Know What to Look for

Professional chimney sweeps know what to look for when performing a chimney inspection. They can spot potential hazards and prevent many chimney fires from happening. They will check your flue liner to make sure it is not failing. Creosote buildup, loose bricks, crumbling mortar, and loose roofing tiles are also things they look at that could cause problems in the near future.

They Are Used to Working High Up

They also know how to navigate a roof safely. Most roofs have a very sharp incline and are not easy to walk on. Being 10 feet or more off the ground can cause issues with balance as well. It is dangerous because if you fall, there is nothing to stop you or soften your landing. A fall from a roof can be life-threatening.

Professional Repairs to Prevent Damage

They can repair any damage found during a chimney inspection. Spotting problems are one thing but they can also repair minor issues so they do not progress into bigger issues later on.

They are also used to handling the occasional critter caught in the chimney such as bats, squirrels, and nesting birds. They know how to safely remove an animal without causing injury. Often they will fly out and become disoriented and could hurt themselves trying to find a way out.

What Chimney Sweeps do

A professional chimney sweep will perform a chimney inspection to make sure that everything is intact, in good working order, and if repairs are needed they get done.

Your chimney will be cleaned from top to bottom using the best tools for the job. Chimney sweeps have long-handled brushed that reach high up into the chimney to clear out things like creosote, cobwebs, and bird nests that could cause a fire. They will lay down tarps on the floor and over furniture to keep the mess to a minimum while they clean. They clean inside and outside, from top to bottom. When they are done, you will receive the results of your inspection and your fireplace will then be ready for use. Your chimney should be inspected once or twice per year and especially before the start of the winter heating season. If you need chimney cleaning services in the Fort Wayne area, contact the Dusty Brothers.

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September 20 2019

The Benefits of Chimney Cleaning in Fort Wayne, IN

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Fort Wayne Chimney Cleaning

Cleaning your chimney might be one of the last things you think about, yet completing this task is crucial for your property. Millions of people rely heavily on chimneys/fireplaces during the brutally cold winter season. It’s a good idea to have your chimney cleaned regularly. If you haven’t thought about all the benefits a clean chimney provides, here are a few reasons why homeowners in Fort Wayne are getting it done. The reliable and professional chimney cleaning services from Dusty Brothers is here to make sure the job is done right.

Longer Life Span

Like anything else on your property, keeping it maintained will help it last longer. Taking a proactive approach when it comes to your chimney can identify possible issues before they turn into costly repairs. It is crucial to keep a wood-burning fireplace clean because of the bits of residue and debris it leaves behind. Without proper cleaning, the inside of your chimney is more susceptible to deterioration. An hour of your time once a year could potentially save thousands.

Chimney Cleaning Keeps Your Family Protected

The memories that are created around the fireplace in the winter months should be happy ones. A dirty chimney can be extremely hazardous because the dangerous smoke-filled toxins are not adequately being ventilated. A professional will ensure that your chimney is 100 percent operational to allow the proper escape of smoke, toxins, and other dangerous substances that shouldn’t be inhaled. Also, a reputable chimney cleaner will help your home stay safe from possible fires. Did you know that a dirty chimney can be a fire hazard when you have leftover residue and soot build up along the inside walls? With a single spark, the entire home can quickly burn. Most of the time, a house fire could have been prevented. Take this extra step to make sure yours isn’t one of them.

Save Money

When was the last time you heard someone complain about saving money on energy expenses? Keeping your chimney clean is an excellent way to cut heating expenses during the colder months. The heating system won’t have to work as hard. It gets quite cold in Fort Wayne, Indiana in the wintertime, so homeowners use their fireplaces often. You could use the extra money you save for holiday presents instead.

Fort Wayne Chimney Cleaner Dusty Brothers is proud to serve the local area with our professional chimney cleaning services. We are dedicated to exceeding your highest expectations for every service call. If you need a chimney cleaner who knows what they’re doing, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We look forward to keeping your family and loved ones protected!