The Wizard of Lake County says to Clean Dryer Vents to save Money and Prevent Fires

Over 15,000 fires, caused by clothes dryers, are reported annually; most of these dryer fires are due to failure to clean the dryer duct and venting system. When lint is allowed to accumulate in the dryer ducts, air flow is restricted, causing overheating and making the dryer work harder to perform its job. Proper maintenance of the dryer vent system will greatly reduce the risk of a dryer fire and help to save on energy bills.

Here are some dryer vent maintenance tips:

• Check the lint trap before each load; clean it after each load


• Wash the lint screen with warm, soapy water, every month or two, to remove residue build-up caused by dryer sheets


• Do not dry fabrics soaked in combustible substances, even if they have been washed; line drying is recommended


• Be sure any flammable items or substances are not stored near the dryer


• Have professional dryer vent cleaning done at least once a year


• Have a dryer vent specialist inspect your system to be sure it is up to state, local and manufacturer’s codes.


• Use metal venting material, not plastic or vinyl


• Check the outside vent often to be sure it is not blocked or damaged

Following these guidelines will ensure safety from a dryer fire and help to save on energy costs. When a clothes dryer runs efficiently, clothes dry quicker; therefore, the dryer is not overworking and consuming extra energy. Proper maintenance also helps to increase the life of your clothes dryer and prevents breakdowns.


Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair and dryer vent installation for consumers and business owners in North Side Chicago and North Shore Suburbs, Cook and Lake Counties, Evanston, Wilmette, Lincolnwood, Skokie, Morton Grove, Kenilworth, Glenview, Northbrook, Northfield, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield and neighboring cities and communities, Failure to clean dryer vents is the number one cause of dryer related fires.

Dryer Vent Cleaning Repairs most Dryer Issues says the Wizard of Highland Park

Most everyone today owns a washer and dryer. Washers and dryers are one set of appliances that get used a lot; if you have a large family, it will seem the washer and dryer runs constantly.

It’s easy to take these appliances for granted. But, one day, you may just open your dryer, after it has been running almost an hour, to remove clothing and find it is still wet or it is very hot to the touch. Or, maybe the dryer just won’t start.

There are several reasons for these symptoms. Sometimes, it’s quite simple; a circuit breaker overload that just needs to be reset. But, these are also symptoms of lint build up in the dryer vent system causing restricted air flow, which leads to overheating and eventually, a fire. Lint is combustible; add extreme heat from a clothes dryer that isn’t venting properly and you have a recipe for a clothes dryer fire.

Lint isn’t always the culprit, but it is a good idea to check for it and rule it out. There are parts of a dryer that wear out, including the thermostat, timer, start switch or terminal block. These are electrical parts and need to be tested with a VOM meter. Some people are inclined to figure these simple repairs out themselves, but electricity is dangerous for the amateur; this may be something that you would want to have a professional handle.

Another common problem is belts. After years of usage belts weaken and can just snap or stretch out to the point of being too loose to turn the drum. The drum roller could be worn out or a pulley could need adjustment. If a dryer isn’t heating, it could have a bad heating coil, switch, timer or thermostat.

There are many things that cause a dryer to work inefficiently, but, most of the time the problem is due to failure to maintain the dryer vent system. This is a fire hazard and should not be let go for long. Professional dryer vent cleaning should be done at least once a year, with homeowner maintenance done in between, to ensure the dryer is operating efficiently and safely.

Dryer Vent Wizard of Chicago provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation and all dryer vent services for residential and commercial customers in Lake County, Wadsworth, Lake Villa, Deerfield, Gurnee, Grayslake, Antioch, Waukegan, Buffalo Grove, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Round Lake, Fox Lake, Zion and neighboring cities and communities.

Tip: Solar Drying is Free!

Northshore Chicago Dryer Vent Cleaning Technician Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Chicago, IL – Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago has been awarded the prestigious 2008 Angie’s List Super Service Award!

The Super Service Award, now celebrating its 10th year, is given to companies who have achieved and maintained a superior service rating on Angie’s List to meet the eligibility requirements to be considered for the award.

“Our super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to customer service,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.

Mory Matias, the owner/operator of Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago states, “We are truly honored to be awarded this prestigious award. We strive for complete satisfaction with our customers, who are naturally very conscientious about safety and energy savings by seeking our services in the first place!” DVW specializes in dryer fire prevention and “urgent response” dryer vent cleaning, maintenance, repair, replacement and alterations. http://www.dryerventwizard.com services keep dryer appliances functioning efficiently, prevent dryer fires and reduce energy costs.

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have maintained a total and overall grade of “A,” have not received a minimum number or reports; are NOT in the Angie’s List “Penalty Box” and do NOT have an unsatisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2008 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

Angie’s List is where thousands of consumers share their ratings and reviews on local contractors and companies in more than 425 different categories. Currently, 750,000 consumers across the US rely on Angie’s List to help them find the right contractor or company for the job they need done. Members have unlimited access to the list via Internet or phone; receive the Angie’s List magazine, which includes articles on home improvement and maintenance, consumer trends and scam alerts; and they can utilize the Angie’s List complaint resolution service.

Dryer Vent Cleaning and Fire Prevention Lake County and Chicago

Dryer Vent Cleaning and Maintenance Prevents Fires for Lake County and Chicago Consumers

With over 15,000 clothes dryer fires occurring each year, causing deaths, injuries and loss of homes, it is important that we work to increase public awareness of preventing clothes dryer fires. Most of the reported fires were due to improper dryer vent cleaning and maintenance.

Dryer Vent Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Lake County and Chicago Residents

It is recommended that all dryer vent systems be inspected by a dryer vent professional to ensure that they are up to code and working safely and efficiently.

It is also most crucial that everyone who uses a clothes dryer understand proper maintenance between professional visits. Here are some useful tips for maintaining your dryer vent system:

· Keep the lint screen clean, removing the lint after every load
· Wash lint screens monthly with soap and water to prevent residue buildup caused by dryer softener sheets
· Do not use your dryer for fabrics covered in combustible substances
· Store flammable items far away from your dryer
· Have your dryer professionally inspected and cleaned annually
· Make sure the dryer vent system is up to code according to city, state, and manufacturer standards
· Use only semi-rigid or solid metal material for venting systems
· Frequently check outside vent cover for signs of blockage, freezing, or damage
· Be sure to have dryer vents cleaned seasonally

Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard of Lake County and Chicago Neighborhoods

Dryer Vent Wizard will do a thorough inspection of your dryer vent system to be sure it is made of proper construction and that it is properly installed. They will do the necessary corrections to be sure that it meets current UL safety standards.

Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, repair, maintenance, installation, and dryer vent systems inspections for residential and commercial buildings. They strive to educate consumers on dryer vent cleaning and maintenance for fire prevention.

More Fire Safety Tips for Lake County and Chicago area Homes and Businesses

Here are some more tips to enhance the safety of your family, home or business:

· Maintain working fire extinguishers, including one designed for use in the laundry area
· Be sure to test fire alarms, replacing batteries frequently
· Store flammable items away from all appliances
· Keep up with professional maintenance on all appliances
· Develop a fire safety and emergency fire-escape plan for your household.

Besides fire safety and prevention, proper maintenance insures your clothes dryer will operate more efficiently, and cost less to operate, saving on energy costs. Dryer Vent Wizard has a policy that all technicians help educate their customers. Their job is not complete until the customer understands the function of their dryer vent system and how they can help maintain it between annual professional visits.

Please watch this video provided by Dryer Vent Wizard of Lake County

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26507771#26507771

Dryer Vent Wizard of Chicago provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation, dryer vent inspections and all dryer vent services for homes and businesses in Lake County, Wadsworth, Lake Villa, Deerfield, Gurnee, Grayslake, Antioch, Waukegan, Buffalo Grove, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Round Lake, Fox Lake, Zion and neighboring cities and communities.