Why Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned in El Paso Texas?

El Paso Dryer Vent Cleaning

 

If the dryer is getting too hot and your clothes are not drying then there is nothing wrong with your dryer.  You dryer duct is most likely clogged and needs to be cleaned out.

 

1.  A clothes dryer can catch fire.  Thousands of fires are reported each year due to the dryer.

 

2.  Save on your utility bill.

 

3.  Replace your clothes dryer less often.

 

Cleaning out the lint trap is the most important thing you can do.  But the duct can often be 15-50 feet long.  This causes a situation that air flow is restricted and lint cannot exhaust from the termination duct.  Dryer ducts in today's homes are not like the old style homes where the dryer duct was on the outside wall.

 

How often should my dryer vent be cleaned?

 

It depends on how many loads you do and what kind of things you wash.  (towels and diapers are probably the worst)

How many elbows are in the dryer duct?

How long is the dryer vent?

 

Clean out your vent when the dryer is taking too long to dry.  If you are not sure it is the dryer or the dryer vent, take the duct off the wall.  If you can dry the clothes with ease, then the duct needs to be cleaned.

 

 

Do Your Clothes Take Longer than 40 minutes to dry?  More than one cycle?  Is the dryer hot to the touch, but the clothes are still wet?  Then the problem is not your dryer, but the dryer duct needs to be cleaned. 

 

Let's begin by looking at your dryer and the components that are inside. There are two types of ways that dryers dry clothing. Dryers either use a gas ignition system such as a gas furnace or an electric heating element similar to an electric heater. Both types of dryers produce a significant amount of heat which must be removed by an exhaust system which is called the dryer vent duct. Within the dryer there is a blower motor that helps remove heat, condensation, and lint from inside of the dryer through the dryer vent duct. When a blockage of the dryer duct occurs lint will accumulate inside of the dryer vent duct and within the dryer itself. During operation the heating element or gas ignition system will still ignite and create a substantial amount of heat. This heat in combination with the accumulation of lint may result in the lint igniting causing the dryer to catch fire.

 

Dryer Fire Prevention

 

Dryer fire prevention is probably one of the most important home maintenance tasks a homeowner can do. To properly maintain your dryer a dryer vent cleaning and inspection of the dryer vent duct, dryer vent cap, transition duct, and dryer must be done annually. It is recommended that this process be done by a professionally trained technician so that all components are checked and cleaned correctly and are working efficiently once every year.  Furthermore, making sure the transition duct is made of a semi rigid material is recommended because of its fire containment properties which will help protect your home if a dryer fire should occur.

 

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SoBellas Appliance llc

El Paso, Texas Corporate Office

125 Graphite Dr Ste D

El Paso, Texas  79932

915-585-2811 Main

915-585-2810 FAX

 

 

 

 

Dryer Vent Safety

Dryer Vent Safety  Are you at risk?

Appliance repair pros in El Paso and Las Cruces discuss how your household dryer has the potential to ignite a fire.  In some cases, the installation and venting may put you at high risk.  Higher risk installations include those where:

• the vent is of the vinyl or foil type
• the vent has an accumulation of lint, either from lack of cleaning, excessive length, or poor routing
• the dryer vent trap is not cleaned before each use

Dryers Cause Fires

Dryer vent fire is a terrible results in the U.S. due to the use of poor materials and installation practices.  On average in the U.S., clothes dryer fires account for about 15,600 structure fires, 15 deaths, and 400 injuries annually.

Fires originated most frequently from two places: dryer venting and the lint trap, due to improper vent cleaning and the use of improper dryer venting.

Standards Have Changed

Although metal pipe is now standard, many dryers still use white plastic dryer vent hose kits.  As it turns out, these combustible white plastic hose kits are deadly when improperly used as dryer venting.  These hoses are the reason for many dryer vent fires.  However, until recently they were still commonly sold as dryer venting.

All manufacturers now state in their manuals not to use plastic flexible dryer ducts between the vent exit and the clothes dryer. However, many homes, as well as some new construc­tion homes, continue to use plastic flexible ducts.

It was not until December 2006 that Underwriters Laboratories established UL-2158A “Clothes Dryer Transition Duct” which is an approved standard for flexible high temperature exhaust duct rated to 430°F (220°C), that can also be used on both electric and gas dryers.

When you go to the hardware store you may see flexible duct with a UL listing of UL-181B “Closure Systems for Use with Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors” however this standard is for flexible plastic and metal heating and cooling ductwork and vent fans such as in your bathroom. This standard UL-181B and these products are not for use as a dryer vent. Only flexible ductwork meeting UL 2158A can be used as dryer venting.

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SoBellas Appliance Repair El Paso Texas

125 Graphite Dr. Ste. D

El Paso, TX  79932

915-585-2811

 

 

Home owners with clothes dryers need to know how to be safe by following a few simple guidelines.

SoBellas Dryer Vent Cleaning is about educating the customer while servicing the dryer vent system.  More than 85 percent of homes throughout the US have clothes dryers but few people are aware the importance of good dryer vent cleaning and maintenance.

 

Service technicians with SoBellas Dryer Vent cleaning offer Dryer Vent education while performing a dryer vent inspection or dryer vent cleaning service.  A dryer duct can contain hidden health and safety hazards.  A clogged dryer vent can lead to a dryer fire or mold and mildew problems.  Poorly vented clothes dryers also cost more to operate and are likely to make the dryer over work and possibly break down.

 

Home owners with clothes dryers need to know how to be safe by following these guidelines.

 

Replace vinyl or flexible foil dryer ducts with rigid metal.  Dryer vents made of inferior materials can be easily kinked or crushed to restrict airflow.  The ridges in slinky foil materials can catch excess lint and increase the risk of a dryer fire.

 

Also avoid PVC piping or plastic dryer duct material.  Static in PVC and plastic venting causes lint to stick to the inside which can mix with the expelled water during the dry cycle and create a serious airflow blockage.

 

Do not use duct tape or screws to connect dryer duct sections.  The adhesive with duct tape dries out over time and can become flammable or leave gaps in the joints.  Screws protruding to the inside of the dryer duct can snag lint to create an increased fire risk.

 

Vent all clothes dryers outdoors, not into the attic or crawlspace.  In addition to dryer vent cleaning for good dryer maintenance, proper dryer vent installation is also critical to the health and safety of the family.  Dryer vents terminating in the crawlspace or attic allow moisture to deposit and create a breeding ground for mold.

 

Do not install a cage or screen at the termination point of the dryer vent outside.  Though many people think this is a solution for bug and rodent problems, it can also cause lint to accumulate and block the opening. 

 

Homeowners and business owners can enjoy peace of mind knowing their dryer operates safely and efficiently by scheduling a dryer vent cleaning by SoBellas Dryer Vent Cleaning.  Dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer vent installation extends the life of the dryer, reduces wear and tear, speeds up drying time and most importantly, prevents a dryer fire.

 

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SoBellas Appliance Repair El Paso Texas

125 Graphite Dr. Ste. D

El Paso, TX  79932

915-585-2811

Or in Las Cruces New Mexico

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SoBellas Appliance Repair Las Cruces New Mexico

1300 G El Paseo #203

Las Cruces, NM  88001

575-636-2009

 

 

 

Look and See: Inspect the Areas Around Your Home

As you venture outdoors this spring, you should consider making your first stop your own backyard. Your next stop should be your side yards, then your front yard. In other words, you want to check on the conditions in the exterior areas of your home to evaluate the effects from winter weather.

An Outdoor Checklist Includes:

Gutters – Check and clear out debris (ask for professional help, unless you know how to do this job yourself without injury). Clogged gutters don’t direct water away from the house, as intended, and could lead to basement flooding. Check for loose gutters or leaks. And check to ensure that downspouts are clear and drain away from the foundation.

Roof – Again, thinking of safety first, conduct your examination of your roof from the ground (unless you’re trained in safe roof inspection, that is). Examine your roof shingles to see if any have blown away or been damaged during the cold weather. Replace any shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose. Inspect other roof materials too, including flashings, skylights, vents and trim, and be on the look out for cracks, leaks or other defects that are causing problems or could create problems.

Chimney – Check the exterior for signs of damage. 

Foundation – Check for unevenness, shifting, cracks or bulges. Fill any low areas near the foundation with compacted soil. Pooling water can lead to foundation damage, as well as serve as a breeding ground for insects.

Doors and Windows – Check to see if they open and close properly and if they seal well when closed. That helps keep down your heating and cooling costs.

Walkways/Driveway – Check for cracks and signs of movement in asphalt or concrete.

Outside Faucets – Check for damage from the cold.

Air Conditioning Unit – Clear away any debris around your outdoor unit. Also, be sure to have a service professional tune up your system before the cooling season begins. You want to make sure it operates at peak performance, keeping you comfortable and saving on energy bills.

Schedule an appointment or learn more about SoBellas Home Services here.

 

San Antonio

El Paso

Las Cruces

 

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SoBellas Home Services

 

800-617-6235

 

 

Is your dryer working properly?

Do your clothes take longer than 30 minutes to dry for a normal load?

 

And does your clothes dryer get warm (or hot) to the touch while it is running?

 

There's nothing wrong with your dryer, it's your dryer vent that is probably clogged and needs to be cleaned out.

 

Call SoBellas Home Services to have your entire dryer and vent system professionally cleaned out today, with the proper equipment.

 

Why should you clean your dryer vent?

 

1. A clothes dryer can catch fire.  Consumer Product Safety Commission says that in the U.S. we average over 15,000 clothes dryer fires per year resulting in $99,400,000 (that's 99 MILLION dollars) in damages, 330 injuries, and 20 lives lost.  A clogged dryer vent adds to this risk.  The lint is highly flammable and the reduction of air flow increases temperatures

 

2. Save on your utility bill with reduced drying time.

 

3. Reduces were on your clothes.

 

4. Replace your clothes dryer less often.  The wear and tear on your clothes dryer will be lessened due to the reduced usage.

 

5. Create more time to spend on activities other that tending the laundry.

 

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SoBellas Appliance llc

El Paso, Texas Corporate Office

125 Graphite Dr Ste D

El Paso, Texas  79932

915-585-2811 Main

Las Cruces, New Mexico Air Conditioning Repair

1180 Commerce Drive #13921

Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011

575-636-2009

 

SoBellas Home Services

 

915-585-2811

 

Appliance Repair: Tips on Preventing an Appliance Fire

Appliance Repair San Antonio Texas

When individuals are warned against appliance fires, dryers are the culprits most widely discussed. Unfortunately, a variety of appliance have the potential to cause an unexpected fire. Protecting your family and your home starts with the proper knowledge and ends with adequate maintenance. Listed below are 4 tips that can help you make your appliance and home safe.

Register A New Appliance

Many of us skip this step when we purchase a new appliance, but this simple act can save your family and home. Companies make Registering your appliance easy. You can either choose to register by mail, over the phone, or online. Once you've finished the registration process, you'll receive notices if there are any recalls associated with your appliance.

Looking up recalls

If you rent an apartment or you buy a home with existing appliances, you can go to the website www.recalls.gov, to discover whether they have been affected by a recall. Another great tool to use is www.saferproducts.gov. This site allows individuals to report issues they have experienced with a variety of products. You can look up your appliances or help other people by recounting safety issues you've dealt with when using certain products.

Check Your Chords

Taking a few minutes every couple of months to go around your home and check the chords on your appliances is a necessary fire prevention tactic. None of the chords should appear frayed, and if they are, you will need to have them replaced. You should also make sure the chords do not run underneath any type of carpeting and that they don't rest too close to a heating source.

Maintaining And Cleaning Your Appliances

Properly cleaning your dryer of lint and ridding your oven and range hood of grease build-up are important procedures when it comes to preventing appliance fires. It's also crucial to act in a timely manner when you notice an appliance is under some sort of distress. Calling an appliance repair company to diagnose a faulty device may save you from a dangerous malfunction.

 If you're worried about one of your appliances starting a fire, please contact us at SoBellas San Antonio Appliance Repair, and we'll be happy to diagnose and fix your appliance issues. 

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San Antonio, Tx Appliance Solutions Group

20403 Encino Ledge #591051

San Antonio, Texas  78259

210-485-6578

SoBellas Home Services

 

 

Is it time to clean your dryer vent in El Paso, TX?

Do Your Clothes Take Longer Than 30 Minutes to Dry?

 

Is your dryer getting hot, to the touch?

 

How do I know that my clothes dryer vent needs to be cleaned?

 

Well, if you answered yes to the questions above, it's your dryer vent that is probably clogged and needs to be un-clogged.

 

 

Why should my dryer vent be cleaned in El Paso Texas?

 

1. Consumer Product Safety Commission says that in 2011, there were over 12,000 clothes dryer fires resulting in over $99,000,000  in damages, 330 injuries, and 20 lives lost. 

 

2. Save on your utility bill

 

3. Replace your clothes dryer less often.

 

 

I clean out the lint screen every time I dry clothes.  Why isn't that enough?

 

The screen is the interior filter for lint.  The back of the dryer has a flexible hose which leads into a longer vent which many times terminates through the roof or a wall that is several feet away from the back of the dryer.  This vent can collect lint and become constricted and clogged which reduces the efficiency of the clothes dryer.

 

 

How often should my dry vent be cleaned in El Paso Texas?

 

1. How many loads of laundry does the dryer handle?

2. What kind of  laundry is washed: lots of lint-producing items, such as diapers or towels?

3. How many elbows in the dryer vent are there?

4. How long is the dryer vent from the dryer to the exit point?

 

The best way to determine the cleaning status is to monitor the drying time of typical laundry loads.  When the loads take over 30-45 minutes to dry, it's time to clean out the vent.

 

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SoBellas Appliance llc

El Paso, Texas Corporate Office

125 Graphite Dr Ste D

El Paso, Texas  79932

915-585-2811 Main

 

 

SoBellas Home Services

 

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