Dryer Vent Installation Indianapolis: Dryer vent installation should be done by a professional to be sure that it meets current safety standards. A poorly installed dryer vent system can be a fire hazard.
Homeowners who install their own dryer vent system often use the flexible foil or vinyl venting because it is simple to install. This was commonly done in the past; however, it has been discovered to be unsafe. Manufacturers recommend dryer ducts be made of rigid metal. Flexible foil and vinyl are really only suitable for bathroom exhaust fans; they are not designed to handle the heat and lint from your dryer.
Professional dryer vent installers will install a system made of rigid metal; the ducts will be properly routed to a dryer vent on the outside of the home. The ductwork will be installed so that it is as short and straight as possible; fewer bends and turns and a smaller distance creates maximum air flow. If several pieces are required to complete the dryer duct, they will be joined together with metal tape (not duct tape), rather than sheet metal screws. The inside of the dryer duct should be smooth; screws will protrude to the inside and trap lint.
Your dryer works hard to do its job; air flow is the most important function of your clothes dryer. A properly installed dryer vent system will ensure maximum air flow so your dryer works safely and efficiently. The easier it is to release the heat and moisture from the dryer drum, the faster your clothes will dry and the less your dryer will labor. A well installed dryer vent system will also increase the life of your clothes dryer.
Dryer Vent Cleaning: Even the Best Require Maintenance
The National Fire Prevention Association reports over 15,000 clothes dryer fires annually; some were due to improper dryer vent installation; few were caused by dryer malfunction; most of them were caused by failure to clean dryer vents. Even the very best dryer vent system, professionally installed, will require maintenance. Here are some common signs that dryer vent cleaning is necessary:
• Clothes taking several cycles to dry – this is almost always a sign of an air-flow problem; rarely is it a problem with the dryer
• Clothes smell moldy or they are unusually hot when they come out of the dryer
• No visible lint on the lint screen
• Dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle
All of these symptoms indicate a venting problem with your clothes dryer. You need to disconnect, clean and inspect the dryer vent tubing regularly, or hire a professional dryer vent cleaning specialist to do the job. Dryer vent cleaning reduces the risk of fire and increases the dryer’s efficiency, saving on energy costs and extending the life of the dryer.
Tips to keeping the dryer vents lint free:
• Clean the lint trap after each load of laundry
• Wash the lint trap with warm soapy water every few months to remove residue from dryer sheets and fabric softeners
• Check outside, when the dryer is running, to be sure the exhaust is escaping
• Have professional dryer vent cleaning performed annually
Other safety tips include:
• Never leave the house or go to sleep when the clothes dryer is running
• Avoid drying items that have been soaked with combustible chemicals
• Avoid storing combustible chemicals, cleaning products or chemical laden rags near the clothes dryer
• Be sure the outside vent cover is not blocked (or frozen shut in the winter)
• Have your dryer vent system inspected by a qualified professional to be sure it meets city, state and manufacturers codes
The fee for professional dryer vent installation and maintenance quickly pays for itself as your dryer works more efficiently, using less energy. Proper air flow prevents the dryer from overworking; therefore, a proper dryer vent system will extend the life of your appliance. Most importantly, proper ventilation eliminates a serious fire hazard.
Glen Mayfield owns Dryer Vent Wizard, providing dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair and dryer vent installation for homes and businesses in Central Indiana, Indianapolis, Plainfield, Mooresville, Greenwood, Avon, Brownsburg, Lebanon, Zionsville, Carmel, Westfield, Franklin, New Whiteland, Whiteland, Pittsboro, Danville, Lizton, Speedway, Whitestown, Bargersville, Monrovia and neighboring cities and communities. 46214, 46221, 46224, 46158, 46142, 46123, 46112, 46052, 46077, 46032, 46074, 46131, 46184, 46167, 46122, 46224, 46075, 46106, 46202, 46204, 46208, 46217, 46222, 46225, 46227, 46228, 46118, 46158, 46143, 46123, 46112, 46052, 46077, 46033, 46074, 46131, 46062, 46149, 46034, 46157, 46069, 46071, 46105, 46113, 46120, 46121, 46128, 46147, 46165, 46168, 46172, 46180, 46208, 46231, 46234, 46254, 46260, 46268, 46278, 46280, 46290
