Join our mailing list!


You are here: Home > SOLUTIONS > DRYER VENT MAINTENANCE
Keeping You Comfortable 365 Days a Year

Servicing the Communities in and around the North West Suburbs....   
Free In Home Estimates on Furnaces, Air Conditioning Systems and More....
Approved Comfort Has Been In Business for over 17 Years....   
We Provide Fast and Friendly Service....

Where Customers Refer Their Friends  
"Keeping You Comfortable 365 Days a Year" is our Pledge to you.



FREE Dryer Vent Inspection

Approved Comforts` qualified technicians will inspect your dryer vent absolutely FREE.  The dryer will be removed and the vent line will be disconnected for a full inspection of design, integrity, and restriction.
This service is FREE because we at Approved Comfort care about your safety.  In addition to the inspection of the dryer vent, if you request to have a dryer vent service and are unhappy with the remains removed, the service will be completely FREE of charge.  That is how much we believe in this service.



Dryer Vents

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (Division of U.S. Department of Homeland Security), clothes dryers were involved in an estimated 15,600 U.S. structure fires, fifteen deaths, 400 injuries and $99 million in direct property damage, annually, between 2002-2004.   The leading cause of clothes dryer fires was lack of maintenance (lint build-up in the exhaust system).

To help prevent fires

Clean the lint screen filter before or after drying each load of clothes.
If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked.


Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically.
Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked. To remove a blockage in the exhaust path, it may be necessary to disconnect the exhaust duct from the dryer. Remember to reconnect the ducting to the dryer and outside vent before using the dryer again.


Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Have a qualified service person clean the interior of the dryer chassis periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation. Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter.

Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct.

Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow.


Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains.
If possible, wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothes and, preferably, hang the clothes to dry. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that has a cool-down period at the end of the cycle. To prevent clothes from igniting after drying, do not leave the dried clothes in the dryer or piled in a laundry basket


"Fire prevention tips from dateline"


FIRE PREVENTION TIPS

Fire officials say you really need to make every effort to remove lint. Vacuum behind the machine whenever you`re house-cleaning, don`t let lint pile up on the screen, and clean it after each load.

And pay attention to when your dryer is on,  never leave the house with the dryer operating.

Bottom line is don`t take anything for granted. Most people don`t think of the dryer as a dangerous appliance. Its not something you think about when it comes to fire. But it will spread smoke throughout the house which will prevent people from getting out. You can get a very serious fire very quickly.

Fire officials say you should also be aware of something else: if it is suddenly taking way too long for your dryer to dry your clothes. They say that could be a sign that a buildup of lint, inside the machine, is preventing hot air from getting into the dryers drum,  another fire hazard and a sign that it may be time to get a new machine.


COUPON SPECIAL
RETAIL VALUE
$129.00Dryer Vent cleaning

Now $86.00
with another service
 
dryer vent cleaning with other service
Save $43.00
   


Clothes Dryer maintenance is as important as actually choosing the dryer you want to purchase. You would never buy a car and stop filling it with gas or oil and expect it to continue running. The same is true with regards to the common household dryer. Even though common household drying units are made tougher and meet higher standards every year, your dryer still needs to be maintained and cared for on a regular basis.

Most household dryers are painted with synthetic enamel. Despite its durable appearance, enamel paint can easily be chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged by products you use while performing daily laundry tasks. Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind when it comes to caring for the outside of your dryer.

1. Never use your dryer as a work area. Liquid fabric softeners and bleach can ruin the finish and cause extensive, premature rusting. If you need the dryer top as extra workspace, purchase a plastic dryer cover, available in most hardware stores.

2. Never put extra weight on top of your dryer. Your household dryer has been carefully leveled and balanced for optimum drying and safety reasons. Excessive weight will cause your dryer to become unbalanced.


3. Never clean the outside of the dryer with bleach. Bleach is much too powerful a chemical to use on simple enamel paint. Use water and mild soapy water  to wash the outside of the dryer, rinse and then dry.

IMPORTANT DAILY TASKS

1. Clean out the lint trap after every load.  Use your fingers to reach inside the lint carrier and remove any debris found.

2. Wipe out the inside of the dryer. Lint, dirt and pet hair can and will accumulate inside the dryer. Removing it frequently with a damp rag.


IMPORTANT YEARLY TASKS
1. Check the balance on your dryer. If your dryer is not level, it will cause components to age prematurely.  Apply a small about of weight to the top of your dryer. Does it move? Does it appear unbalanced? If so, level the dryer and then, turn it on to test it.  While the dryer is operating, it should not move or shake in any way.

2. Wash the lint trap. Remove the lint trap from its carrier and scrub with a soft bristle brush in soapy water. Chemical fabric softeners often clog the small holes in lint traps.

3. Unhook your vent pipe and examine it. If it is not able to be cleaned, Approved Comfort can replace it.

4. Check all the venting coming from the back of your dryer. Because the back of your dryer often sits firmly against the wall, moisture, dirt and lint have the tendency to accumulate in this area. Pull the dryer out from the wall and wipe the area with a damp towel.