TIPS
Over heated wires
Dryer Safety
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.
"Failure to clean" is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.
A clothes dryer works by forcing hot dry air through a turning drum. The combination of tumbling clothes and the rapid replacement of hot dry air dries the clothes. Lint and moisture are bi-products of this process and are pulled from the drum by fan motor and then pushed through the remaining exhaust conduit. The exhaust conduit is comprised of the flex transition hose found immediately behind your dryer, the 4" rigid galvanized pipe and elbow fittings found within the wall framing, and the vent duct termination found outside the house.
How Important is it to Have the Dryer System Professionally Cleaned?
Cleaning out the dryer vent should be an annual project that can be done easily by a professional. Professionals know to replace the transition duct, measure the airflow at the outside termination, ensure there is no external blockage, clean the inside components of the dryer and free the duct from all the lint that naturally accumulates over time. It's much easier and more convenient to have a licensed and certified professional clean the dryer and dryer exhaust system.
A Messy Job
Depending on your geographical location, old dryer lint can take on many forms. Have you ever dealt with 20+ gallons of wet slimy dryer lint, or bricks of lint 4" thick? It's not a pretty job, and it requires a bit of clean-up if you're not accustomed to this type of home improvement project. Professional dryer vent cleaners come prepared and will leave your house cleaner than when they first arrived.
Tools and Experience
With the right brushes, compressors, vacuums and blowers, your local technician has the tools to get your dryer vent cleaned out promptly and properly. Certified technicians typically have inexpensive solutions on their truck to improve your venting efficiency or overcome unexpected problems with the system. Often times, replacing the transition duct or outside termination will have a tremendous impact on venting efficiency that can save you money on your gas and / or power bill.
A very important note: After the first cleaning, you'll cut your dryer cycle times, save energy, and decrease your risk from becoming a dryer fire statistic.
Ducting stuffed with Lint
Warmer temperatures are here!
Great for outdoor fun, tough on your refrigerator
The change in temperatures, though, can be rough on your appliances. We are pleased to offer you tips to help you save money on your power bill and prevent expensive service calls on malfunctioning appliances.
It's common to experience a refrigerator that doesn't stay as cold when the weather warms up. This is because the condenser coils are unable to keep up with the demand of the appliance.
Problems
Not enough airflow
Dirty condenser coils
Utilities bill $5 to $10 higher per month
With these simple tips you can prevent the high power bills of an inefficient appliance and the expensive service call to fix the problem. You'll also extend the life of the fridge by a couple years
Solutions
Make sure the freezer isn't overpacked
Adjust items inside the fridge for proper airflow
Leave at least 1-inch at the back of the shelve
Leave airflow space around the sides and back of the outside of the unit
Schedule a refrigerator condenser coil cleaning
Dishwasher
Do you realize everything a dishwasher does?
It washes, rinses, scours and even dries dishes. Dishwashers are not made for washing clothes, small animals, or other small appliances. I know it sounds funny but you would not believe what some people have tried.
Dishwasher soaps – liquid, powder or now the new pods go in the soap compartment. After loaded with soap you then load the door and push the start button and the cycle begins.
Dishwashers can also have rinse agents added which help remove spots and film residues on the dishes, glasses and flatware. Rinse agents cause the water to run off in sheets, causing a spot free rinse, during the rinse cycle.
Make your dishwasher more effective with these quick tips:
1. Check the sprayer arm. Inspect the holes on the sprayer arms to make sure they are not clogged. Use a toothpick if you need to dislodge and clear any debris. Know that some utensils can be too tall, and they will blocked the sprayer arm from rotating.
2. Check the drain. Look inside the bottom of the dishwasher and remove any food or objects from the filter. Run the garbage disposal to clear it out before turning on the dishwasher since they share the same drain.
3. Don’t overuse detergent. It’s a mistake to assume you should always fill up the detergent cup. Check the manual and your detergent. Too much detergent can leave residue and etch your glasses.
4. Check your water temperature. If the hot water takes a long time to reach your kitchen sink, that means the dishwasher isn’t getting enough hot water at the beginning of the cycle. This will cause it to struggle to wash away the food particles and grease. Turn on the dishwasher after you’ve used hot water at the kitchen sink. Insure that you are getting the minimum manufactures recommended water temperature usually around 120 Degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Clean the inside of your dishwasher. Grease, detergent residue, and calcium deposits build up inside your dishwasher. Run a dishwasher cleaner found at the local grocery store, on a regular basis (every few months or so). Lemi Shine is a product we often recommend.