Tag Archives: home repair

Dryer Vent Cleaning to Save on Energy Bills

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by Gina Fazil

Most people do their part to keep their house, and all their appliances, in working order. Most people schedule a regular professional furnace cleaning, but few think to do so for their clothes dryer.

When it comes to dryer maintenance, the first thing most people think of is the lint trap. Most people know that it is necessary to clean the lint trap between loads; some even go a little further and clean out the area where the lint screen goes too. This is all very good, but it is not enough. Lint is a very messy substance that can spread throughout the dryer and vent system, creating blockages that restrict air flow and cause fire hazards.

A dryer vent cleaning professional has special tools for getting to the difficult areas. An annual cleaning and inspection will ensure that there is proper air flow for the dryer to work efficiently and safely.

Inside the Dryer: A lot of the lint that gets past the lint trap can get caught up in a number of places throughout the dryer. You may be amazed to see how much lint has slipped past the trap and is now trapped in various portions of your dryer frame. This is not only messy but its a fire hazard as any spark inside the machine could set the lint aflame.

The Chute: The chute that takes the hot air and lint out of your dryer and to the outside of your house is another area of the dryer that lint will get stuck in. Some of the lint that made it past the trap and into the ducts out of the dryer and towards the outside wont complete the trip. Instead, it will get stuck on the textured walls inside the chute. Too much of this piling up can be a fire hazard with any sparks as well as a costly problem since the more there is clogging up the chutes, the harder the dryer has to work to blow air through the system.

The Dryer Vent: The final place that needs to be cleaned is the vent outside your house. This is the final destination of all that hot air. The vent needs to be checked for two reasons to make sure its not clogged with lint and to make sure it’s intact, as any holes or tears could invite bugs and rodents into your house.

To keep your clothes dryer working, efficiently and safely, have a professional inspection and cleaning at least once a year. If you have a large family and use your dryer almost daily, you may want to double that service schedule. Proper dryer vent cleaning will save money on utility bills while preventing a clothes dryer fire.

About the Author:
This information was provided by by Gina Fazil, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in the Sacramento area including , California. DVW specializes in dryer vent cleaning, repairs & alterations, as they educate consumers on dryer vent maintenance and fire prevention. Gina serves the Sacramento area including , El Dorado, Solano, Yolo, Folsom, Vallejo, Vacaville, Roseville and neighboring communities.

Before You Buy Windows: 6 Things You Should Know

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by Steven M. Fisher

1: IT’S ABOUT STYLE

Windows can completely change the look of your house, so before you replace your replace your existing windows with the same exact kind, look for windows that express your home’s style as well as your personal style. Double hung windows will give you a traditional style while horizontal slider and awning windows give you a more modern look. If you are looking for a period look, the mutins or grids on a window can add to that.

2: THE SAFE AND SOUND TEST

Once you find your style, check out the window for security and noise. For anyone who lives near a busy street, think about windows with laminated glass. Laminated glass will reduce noise transmission and will hold up in extreme weather conditions. However, this alternative is considerably more expensive than a basic window.

3: THE MAINTENANCE TEST

Here is the big question: How much maintenance do you want to do on your windows in the long run? If you have little time for household chores, then consider no-hassle hybrid cladding or vinyl framed windows rather than wood. Additionally, does your choice need repainting? Make sure to ask about warping, rotting and cracking. Consider double-hung windows for ease of cleaning from the inside. The is especially important if you have a multi-story home with windows that are difficult to reach.

4: GLASS CONSCIOUS

Some windows allow for better ventilation and others have a larger glass area allowing for more daylight or to capture the views. How about transoms or sidelights? Options include tempered impact glass, low-e glass that limits UV rays and glass that reduces heat loss while letting heat from sun to penetrate. Energy Star compliant windows enhance energy efficiency and make the house more comfortable.

5: CHECKING THE PRICE

Double check the price against other windows you have looked at. Quality windows are available in all price levels. Generally, the choice of glass and material used in the frame determine the price.

6: OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Should your windows open for ventilation? Or stay closed to prevent energy loss? Do you have privacy issues to consider? How many windows do you need? And finally, measure the size of your rough openings.

About the Author:
Steven M. Fisher has spent several years in the fields of Home Remodeling, Building and Decorating. Before you buy or anything to do with your home, check out his “6 Things You Need To Know” articles. They will save you time, money and frustration. Click the above links and you can quickly find out information on about most products in your home at the click of a mouse.