Ask an Expert: Home and Property Maintenance

Welcome to Ask an Expert: Home and Property Maintenance

Each month our featured home and property expert will answer questions that provide information, tips and advice on a medley of homeowner topics. We hope to help our readers gain new insights into a variety of local home service professionals, services and products. Our goal is to make maintaining your home easier and empower you with the knowledge that you need to be a successful homeowner in the Table Rock lake area. Let’s get started.

Who is our February expert?

“Dryer Vent Wizard of Springfield/Branson”

What services do you offer?

“Dryer Vent Wizard provides professional dryer vent cleaning for residential and business properties in the Springfield and Branson area.”

What happens when your dryer vent is blocked?

“If your dryer vent is blocked, all of the builtup lint can become a fire hazard. The heat from your dryer could cause the lint to combust, potentially catching your dryer and parts of your home on fire. You will also find that a clogged dryer vent will cause your dryer to work less efficiently causing prolonged drying times.”

How common are fires from dryer vents?

“According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryers and washing machines cause an average of 15,970 fires each year, with dryers causing 92% of them.”

What are the signs that you should clean your dryer vent?

“There are several. Your clothes will take longer than normal to dry, your clothes will be unusually hot to the touch, the room is warmer than normal when the dryer is running. Do you notice burning smells, does the lint flap not open, are your clothes still damp after one drying cycle or has your dryer stopped working? If you know what to look for, the dryer tells you there’s a problem.”

What causes a dryer vent to clog?

“Many things can cause your dryer vent to become clogged. Most of the time, it’s lint that becomes trapped in the vent. Over time, this accumulates and begins to block the nearby airflow. Other times, nests and other debris can cause a clog. Chances are there is too much debris present, the vent cover is blocked, or you have a nest. Fabric softener build-up and a kinked vent duct could also explain the issue.”

Are there ways to prevent your dryer vent from clogging?

“Cleaning your lint trap after every drying cycle will reduce buildup in these areas.”

How often should you clean your dryer vent?

“Dryer exhaust vents should be inspected and cleaned every 1-2 years depending on the size of the household and dryer usage.”

What services does Dryer Vent Wizard offer?

Can you also repair my broken dryer?

“We offer everything “dryer vents”. Inspections, cleaning, installation and repair. We can handle all of your dryer vent needs. We do not offer other dryer repair services.”

Can Dryer Vent Wizard also clean other vents in my home?

“We only service dryer vents. We do not offer any other vent cleaning services. However, our friends at AireServ Heating and Air Conditioning offer exceptional residential duct cleaning services.”

How can you get your dryer inspected?

“Call (417) 685-4181 or visit our website www. DryerVentWizardSpringfield.com to schedule your inspection and cleaning.”

Are you offering a special this month for our readers?

“Dryer Vent Wizard of Springfield makes your home safer while saving you time, money, and energy. Mention this “Lost on the LakeTablerock” article and receive $15 off your dryer vent inspection.”

By: Christal Valbracht www.aireserv.com www.dryerventwizardspringfield.com