Fireplace Danger
Creosote is a category of carbonaceous chemicals formed by the distillation of various tars and pyrolysis of plant-derived material, such as wood or fossil fuel. They are typically used as preservatives or antiseptics.[2]
Some creosote types were used historically as a treatment for components of seagoing and outdoor wood structures to prevent rot (e.g., bridgework and railroad ties, see image). Samples may be found commonly inside chimney flues, where the coal or wood burns under variable conditions, producing soot and tarry smoke. Creosotes are the principal chemicals responsible for the stability, scent, and flavor characteristic of smoked meat; the name is derived from Greek κρέας (kreas) 'meat', and σωτήρ (sōtēr) 'preserver'.[3]
The two main kinds recognized in industry are coal-tar creosote and wood-tar creosote. The coal-tar variety, having stronger and more toxic properties, has chiefly been used as a preservative for wood; coal-tar creosote was also formerly used as an escharotic, to burn malignant skin tissue, and in dentistry, to prevent necrosis, before its carcinogenic properties became known.[4][5] The wood-tar variety has been used for meat preservation, ship treatment, and such medical purposes as an anaesthetic, antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, and laxative, though these have mostly been replaced by modern formulations.[citation needed]
Varieties of creosote have also been made from both oil shale and petroleum, and are known as oil-tar creosote when derived from oil tar, and as water-gas-tar creosote when derived from the tar of water gas.[citation needed] Creosote also has been made from pre-coal formations such as lignite, yielding lignite-tar creosote, and peat, yielding peat-tar creosote.[citation needed]
Fireplace Maintenance
With our professional chimney sweep cleaning service, your house will stay safe. Does your house smell like smoke, even when you don’t have a fire lit? Do you have a foul smell
coming from your fireplace? If you answered yes to either of these questions, it could mean that your chimney is lined with creosote, which is the soot byproduct from burning wood.
Every fireplace generates creosote, simply as a nature of being used, but over time the build-up of this soot can create some real problems. For example, decreased airflow from a buildup of soot will greatly impact the performance of your chimney and fireplace and will also increase the danger of fire and carbon monoxide.
Dryer Fire
For many households and other establishments, the clothes dryer is an indispensable convenience and necessity. However, damaging fires can occur if clothes dryers are not properly installed and maintained. Eighty-four percent of clothes dryer fires that occurred in buildings took place in residential buildings.1, 2 Because the residential building portion of these fires predominates, the primary focus of this analysis addresses the characteristics of clothes dryer fires in residential buildings reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). The focus is on fires reported from 2008 to 2010, the most recent data available at the time of this analysis. From 2008 to 2010, fire departments responded to an estimated 2,900 clothes dryer fires in residential buildings each year across the Nation.3 These fires resulted in an annual average loss of 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.
The Hows and Whys of a Clothes Dryer Fire
A clothes dryer works by forcing hot air through a turning drum. Wet clothes placed in the drum are then dried by moving hot air. It is possible for a full load of wet clothes to contain as much as one and a half gallons of water. Lint, consisting mostly of small fibers from the clothes and debris in or on the clothes, is created from the clothes as the clothes tumble in the drum. While much of the lint is trapped by the dryer’s filter, lint is also carried through the vent system along with moist air.4 Lint is a highly combustible material that can accumulate both in the dryer and in the dryer vent. Accumulated lint leads to reduced airflow and can pose a potential fire hazard.5 In addition to the accumulation of lint, blockage in dryer exhaust vents also can occur from the nests of small birds or other animals or from damages to the venting system itself. A compromised vent will not exhaust properly to the outside. As a result, overheating may occur and a fire may ensue.
Can a bird nest in a dryer vent cause a fire?
Can a bird nest in a dryer vent cause a fire?
During the spring, birds like to use dryer vents as a cozy place to build a nest. When the vent is blocked with a nest -- or anything else -- hot air builds up and can catch deposits of lint in the vent, potentially setting the dryer on fire.
During the spring, birds like to use dryer vents as a cozy place to build a nest. When the vent is blocked with a nest -- or anything else -- hot air builds up and can catch deposits of lint in the vent, potentially setting the dryer on fire. Contact us for help.
Rookies Guide to Drying Clothes
Dry Right
Dryer settings are simpler than washer settings. Here’s a quick tour.
Automatic dry is an energy-efficient option (compared with timed drying)—it automatically shuts off when sensors detect all clothes are dry.
Regular/heavy dry is the fastest and hottest setting, ideal for heavier fabrics and bath towels.
Delicate dry relies on lower heat, so drying time is longer for those delicate items.
Permanent Press dry works well for business-casual types (just like the wash cycle) and uses medium heat.
“Fluff air” doesn’t really dry at all. Sans heat, it draws in room temperature air to freshen up stiff, delicate, or shrinkable fabrics like linen pants, down coats, drapes, and pillows. It’s also useful for technical fabrics like wicking sportswear or soft-shell jackets that would be damaged by a heat setting.
I wouldn’t want you to ruin your coolest jacket because of a foolish laundry mistake. Take it from me—the guy who once washed his leather jacket.
For more information on dryer vent cleaning contact us.
8 Benefits of Annual Dryer Vent Cleaning
Reduce Drying Time – When lint starts to build up in your dryer vent it begins to slowly restrict the airflow from the dryer exhaust system. This causes your dryer to have to work harder in order to properly dry your clothes. If you’re using a sensor-dry setting you may not notice your dryer is taking longer to dry but this can cause serious problems over time. Removing these hazardous blockages each year will eliminate this problem.
Increase the Lifespan of Your Dryer – When you get your dryer duct cleaned on an annual basis you eliminate blockages,big or small, that cause unnecessary wear and tear on your dryer and decrease the overall lifespan. Heating elements and fuses are two of the most common parts that burn out on dryers for this very reason.
Save Money on Your Energy Bill – This one is pretty obvious. If your dryer is working harder and longer then normal, that means it’s using more electricity then normal, to get the job done. You can save up to $40 each month simply by eliminating this risk with annual cleanings.
Eliminate the Risk of Mold Build Up – In extreme cases, your dryer duct may get severely clogged, restricting airflow over 90% and practically suffocating your dryer. When your dryer can’t properly exhaust the hot moist air while operating, the air will condensate (turn to water). In some cases we’ve seen gallons of water sitting in a dryer vent. This poses a serious risk of mold build up if the problem is not resolved. If you’re getting lint removed from your dryer ventilation system each year it’s practically impossible for this to happen.
Reduce the Amount of Dust in Your Home – If your dryer vent is blocked and your dryer can’t properly dry your clothes, can you guess what else it can’t effectively do? Remove lint from your clothes! You may get away with running your dryer a couple of times to properly dry your clothes but there’s a good chance lint and dust hasn’t effectively been removed. You don’t want to keep dealing with that annoying dust in your home do you? Annual dryer vent cleaning is the answer.
Reduce the Risk of a Fire – According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments responded to an average of 15,970 home fires caused by dryers between 2010-2014. That’s a lot of fires that could have been avoided with a simple solution. It’s not worth the risk of losing your home, or worse, risking the lives of your family. Thankfully, this is a problem that many news networks are creating awareness about so hopefully soon those statistics will significantly improve.
Reduce the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – This one applies to gas dryers. Gas dryers have to properly exhaust Carbon Monoxide, a deadly gas, to the exterior of your home. If this process is restricted by blockages in the line, the harmful gas can force it’s way into your home which can cause serious or even fatal health complications over time. Getting your dryer vent professionally cleaned and inspected will reduce this risk. If you don’t own a gas dryer, no worries!
Eliminate Stress – If you’re not currently getting your dryer vent cleaned on an annual basis and you’re worried about a fire or any of the other concerns mentioned in this post, that alone is enough reason to go ahead an make it a priority! Stressing over your dryer each time you dry clothes distracts you from much more productive things you could be focusing on and quite frankly, it’s unhealthy! Eliminate this unnecessary stress by marking it off your to-do list each year and enjoy peaceful nights of sleep again at last!
Choosing the Right Company
If you’re considering getting this done, here are a few things to take into consideration before choosing a company.
Does the company specialize in this service?
Do they stay up to date on current codes and will they spot hazards and make corrections along the way?
What is their cleaning process? Do they clean only from one end of the duct or both?
Will they thoroughly inspect your vent and provide pictures of the completed work?
Are they a local company that takes pride in the quality of work they offer?
Are their services reasonably priced?
Do they have a good reputation in the local community? Do they have good reviews?
Patriot Dryer Vent Cleaning specialize in Dryer Vent Cleaning in San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Texas.
If you are looking for Dryer Vent Cleaning give us a call at 830-320-0773 or simply send us an email at james@cleanmydryervent.org
When Clothes Take Longer than Usual to Dry
One of the first warning signs that your dryer may be clogged and needs urgent dryer duct cleaning San Antonio servicing is when you notice that it takes longer than usual to dry your clothes. The fact that you have owned the dryer for quite some time means that you know when it is not acting as it should. Once the drying duration doubles or triples, then something is wrong with the unit. The dryer begins to push moist, warm air through the dryer’s vents during an ongoing drying cycle. The clogged vent then traps air in your clothes, causing them to take longer to dry. When your clothes stay damp for long, they tend to consume more energy to dry as well. If this happens a few times, you need to consider getting the experts to look at the duct and probably clean it.
We will help. Schedule today at www.cleanmydryervent.org
D80 D95 Error Codes
The d80 error means the dryer is 80% clogged either in the air exhaust hose, wall ducts, or the vent outside. –
This can be cleaned by your professional dryer vent cleaning company Patriot Dryer Vent Cleaning. Schedule your appointment on line today to have this error cleared.
Dryer Vent Fires Are Real
It all begins with an idea.
There’s a hidden fire hazard in almost every home. Removing lint from the dryer is only partially preventing a fire. The lint filter is only catching a small percentage of lint, the rest passes through directly into the dryer vent hose. Over time, lint can build up in the hose and catch fire. You must clean dryer vents annually.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration:
2,900 fires caused by dryers are reported every year
Each year they cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss
34% of dryer fires are caused by filing to clean them
Signs your dryer vent is clogged or improperly installed:
If you notice it takes longer than usual to dry clothes (this is actually costing you more money per load)
The outside of the dryer is hot to the touch
You smell something burning when the dryer is running
Tips for preventing dryer fires:
It’s recommended that you have your dryer vent hose cleaned at least once a year.
There are ways to clean the vent yourself, but it’s always recommended you have a professional take care of the cleaning every six months. (this runs around $100-$150)
Never leave home or go to sleep while your dryer is on.
Make sure the covering to the dryer vent outside opens when the dryer is on.
Inspect the vent hose behind the dryer, make sure it’s not damaged or crushed.
Buy dryers that use moisture sensors rather than ordinary thermostats to end the auto-dry cycle. Thermostats can allow the dryer to run longer than necessary.
My dryer isn’t drying my clothes.
In most cases, if the dryer is getting hot but the clothes are not drying in one cycle, the dryer vent system has blockage. Lint builds up over time and begins to block the dryer vent path. Connect with us and schedule an appointment so we can solve this problem for you at www.cleanmydryervent.org
Dryer Vents MUST Be Cleaned. Here’s Why.
Decrease in odors.
With dirty dryer vents comes greater odor. The dirtier the dryer vent, the more work it has to do to keep up, which results in more excess moisture. This moisture can quickly lead to an unpleasant odor in your home, but can be easily handled with a cleaning!
Increased laundry efficiency.
A dirty dryer vent struggles to keep up, requiring you to spend two or three times the amount of minutes drying your clothes. With a clean dryer vent, your vents will keep up much better, resulting in less wasted time and energy.
Decreased electricity bills.
A clogged up dryer vent releases excessive amounts of heat, resulting in more work for your HVAC system. In addition, it makes it harder for your dryer to keep up, requiring more time spent drying and more money spent on your utility bill.
Chance of fire decreases dramatically.
Every year, 2,900 fires are cause in the United States due to dirty dryer vents. Cleaning yours is an affordable, effective way to protect your family and your investment.
Improve the lifespan of your dryer.
A dirty dryer means a harder working dryer. Improve the life of your dryer by cleaning the vents, and save yourself a ton of effort and money.
Schedule today at www.cleanmydryervent.org
DRYER VENT CLEANING = ENERGY SAVINGS
Lint accumulation, clogs, or animal nests in dryer vent lines can cause restricted airflow through the dryer vent system. This causes the dryer to run less efficiently and may cause a buildup of heat and moisture and even cause the dryer to stop working. This can occur in all types of dryers including energy-efficient dryers, ultimately causing your energy savings to dwindle. Dryer vent cleaning can help protect the environment, your home, and your wallet by allowing your dryer to use less energy per cycle.
A clogged dryer vent can cause a host of problems that may be difficult to diagnose without a professional inspection. When airflow is stopped or restricted in the dryer vent, the dryer is forced to work harder to expel the moisture and heat, which may result in poor performance or automatic shutoff.
Mold In Dryer
Sources of Mold in the Dryer Vent
Clogs - If your dryer vent is clogged, moisture can condense into pools of water in the dryer vent. It then mixes with excess lint, creating a maché that sticks to the vent walls. This not only clogs the vent further, but also creates perfect conditions for mold and mildew to grow. We now offer a mold control and elimination application. Add this service when you schedule your appointment on line at www.cleanmydryervent.org
Dryer Maintenance
Following regular maintenance will help your appliance run efficiently and safely. Ignoring regular dryer maintenance may pose a fire hazard. Failure to clean the dryer is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Below are several dryer tips for properly caring for your dryer:
Ensure proper installation
Be sure to have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional. Check your manual to ensure that your electrical outlet is appropriate for your plugs. If you have a gas dryer, have it inspected by a professional to make sure the gas line and connection are working properly and don’t have leaks.
Clean the lint filter
Always clean the lint filter before drying each load of laundry. If you are drying a new item that creates a lot of lint, such as a bath towel or bath mat, consider drying it for half a cycle and then pause to clean out the lint filter before continuing to dry the item. Regularly check the dryer’s drum for lint accumulation.
The leading cause of clothes dryer fires is a failure to clean the dryer of dust, fiber and lint. Lint is highly combustible and can lead to reduced airflow, posing a fire hazard in clothes dryers.
Inspect the dryer vent
The dryer vent is located outside of your house. It’s a good idea to periodically check to make sure air is coming out of the vent while clothes are drying. If no air is coming out of the vent, turn off the dryer and inspect the vent for blockage. Accumulated lint, a bird’s nest or even small animals can block vents.
Consider installing a dryer vent seal to help ensure the vent is closed when the dryer is not in use.
Check the exhaust vent
Make sure the duct that runs from the back of your dryer to your wall and outside to your dryer vent isn’t clogged with lint or debris. If there is a blockage, you may have to remove the duct to clean it out. Consult with a professional before making any changes to your dryer’s exhaust duct.
Basic washer and dryer safety tips
Follow these basic safety tips when using your dryer.
Don’t overload.
Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
Don’t run the dryer when you aren’t home or when you are sleeping.
Keep the entire area clean and free of clutter, boxes and other materials.
Don’t store items on the top of the washer and dryer.
Consult operating instructions prior to drying an item that has been soiled with chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oil or paint.
Taking care of your appliances will help them last longer and run safely. Use these home appliance safety tips for your other home appliances.
Contact us at 830-320-0773 to schedule your appointment today.
Dryer Not Working. Error Code
“My dryer isn’t drying my clothes in one cycle.” or “I have an error code on my dryer.”
In most cases, if the dryer is getting hot but the clothes are not drying in one cycle, the dryer vent system has blockage. Lint builds up over time and begins to block the dryer vent path. Connect with us and schedule an appointment so we can solve this problem for you at www.cleanmydryervent.org
Error codes are common when this happens. Some examples are d95, d80, d90, OD
In order to clear these dryer error codes you must have your dryer duct system cleaned from the dryer to the exit point on your home. The cost for this service is $75 from Patriot Dryer Vent Cleaning.
Birds Nest In Dryer Vent
While seemingly harmless, bird nests in dryer vents can cause poor dryer efficiency, human respiratory infections and dryer fires. In a three-year span within the last decade, dryer fires have resulted in $35 million in residential home property loss, according to The U.S. Fire Administration. Patriot Dryer Vent Cleaning San Antonio shares the following tips for homeowners on how to inspect and properly remove bird nests from the dryer vent.
Warning Signs:
Loss in Dryer Efficiency: A first sign of a bird’s nest in a dryer vent is that the dryer suddenly becomes less efficient, taking longer to dry clothes. The bird’s nest blocks the vent and traps moisture in the dryer, requiring more time to dry a load.
Droppings in Plain Sight: Birds leave droppings near their nests, and a key inspection step is to check for them just below the exterior portion of a dryer vent, outside of the home.
Debris around the Vent: If you see pine needles, hay, grass and other small debris inside the dryer vent or right near the opening, this is a sign of a bird nest.
Professional Process
There are many ways to properly clean a dryer vent. There is only one way to do it properly though. We use two specific industry grade commercial tools either separately or in conjunction with one another to ensue your dryer vent line is cleaned properly and efficiently.
A high speed router tool with a brush system is inserted in the the dryer vent either at the exit point or where the dryer meets the wall depending on the homes set up. At the same time or often separately, a high pressure reverse air flow device is used as well to blow all debit from the line.
Photos below represent the correct tools that we always use rather than the home improvement store version, also shown, that is often ineffective and more times than not, get stuck in the vent system.
Schedule today by using this link.
#gotlint
NOT Recommended
Roof Venting
For dryer efficiency and safety, the shortest and straightest ducting route is always best. Every turn increases friction loss (unless you use non-restrictive elbows). Air velocity reduction from friction loss promotes lint build up and makes the dryer work harder to completely dry each load. Length of run also reduces efficiency. The longer the run, the more friction loss is created which is why building code restricts total run length. Often, going straight up through the roof is the shortest route.