Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Choosing the Right Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces have come a long way; instead of fake flames and only a handful of choices, homeowners now have a wide variety of realistic gas heating appliances to choose from. As the National Association of Homebuilders has found that fireplaces are the second most popular home feature, installing one in your home can add significant value. 

With so many kinds of gas fireplaces on the market today, however, it can be difficult to find the right fit for your family. By working with true fireplace experts instead of employees at a big box store, you can rest assured that your new fireplace will fit your home’s style and heating needs.

The kind of fireplace you choose will be determined by any existing fireplaces in your home, your heating needs, as well as personal preference. There are three main categories of gas fireplaces: vented, direct vent, and vent free.

Vented

Vented gas fireplaces use a traditional chimney or venting system for exhaust. Gasses and other byproducts of combustion [http://homebuying.about.com/cs/gaslogs/a/vented_gas_logs.htm] from the fire travel up the chimney and vent safely to the outside of your home; this makes them the ideal choice for homes with existing hearths. Vented gas fireplaces are often the best choice for homeowners who have a wood burning fireplace but want to switch to the efficiency and ease of use that gas provides. Because the byproducts of combustion for a gas fire are much different than those for wood burning fires, your existing chimney may need to be relined in order to vent efficiently.

Direct Vent

Direct vent fireplaces also vent the byproducts of combustion from your gas fire to the outside of your home; in these fireplaces, as two-layer pipe goes directly from the exterior of your home to the fireplace without drawing any air from inside your home. This unique venting system [http://www.hgtv.com/remodel/mechanical-systems/advantages-of-a-direct-vent-fireplace] virtually eliminates any chance of gas or carbon monoxide backing up into the home. Direct vent gas fireplaces are typically installed on exterior walls for easy venting.

 Vent Free

Vent free gas fireplaces are unique in that they are not permanently installed in one place; because they do not require venting systems, these fireplaces can be moved around as needed and installed anywhere in the home. This allows homeowners to heat specific rooms or areas as needed without committing to installing a permanent gas fireplace.

As with many heating appliances, there are recommended usage rules for vent free gas fireplaces. Because the oxygen for the fire is drawn from your home, most manufacturers recommend keeping a nearby window open when the vent free fireplace is in use. Likewise, these fireplaces should not be used for long periods of time and should be serviced regularly to reduce the risk of gas or carbon monoxide leaks.

Picking the right gas fireplace can help keep you and your family warm and cozy this winter. For more information on what fireplace is right for you, visit the fireplace store at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Dryer Vent Cleaning

For most of us, dryer maintenance begins and ends with emptying the lint trap after every load. However, your dryer may be in need of a vent cleaning in order to run more safely and efficiently.

The danger of clogged dryer vents

Clogged dryer vents can do more than just cost you money on your electric bill or lead to longer drying cycles; clogged dryer vents are the leading cause of dryer fires. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, clogged dryer vents cause more than 15,000 house fires each year. Thankfully, many dryer fires can be prevented through good dryer vent maintenance.

Benefits of cleaning your dryer vents

There are a number of benefits to having your dryer vents cleaned each year. Not only do clean dryer vents drastically reduce your chance of dryer fire, but it can also help your dryer run more efficiently and save on energy costs. The following are the top three reasons to have your dryer vents cleaned.

1. Prevent dryer fires. The same flammable lint that gets caught in the lint trap after every load can also accumulate in your dryer vents. Over time this can constrict the air flow through the dryer vents, causing the dryer to produce hotter and hotter air in an effort to dry the clothes. This supercharged air then ignites the lint, causing fires that can quickly spread to other areas of the home.
2. Improve efficiency. When dryer vents are clogged it can impact dryer efficiency; this is especially true of newer, high efficiency machines. Taking longer than one cycle to dry a load of clothes is one example of how efficiency is impacted. Many homeowners are surprised to learn they don’t need a new dryer – they just need their dryer vents cleaned!
3. Save energy. Clogged dryer vents cause the dryer to work harder each cycle to dry clothes. When dryer vents are regularly cleaned, the dryer is able to run more efficiently; after having their dryer vents cleaned, most homeowners notice a drop in the energy cost of operating their dryer each month!

Signs your dryer vents need to be cleaned

The average family needs to have their dryer vents cleaned at least once per year; however, depending on how often your dryer is used, your vents may need to be cleaned as often as every six to nine months. The following are a few signs your dryer vents need to be cleaned.

• Clothes take more than one cycle to dry
• A normal load of clothes takes longer than 45 minutes to dry
• More and more lint begins accumulating in the lint trap after each load
• Clothes are too hot to touch after coming out of the dryer
• The laundry room is excessively hot after running the dryer
• Clothes or the dryer have a damp, musty odor

Despite being one of the most frequently used appliances in our homes, many of us rarely have our dryers serviced. Having your dryer vents cleaned is an important way to improve the safety and efficiency of your dryer – while saving you money on your energy bill. To schedule your next dryer vent cleaning, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!