Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

You Should Really Consider Getting Your Dryer Vent Cleaned!

The dryer is one of the most used – yet least serviced – appliances in our homes. While we rely on dryers to help us with our laundry year after year, very few homeowners do much to ensure they continue to run safely and efficiently. One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your dryer working is by having the dryer vents cleaned.

The importance of dryer vent cleaning

Many homeowners assume that operating the dryer safely is as simple as emptying the lint trap after each load. However, the same lint that accumulates in the trap can accumulate in the dryer vent. If left unremoved, clogged vents can decrease dryer performance and significantly increase the risk of an accidental dryer fire.

Lint and other debris build up in the dryer vent over time – even if you clean the dryer vent after every load. This narrows the vent and constricts air flow to the dryer; this causes the dryer to work harder, producing hotter and hotter air. As little as half an inch of lint accumulation in a four-inch dryer vent can reduce airflow by as much as 50%. This superheated air can cause the extremely flammable lint to ignite, causing a dryer vent fire that can quickly spread to the rest of your home.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there are more than 15,000 house fires caused by clogged dryer vents each year. In addition to endangering lives, these fires cause tens of millions of dollars worth of damage to homes and personal property.

How clogged vents affect dryer performance

In addition to the significant risk of accidental fire clogged vents can cause, they can also affect dryer performance. While dryer vents should be cleaned regularly, the following signs may indicate that your vents are becoming clogged.

• Clothes take longer than one full cycle to dry completely
• More and more lint is accumulating in the lint trap after regular loads
• The laundry room or area surrounding the dryer is noticeably warmer when in use
• The dryer itself or the clothes in it are too hot to touch
• Clothes or the inside of the dryer have a strong, musty odor
• Lint or debris is visible around exterior vents

Professional dryer vent cleaning

Luckily, the risk of accidental dryer fire can be significantly reduced by having dryer vents regularly cleaned by a trained professional. Using special brushes, vacuums, and other equipment, a professional cleaning can remove dirt, lint, and other debris from the walls of the vent. Likewise, the condition of the vents, such as any kinks or holes, can be assessed.

At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we don’t blow the lint on your lawn, hand you a bill, and leave. Our highly trained dryer technicians will clean and inspect your dryer vents, helping your dryer run more efficiently and reduce your risk of dryer fire. For more information on dryer vent cleaning or to schedule your next appointment, contact us today!

Want to Breath New Life into Your Home? Invest in a Fireplace!

Does your home’s interior leave you feeling uninspired? Are you looking for a way to add resale value without breaking the bank on a remodel? If so, it may be time to upgrade or replace your fireplace!

Fireplaces are one of the most valued features in real estate. In addition to helping your home stand out from similar listings, they can add significant value. One survey found that 40% of potential buyers would pay more for a home with a fireplace. Fireplace upgrades or additions also give homeowners a high return on investment. This means the value they add to your home is close to the cost of the project.

Whether you have an existing fireplace that is out of date, an older hearth that you don’t use, or want to add a completely new chimney system to your home, the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan can help.

Upgrading an Existing Fireplace

There are a number of reasons why homeowners do not fully utilize – or love – their fireplaces. Two of the most common are that the fireplace is out of date or does not fit their style, or that the fireplace or chimney are damaged and cannot be used.

Fireplace Facelift

If your fireplace is stained, out of date, doesn’t meet your heating needs, or stands out from your style, it may be time to invest in a fireplace facelift. Making over your existing fireplace is a cost-effective way to get back to using and enjoying your fireplace.

Because all fireplaces are unique, our team will create a custom plan just for your home. Therefore, this allows you to personalize everything from the materials, colors, size, style, and accessories. The project can be as big as completely refacing the masonry or as small as replacing a mantle or adding new glass doors.

Upgrading a fireplace is an excellent time to consider switching fuel sources. Fireplace inserts can be installed into existing hearths; these EPA certified heating appliances are available in gas, wood, and pellets, making it easy for every homeowner to find the perfect fireplace for their home.

New Fireplace Construction

There is nothing quite like spending an evening in front of a fire. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, it is still possible to add one! Our team of masons and chimney sweeps can help construct a chimney system that not only looks beautiful but is safe, functional, and will last for years to come.

Summer is a great time to upgrade your existing fireplace or add a new chimney system to your home. Working on your fireplace now ensures that it will be ready to go when cooler temperatures arrive. For more information on updating an existing fireplace or to ask about new chimney construction, contact the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!