Warning Signs of a Dirty Dryer Vent

Posted on by djesse

The Warning Signs of a Dirty Dryer Vent

First things first, you need to make sure you clean your lint trap after every use; this ensures the air moves freely inside the machine so it can dry your clothes.  Small fibers can still get through the trap and over time, it can clog up your dryer vent.

On top of cleaning the dryer vent, it’s also important to clean the moisture sensors to ensure they work properly. Most new dryers now come with moisture sensors which work by automatically shutting the dryer off when they sense the laundry is dry. If you suspect your dryer vent is in need of a cleaning, call the office and ask to speak to your maintenance coordinator.

Here are a few signs to watch out for if your dryer is acting up.

  • Drying time for clothes takes longer and longer. A clogged dryer vent can result not only in soggy laundry, but money and energy wasted on multiple cycles.
  • Your dryer and clothing are very hot. This warning sign means the vent is not exhausting properly.
  • Burning or musty smells. It’s not just a matter of unpleasant smells, however, as the trapped heat and humidity can turn into mildew.
  • It’s been longer than a year since your last inspection. Dryer vent ducts should be inspected at least once a year to reduce the risk of fires.

An additional service that can be provided to owners is our Semi-Annual Inspection Program. This is a great tool to aid the owner in determining if they would like to renew with the current tenants based on signs of neglect. This preventive property inspection can help uncover damages that will deplete the tenant’s Security Deposit. It also prevents owners from having additional repair costs. For more information, please call our office and ask to sign up for our Semi-Annual Inspection Program.

Information was provided by Arco Comfort Air, LLC: Five Problems That Can Arise From Dirty Dryer Vents

Avoid Freezing Pipes

Posted on by djesse

Tips on How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

  • Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Open cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
  • When the temperature falls below 32°F outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair fee if pipes freeze and burst.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 60° F. Do not turn off HVAC units.
  • Regularly change your air filters and do not block air vents with furniture or floor mats.

Per your Lease Agreement, damages to your home per negligence will be charged to tenants. Please reference Page 7, Section C, Subsection 2, Letter C. “Freezing of Pipes: To help in preventing the freezing of pipes, Tenant agrees that when the temperatures outside falls below 32°F, Tenant shall: (1) leave the thermostat regulating the heat serving Premises in an “on” position and set to a minimum of 60°F; and (2) leave the faucets dripping.”

If you would like more tips and information on how to prevent frozen pipes, visit this helpful post by the Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes

Common Mistakes in Using Disposals

Posted on by djesse

Things that will damage or clog your garbage disposal:

  • Grease or Oils. Thick, greasy liquids like grease and oil can solidify in a disposal as they cool, which is one of the number one causes of troublesome disposal clogs according to Benjamin Franklin plumbers.
  • Potato Peels or other Fibrous Food Waste. The starch in these peels tends to cling to the metal interior of garbage disposals and ends up being very difficult to remove.
  • Any Bones, Seeds, or Pits. Just like any type of blade, the blades in a garbage disposal dull over time. Avoid putting materials inside the unit that expedite that process.
  • Putting In Actual Garbage. Just because garbage is in the name doesn’t mean it’s okay to throw things like paper towels, plastic, or metal inside of the unit. This also includes wooden matches, cigarettes, rubber bands and twist ties, and of course glass.

Using the best operating sequence. For best operation, follow this order: First, start running cool water. Second, turn on the disposal. Third, gradually put food in (don’t shove it in all at once). Run the disposal until food is gone (usually 30 seconds is enough). Turn it off and let the water run for another 10 or 15 seconds to flush out the drain.

For more information, please visit the full article with tips and more useful information from Benjamin Franklin plumbers: www.punctualplumberdallas.com/blog/right-wrong-ways-use-garbage-disposal/