Big disappointments make small victories better

I sat on the patio enjoying temperature in the mid-60s and the change of the season while reflecting on the Chicago Cubs' miserable baseball season. Another disappointing October because of unexpected injuries. What a shock.

I wonder if the Cubs could find their way out of a corn maze? With a map? Or a compass? Would they have used the gum for a trail or to see who could blow the biggest bubble?If I've learned one thing this year, it's that the Cubs are the real boys of summer. They certainly don't play in the fall -- yet.Tomorrow, who knows what will make my day? A full roll of toilet paper in the bathroom? Or 10 minutes spent listening to the crickets in the backyard signal the end of the day as the last pink hues drenching the clouds fade into darkness.Now, if the Cubs found good pitching, that would make my day. Maybe they wouldn't fade into darkness each October.Maybe it's the Cubs fan mentality that has kept my family clinging to the lone tomato plant surviving in our garden. We hope for one last hurrah, but know deep down it was over by late summer.I'll root for the Dodgers in the playoffs, maybe even the Yankees, but never the Cardinals. Not if they were the last baseball team on Earth that could beat the White Sox. Never.The disappointment just continues. The third clothes iron I've purchased in the past two years leaks, encountering the same fate as the other irons that met an early demise. No one in the household seems to know why the irons ended up cracked. It's as if the irons purposely injured themselves, frustrated because their work was never done.Vicki Estes is a Topeka freelance writer. She can be reached at vaestes@sbcglobal.net.It didn't take long, or much, to improve my mood. The dryer sheet scent wafting from the dryer vent was quite pleasant. At my age, it takes less and less to impress me. That evening, it happened to be the gentle scent of the summer meadow. I had two loads of laundry under my belt, and everyone would find clean underwear for the new week. Score one for Mom; zero for the Cubs.A Cubs fan's work is never done. We constantly have to convince others we aren't stupid -- just stubborn -- for the extraordinary dedication to our team. "Next year" we say with a straight face each October.

Vicki Estes is a Topeka freelance writer. She can be reached at vaestes@sbcglobal.net.

Cleaning Your Dryer Vent Means A Savings Of Time And Money And Avoiding a Fire Hazard

Have you noticed that its starting to take longer and longer for your clothes to dry? Does a load of towels now take 2 or 3 drying cycles, and maybe still feel a little damp? If so, you�re probably also paying higher gas and electric bills than you used to.

Because of the high incidence of dryer fires, never leave the house if the dryer is on and never go to bed with the dryer running either. We are all a nation of multitaskers and what better way to multitask than to put wet clothes into the dryer, run some errands and come home to a load of dry laundry. This is really taking chances and just not safe to do.So if you are in need of this being done, just think about how much money you will be saving and how much joy it will put back into doing the laundry! Well, maybe that�s a slight exaggeration, but at least it will be a little less of a chore.If your dryer is located in a laundry closet or small room, the door to that room must be open while the dryer is running. A dryer needs make-up air--whatever amount of air it�s exhausting out, it needs to bring the same amount of air in, without having to work for it. If the dryer cannot get that make-up air, it may overheat. A dryer needs at least 100 square inches of oxygen, the equivalent of a 10" x 10" window. Also, if there is an exhaust fan in the laundry room, the fan should be off when the dryer is running.Lint should be removed from the lint screen before each load of laundry. In addition, the fabric softener pads or sheets are fine to use but they leave a chemical film on the lint screen which will make your dryer harder to exhaust. Every few months, take the lint screen out, bring it to your kitchen sink and wash it with water, liquid dishwashing soap and a tooth brush.Who do you contact to get the venting system brushed out and inspected? Believe it or not, most appliance technicians will only deal with the dryer itself and want nothing to do with what it vents through. Generally the people to contact are chimney sweeps, and it is highly recommended to use one trained as a C-Det Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician if they are in your area.The solution may be simpler than you think. And less expensive.When looking for a company to clean the dryer vent system, make sure that the technician will use a brushing method to clean out the dryer venting system. Many companies simply use a vacuum or blower, which will not remove the lint accumulation in the venting system. This becomes that much more essential if the lint is moist, since it takes on a consistency close to paper mache and will otherwise stick like paste to the inside of the pipe.Most dryers now have a safety feature that will either turn the dryer off or turn the dryer�s heat off if it senses that it�s overheating, which will happen when there�s a buildup clogging the venting system. That�s why it takes forever for your clothes to dry--the clothes will keep spinning but there�ll be no heat. This feature is not completely reliable to depend on, and the older dryers are also not as likely to have adequate safety systems which will shut it off or stop the heat.In 1998, the last year reported, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that there were 15,600 fires, resulting in 20 deaths and 370 injuries from dryer fires. The fire hazard, in many cases, is caused by the lint and paper that gets past the lint screen landing inside the dryer below the drum on the dryer floor. Have a qualified appliance repair person out to clean the interior of the dryer several times a year to minimize the chance of fire. Watch how the repair person does this. In some dryers, there�s an access panel in the front of the dryer that can be easily removed so that the homeowner can do this. Clean the lint debris behind the dryer and keep combustible materials away from the dryer as much as possible.One of the main causes for buildup in the dryer venting system is from forgetting to pull the pieces of paper, wrappers or Kleenex from the pockets before doing the laundry. Then add to that the hair (human and pet), sand, jewelry, money, and just about anything that you can think of, and you can see what it will lead to. The more of this kind of stuff that can be caught ahead of time and not allowed to get into the dryer, the better. It�s crazy what winds up in there!The flexible connector hose between the dryer and the wall should be made from aluminum and not from flammable plastic. It should not be kinked or crushed, since this will also restrict the dryer�s ability to vent properly and will cause the dryer to overheat. It�s preferable that the connector hose only be long enough to go between the dryer and the wall with just a little bit of slack so that if the dryer is pulled out, the hose still stays connected.In addition to cleaning out the accumulation in the venting system, there are other ways to help keep you safe when using your dryer.

So if you are in need of this being done, just think about how much money you will be saving and how much joy it will put back into doing the laundry! Well, maybe that�s a slight exaggeration, but at least it will be a little less of a chore.

In-O-Vate Technologies - Most Valuable Product Award 2003

One judge was so impressed by the Dryerbox that he commented: "What a great idea! Why didn't I think of it?" The product is a recessed dryer vent box that saves space in the laundry room because it allows the dryer to be pushed against the wall. It also helps the clothes dryer to operate more efficiently so clothes dry faster and reduces the risk of clothes dryer fires by eliminating the accumulation of lint in the exhaust hose. Dryerbox allows the storage and recoiling of the flex transition hose between the dryer and the wall connection to take place inside the wall cavity, eliminating the zigzag of ductwork. It's made of 22-gauge aluminized steel. Model 350 is 3 1/2 inches deep and model 425 is 4 1/4 inches deep. The Retrofit Box for existing homes is 4 inches deep.

COST: $19 for new construction models and 521 for the retrofit. 888-443-7937. www.dryerbox.com. Circle 322.

Prevent Water Damage in the Laundry Room

The washer and drier are usually located in the laundry room and create heat and moisture. Simple maintenance is required to help avoiding water problems and mold.

REGARDING the article in the Chronicle Is your bus service up to scratch. I use service 93 and on Friday, October 10, they actually took two buses off from Team Valley. 19.07 and the 19.37. They used the excuse that they were short of drivers as drivers had been ringing in sick. The same happened this Saturday, they took buses off again.Hoses & FiltersFree guides are availableThe DryerThe utility sink is sometimes the source for water related problems. Search for leaks under the sink. A drip in the trap under the sink can be a sign for problems and should be repaired immediately. Slow draining pipes may indicate a partially blocked drain. A constantly dripping faucet must me repaired promptly. Replace sink seals if they are cracked or loose. Damped or stained walls around plumbing pipes indicate an internal leak that must be fixed before additional damage occurs.GN, Jesmond.For more information visit www.RestorationSOS.comThe WasherLike in most appliances, problems often start in the hose. Keep at least 4 inches between the water connection and the back of the washer. This space will prevent the hose from kinking and bursting. Check the hoses and replace them if old. Consider installing steel-braided hoses.

Free guides are available

Author: Terry Allen

Vent your spleen

Newcastle Central Station offers one miserable gents toilet. The other day there was an out of order notice stacked above the hand dryer to which someone had added the words five months. Under the wash basin a cardboard carton was filled to overflowing with used paper towels, the toilets themselves were nasty in the extreme.

The washer is connected to both cold and hot water lines. Check them frequently. Start with the joints and fix a leak if you find it. Be sure to check both ends of the water lines. Clean or replace the filters once in a while. A blocked filter will slow the water flow into the washing machine, and may cause some malfunctions. This problem is worse in areas with �hard water�. Inspect the shut off valve by looking for drips into the washing machine while it is not in use. If you detect a leak, replace the valve.Utility Sink

MB, Gateshead.

Condo owner could add dryer vent builder forgot

Danetta Garfink may now dry her clothes in peace.The Baltimore County woman has been embroiled in litigation with the Council of Unit Owners at her condominium complex since 2000, when she rerouted the venting system for her dryer from the furnace room, where the builder had mistakenly installed it, to the outside of the house.Last week, the state's top court decreed that Garfink did not need the council's approval to reroute the vent, and that she may leave it where it is.It is obvious that the intention of the drafters of the easement was that in the circumstances described in the easement, the unit owners would have the automatic right to maintain necessary and required venting and ducts without the permission of the Board, Judge Dale R. Cathell wrote for a 4-3 majority. We believe that in the unusual circumstances of this case, the situation is the functional equivalent of maintenance necessary for the reasonable and safe operation of the dryer. Our holding is limited, however, to the particular situation here extant.Garfink's attorney, James E. Carbine, said his client is extraordinarily relieved.The attorney for the condominium council, though, said the ruling opens up a Pandora's box.I'm concerned that while the majority opinion said it's limited to a specific case, it's just going to be a springboard for unit owners to bypass the board of directors and make exterior changes, said John M. Oliveri, who said he represents several condominium councils.He said he will ask the court to reconsider.Three dissenters on the Court of Appeals agreed with Oliveri. In an opinion authored by Judge Alan M. Wilner, they worried that the majority had been so busy trying to avoid forcing Garfink to remove the vent that it made bad law. Among other concerns, Wilner wrote that the ruling is more ambiguous than the majority intended and that it could affect every condominium in Maryland, as well as other easements.Garfink owned her house - the former model home in The Cloisters at Charles - since 1991, but only discovered the venting problem when her old dryer stopped working. The vendor refused to install her new dryer, saying the ventilation system presented a fire hazard.All the other houses in the development had dryers that vented outside of the house, but the builder simply forgot to install an outside vent on the model home, according to the decision.After Garfink had the venting system rerouted - without consulting the Council of Unit Owners - it wound up blowing steam in the direction of her neighbor's front door, and he complained to the council.

Garfink owned her house - the former model home in The Cloisters at Charles - since 1991, but only discovered the venting problem when her old dryer stopped working. The vendor refused to install her new dryer, saying the ventilation system presented a fire hazard.

CATHELL: UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCEWHAT THE COURT HELDCase:Garfink v. The Cloisters at Charles, CA No. 79, Sept. Term 2005. Reported. Opinion by Cathell, J.; dissent by Wilner, J. Filed April 13, 2006.Issues:Did the lower court err in (1) holding that easement law does not apply to easements granted in condominium documents; (2) affirming that a maintenance easement did not allow petitioner to create an exterior dryer vent without the council's approval; or (3) affirming that petitioner had to get respondent's prior approval before relocating the vent?Holding:Yes; reversed and remanded. Traditional easement law does apply to condominiums. Petitioner's new installation of an exterior dryer vent constituted a repair, which she is permitted to do without consulting the condominium council.Counsel:James E. Carbine for appellant; John M. Oliveri for appellee.

Author: Caryn Tamber

Condo owner could add dryer vent builder forgot, rules MD Court of

(The following article was originally published in The Daily Record, Baltimore, MD, another Dolan Media publication.)

After Garfink had the venting system rerouted - without consulting the Council of Unit Owners - it wound up blowing steam in the direction of her neighbor's front door, and he complained to the council.Whether your home is in the rural area or right in the middle of downtown, installing preventive measures are important to keep you safe. Smoking near flammable materials, using alternative heat resources without caution and proper guidance and even the use of poorly maintained dryer vent can all start a fire.Maintenance easement appliesIn 2003, the council requested a court order for removal of the vent. Baltimore County Circuit Judge Mickey J. Norman granted the request and, in an unreported opinion, the Court of Special Appeals affirmed.While the Court of Special Appeals held that traditional easement law does not apply to condominiums, the top court held that it does since, according to precedent and The Cloisters' own declaration, each unit has all the incidents of real property. The declaration also granted an easement so each unit owner could maintain and repair structures such as ducts, wiring and vents, Cathell pointed out.He wrote that, had the builder properly constructed an exterior vent in 1991, Garfink would have been allowed access to the common area in order to repair or maintain it.It was reasonable for [Garfink] to remedy the hazard created by the improper original construction of the dryer exhaust system, Cathell wrote. In order to reasonably enjoy the grant of the easement, [Garfink] was entitled to install an exterior dryer exhaust vent.The majority also took issue with the council's suggestions for alternate locations for the vent, two of which it says are very close to where it is now and would make no difference, one of which would violate code, and one of which would entail remodeling Garfink's home.In his dissent, Wilner wrote that he has a solution.He wrote that he also would have reversed the Court of Special Appeals' ruling favoring the condominium council, but that he would have sent the case back to the circuit court with instructions to have the two parties introduce into evidence the floor plans for the other units showing where their dryers are vented. That way, they could figure out where the vent should be and whether the parties are negotiating in good faith.Carbine said the case will have lasting impact in that it reaffirmed that easement law applies to condominiums, but that it won't have a great an effect as the dissenters feel it will. Only if a builder installs a dryer but no exterior vent, or a furnace but no chimney, will the Garfink case be applicable, he said.The court was very clear that it stops there, that somebody can't use the repair exception - to put a plastic Santa Claus up on your roof, he said.The attorney for the condominium council, though, said the ruling opens up a Pandora's box.In 2003, the council requested a court order for removal of the vent. Baltimore County Circuit Judge Mickey J. Norman granted the request and, in an unreported opinion, the Court of Special Appeals affirmed.After your home has been cleaned and your items sent to restoration companies, you must also have it checked for structural damage so repairs or replacement can be undertaken as soon as possible.The agency can recommend professional cleanup and restoration companies to help you deal with fire damage Michigan. It may take a while to totally recover from the disaster but with expert assistance, you can safely tackle problems confidently.The court was very clear that it stops there, that somebody can't use the repair exception . . . to put a plastic Santa Claus up on your roof, he said.It was reasonable for [Garfink] to remedy the hazard created by the improper original construction of the dryer exhaust system, Cathell wrote. In order to reasonably enjoy the grant of the easement, [Garfink] was entitled to install an exterior dryer exhaust vent.Caution against fire damage Michigan though is not only confined to residential and recreational areas near the forests but also in cities as well. Fires after all can start anywhere at any time. Carelessness is one of most common reasons for it so the awareness campaign in Michigan regarding this disaster remains aggressive.Last week, the state's top court decreed that Garfink did not need the council's approval to reroute the vent, and that she may leave it where it is.The Baltimore County woman has been embroiled in litigation with the Council of Unit Owners at her condominium complex since 2000, when she rerouted the venting system for her dryer from the furnace room, where the builder had mistakenly installed it, to the outside of the house.A fire alarm and sprinkling system is necessary as your first defense against fire disaster. Fire extinguishers will do as long as they're placed in strategic locations and in proper working condition. It is important too that the occupants of the home or buildings know what to do in case of fire. Escape routes must also be established and residents must be aware of it.The majority also took issue with the council's suggestions for alternate locations for the vent, two of which it says are very close to where it is now and would make no difference, one of which would violate code, and one of which would entail remodeling Garfink's home.He said he will ask the court to reconsider.He wrote that he also would have reversed the Court of Special Appeals' ruling favoring the condominium council, but that he would have sent the case back to the circuit court with instructions to have the two parties introduce into evidence the floor plans for the other units showing where their dryers are vented. That way, they could figure out where the vent should be and whether the parties are negotiating in good faith.Since Michigan has its forests as one of its main attractions, more residents are settling in within its confines to escape the overcrowded cities while visitors find the recreational activities available in these areas enticing thereby increasing risk of wildfire.Garfink's attorney, James E. Carbine, said his client is extraordinarily relieved.It is obvious that the intention of the drafters of the easement was that in the circumstances described in the easement, the unit owners would have the automatic right to maintain necessary and required venting and ducts without the permission of the Board, Judge Dale R. Cathell wrote for a 4-3 majority. We believe that in the unusual circumstances of this case, the situation is the functional equivalent of maintenance necessary for the reasonable and safe operation of the dryer. Our holding is limited, however, to the particular situation here extant.He wrote that, had the builder properly constructed an exterior vent in 1991, Garfink would have been allowed access to the common area in order to repair or maintain it.

The court was very clear that it stops there, that somebody can't use the repair exception . . . to put a plastic Santa Claus up on your roof, he said.

Author: Caryn Tamber

Fire Damage Michigan: Cleanup and Recovery

Michigan attracts many tourists for various reasons. It is frequently visited by hunters, vacationers and nature lovers mainly for its forests, beaches and lakes. There are also festivals that draw the crowd and casino resorts that offer charming entertainment. And then there are hiking, fishing and deer season attractions as well.

After a fire, don't attempt to re-enter the home or establishment without permission from the fire marshal. Smoke can suffocate and soot can also be a health threat. Whatever the damage, document it and submit claim to your insurance agency.In his dissent, Wilner wrote that he has a solution.All the other houses in the development had dryers that vented outside of the house, but the builder simply forgot to install an outside vent on the model home, according to the decision.Danetta Garfink may now dry her clothes in peace.I'm concerned that while the majority opinion said it's limited to a specific case, it's just going to be a springboard for unit owners to bypass the board of directors and make exterior changes, said John M. Oliveri, who said he represents several condominium councils.While the Court of Special Appeals held that traditional easement law does not apply to condominiums, the top court held that it does since, according to precedent and The Cloisters' own declaration, each unit has all the incidents of real property. The declaration also granted an easement so each unit owner could maintain and repair structures such as ducts, wiring and vents, Cathell pointed out.

After your home has been cleaned and your items sent to restoration companies, you must also have it checked for structural damage so repairs or replacement can be undertaken as soon as possible.

Author: Leo Nov

10 Fireplace Smoking Problems and Solutions

There is nothing worse than coming in after a hard day and when you finally get a decent fire going, all you get is smoke coming back into the room. It burns the eyes and lungs, and you wind up having to open windows and doors to let the cold air in to air the room out. That smell gets into all of the fabrics in the house as well as in your clothes, and it seems to take forever to get rid of it.

5) Chimney Not Built To Proper Dimensions-Many times the fireplace opening is too large or too tall, especially in relation to the chimney flue size. This can give smoke a choice of going up the chimney or coming into the room. The solution could be adding a metal smoke guard to the top of the fireplace opening, since it shrinks the size of the opening. Also, many two-sided fireplaces have inherent smoking problems due to their sensitivity to air drafts in the house. In this case you might think about installing glass doors. One more thing, if the chimney does not have adequate height, you may need to extend the height of the chimney to improve the draw.Always use the smooth galvanized steel pipe or aluminum pipe for your venting rather than the plastic flex hose. It�s much less susceptible to temperature change and it also lasts much longer. You might also be surprised to discover it costs very little more and it is just as easy to install as the flex hose.If you follow these steps you�ll not have to worry about your dyer venting causing damage to your condo. You�ll driver will function optimally and you won�t be faced with fixing damage caused by condensation.Always try to reduce the number of bends as much as possible. The fewer number of bends you have the less problems that will occur because your air flow will be better. Always make sure that the length of your vent pipe run meets the specifications of the dryer. Many limit the length of the run.Insulate the outside of the entire venting system and tape all the seams with heating tape or duct tape also works well. The heat tape is designed to work only on steel or aluminum piping because of the special adhesive.You can start by insulating the entire dryer hose right from the dyer to the vent. Use Styrofoam or other types of foam insulation. In fact there is pre-cut insulation that id designed specifically for dryer hose. This will ensure that the piping does not become colder and produce condensation.7) The House Is Near a Canyon or Hillside� If the house is next to a canyon, hillside or slope, it can have smoking problems due to wind currents and downdrafts. The air is pushed down the chimney into the room. Many times a specially designed chimney wind cap will resolve this problem since the top part of it turns like a weather vane and the cap�s backside creates a barrier in the way of the wind.The "On-demand controlled systems provide silence, efficiency and savings on installation and energy.To stop condensation from occurring the pipe needs to be kept warm and there are some simple steps you can undertake to ensure you don�t have condensation problems.8) Central Heating System� If the heater is on, you will lose the draw from the chimney which will cause a smoking problem. This is because the central air furnace is so strong that even if the air intake vent for the central heating system is not in the same room as the fireplace, it will suck the outside air down the chimney and will cause the fireplace to smoke when the fire is going. Do not run the heater when the fireplace is in use!4) Fire Grate Placement� The fire grate is where you place your wood in the firebox and should be placed as far back in the firebox as possible, preferably right against the backwall in order to create a good draw. Sometimes it�s necessary to raise the grate with bricks to help. This gets more air under the grate for better circulation and it also raises the height of the fire.

These at least hit the highlights of what could be the problem when dealing with that annoying smoking problem. There are other possible reasons for this problem, so if following the corrective actions presented here don�t take care of it, the best advice I could give would be to contact a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep in your area and put him to work figuring it out. Good Luck!

Author: Rick Pocock

Dryer Venting In A Condo

Dryer venting in a condo can pose some special problems including condensation. How a dryer vent is installed in a condo can be a bit tricky and remember there�s also the vent from the other condo. Suddenly you can be facing damage but it could have been avoided.

The MDVS system is the only ventilation solution on the market that is nationally listed and approved for exhausting lint-laden air from single or multiple Type 1 and 2 clothes dryers. No other product currently on the market meets the requirements for such a listing.These at least hit the highlights of what could be the problem when dealing with that annoying smoking problem. There are other possible reasons for this problem, so if following the corrective actions presented here don�t take care of it, the best advice I could give would be to contact a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep in your area and put him to work figuring it out. Good Luck!3) Fuel� Cut firewood must be aged a minimum of one year. It should be kept dry and protected from the rain. If the log is larger around than 6" in diameter, it should be split so that it burns efficiently. Also, some types of prefabricated �paper wrapped� logs can be prone to smoking.The problem is condensation can easily form on the outside or inside of the vent pipe. The pipe gets cold and then the moist heat runs through the pipe which turns to liquid when it cools near the exterior wall.6) Cold Weather� If the weather outside the house is either colder and/or raining, the air inside the chimney flue will be cold and heavy and block the smoke from venting out. In this case, it helps to �prime� the chimney by rolling up a newspaper and lighting it, then hold the lit end close to the open damper inside the firebox for a minute or two to warm up the heavy air in the flue. Then you can light the fire and ideally should have a good draw.10) Tall Trees and Buildings� A tall tree or added-on second story (yours or your neighbor�s) close to the chimney may change the wind currents and cause down drafts to go down through the chimney and not only cause a smoking problem but possibly an odor problem as well. Keep those trees trimmed! With the 2nd story problem, the solution will likely be to raise the chimney height, but in some cases the wind cap might help instead.1) Dirty or Obstructed Chimney� Have the chimney inspected and swept by a Certified Chimney Sweep so that the chimney can be checked for any obstructions such as a bird�s nest or tree branches, or your kid�s missing volley ball. Also, a dirty chimney cap will prevent smoke from freely exiting the chimney.Second you need to get your caulking and caulking gun out and caulk around the outside of the vent. This is always a great source for cold air which can be promoting condensation because the exhaust pipe is getting cold. By caulking around the seams you reduce the amount of cold air that the piping is exposed to.If you haven�t developed this problem why not do the fix before the problem occurs. And if you already fighting condensation problems this simple fix will set you right and solve your problems.2) Closed Damper� Before starting a fire, always check to make sure that the damper is completely open. If you�re not sure, shine a flashlight up the chimney to see if the metal damper plate is open or closed.

If you follow these steps you�ll not have to worry about your dyer venting causing damage to your condo. You�ll driver will function optimally and you won�t be faced with fixing damage caused by condensation.

Author: Timothy Mccraney

Mechanical dryer venting system™

THE MDS is developed in cooperation with clothes dryer manufacturers. It's used to exhaust clothes dryers in multi-story buildings, and laundry facilities in hotels, resorts, sports and health care facilities.

9) Air Pressure Difference� Because houses are built much tighter than they used to be, the air pressure inside the house can be different than outside the house and this will not allow for a proper draw of air through the flue as well as the fire not receiving adequate make up air. This will also happen if a house is retrofitted with new tighter windows and doors. To minimize the smoking problem, crack open a window or door (preferably at the same level as the fireplace) in the room.Don�t forget to also insulate around the vent itself. In fact if there is open space around the vent fill with insulation and hold in place with duct tape. Don�t be afraid to pack it tight. You�ll be impressed at how beneficial this is.

CIRCLE No. 844

Installing A Dryer Vent

Installing a dryer vent is a project you can undertake all on your own with just a little help. To get you on your way here are some helpful installation tips.

In addition to cleaning out the accumulation in the venting system, there are other ways to help keep you safe when using your dryer.Lint should be removed from the lint screen before each load of laundry. In addition, the fabric softener pads or sheets are fine to use but they leave a chemical film on the lint screen which will make your dryer harder to exhaust. Every few months, take the lint screen out, bring it to your kitchen sink and wash it with water, liquid dishwashing soap and a tooth brush.Who do you contact to get the venting system brushed out and inspected? Believe it or not, most appliance technicians will only deal with the dryer itself and want nothing to do with what it vents through. Generally the people to contact are chimney sweeps, and it is highly recommended to use one trained as a C-Det Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician if they are in your area.A Cubs fan's work is never done. We constantly have to convince others we aren't stupid -- just stubborn -- for the extraordinary dedication to our team. "Next year" we say with a straight face each October.One of the main causes for buildup in the dryer venting system is from forgetting to pull the pieces of paper, wrappers or Kleenex from the pockets before doing the laundry. Then add to that the hair (human and pet), sand, jewelry, money, and just about anything that you can think of, and you can see what it will lead to. The more of this kind of stuff that can be caught ahead of time and not allowed to get into the dryer, the better. It�s crazy what winds up in there!Once you�ve completed your project check all connections and don�t be afraid to use that duct tape to seal up seams or anywhere where the lint can build over time.Wrap with two to three inches of fiberglass insulation from the ceiling line down. Use your trusty duct tape to attach the insulation.Vicki Estes is a Topeka freelance writer. She can be reached at vaestes@sbcglobal.net.Most dryers now have a safety feature that will either turn the dryer off or turn the dryer�s heat off if it senses that it�s overheating, which will happen when there�s a buildup clogging the venting system. That�s why it takes forever for your clothes to dry--the clothes will keep spinning but there�ll be no heat. This feature is not completely reliable to depend on, and the older dryers are also not as likely to have adequate safety systems which will shut it off or stop the heat.In 1998, the last year reported, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that there were 15,600 fires, resulting in 20 deaths and 370 injuries from dryer fires. The fire hazard, in many cases, is caused by the lint and paper that gets past the lint screen landing inside the dryer below the drum on the dryer floor. Have a qualified appliance repair person out to clean the interior of the dryer several times a year to minimize the chance of fire. Watch how the repair person does this. In some dryers, there�s an access panel in the front of the dryer that can be easily removed so that the homeowner can do this. Clean the lint debris behind the dryer and keep combustible materials away from the dryer as much as possible.

That�s it � your done. It�s really not that difficult after all. Now you can sit back and admire your handy work.

Author: Timothy Mccraney

Cleaning Your Dryer Vent Means A Savings Of Time And Money And Avoiding a Fire Hazard

Have you noticed that its starting to take longer and longer for your clothes to dry? Does a load of towels now take 2 or 3 drying cycles, and maybe still feel a little damp? If so, you�re probably also paying higher gas and electric bills than you used to.

No matter which type of pipe you use you�ll need one of the large clamps to secure the pipe to the fitting. Most of these simply require that you have a slotted screw driver. Place the clamp on the hose then tighten by turning the screw.Most people automatically think that the dryer itself is the problem, but it usually turns out that the venting pipe that exhausts the dryer to the outside of the house has become clogged with lint. If your dryer can�t vent out that heat and moisture in the clothes, then your laundry can�t dry. Over time, running the dryer this way will eventually create enough extra wear and tear on the dryer parts that it will ultimately lead to expensive dryer repairs. Worst of all, it also turns your dryer into a potential fire hazard.The disappointment just continues. The third clothes iron I've purchased in the past two years leaks, encountering the same fate as the other irons that met an early demise. No one in the household seems to know why the irons ended up cracked. It's as if the irons purposely injured themselves, frustrated because their work was never done.If your dryer is located in a laundry closet or small room, the door to that room must be open while the dryer is running. A dryer needs make-up air--whatever amount of air it�s exhausting out, it needs to bring the same amount of air in, without having to work for it. If the dryer cannot get that make-up air, it may overheat. A dryer needs at least 100 square inches of oxygen, the equivalent of a 10" x 10" window. Also, if there is an exhaust fan in the laundry room, the fan should be off when the dryer is running.If you do decide that venting your dryer through the roof is the right choice for you, then you will have to insulate the metal piper that is located where the cold areas are. If you don�t� you are going to have a major condensation problem and leaking as well. If you live where it�s warm all year round this isn�t an issue for you.If I've learned one thing this year, it's that the Cubs are the real boys of summer. They certainly don't play in the fall -- yet.Basement venting doesn�t have to be difficult. In fact it can be a piece of cake. All you need is two 90 degree bends and the odd time a third bend, and usually about 15 feet of piping. The flexible plastic pipe is tends to be the favorite pick but the true metal piping is just as easy to install and it is much more durable. Great so let�s get busy.Now, if the Cubs found good pitching, that would make my day. Maybe they wouldn't fade into darkness each October.When looking for a company to clean the dryer vent system, make sure that the technician will use a brushing method to clean out the dryer venting system. Many companies simply use a vacuum or blower, which will not remove the lint accumulation in the venting system. This becomes that much more essential if the lint is moist, since it takes on a consistency close to paper mache and will otherwise stick like paste to the inside of the pipe.You will need a vent cap which will be connected to the exterior wall. There are a variety of different types. The cheap ones have an opening that�s around 2 � inches at the widest point. Save your money! Instead spend the little extra and get a good vent that has a 4 inch opening as well as louvers. You�ll get a lot less air flow resistance and the louvers also deter rodents.I'll root for the Dodgers in the playoffs, maybe even the Yankees, but never the Cardinals. Not if they were the last baseball team on Earth that could beat the White Sox. Never.Maybe it's the Cubs fan mentality that has kept my family clinging to the lone tomato plant surviving in our garden. We hope for one last hurrah, but know deep down it was over by late summer.

So if you are in need of this being done, just think about how much money you will be saving and how much joy it will put back into doing the laundry! Well, maybe that�s a slight exaggeration, but at least it will be a little less of a chore.

Author: Rick Pocock

Big disappointments make small victories better

I sat on the patio enjoying temperature in the mid-60s and the change of the season while reflecting on the Chicago Cubs' miserable baseball season. Another disappointing October because of unexpected injuries. What a shock.

Tomorrow, who knows what will make my day? A full roll of toilet paper in the bathroom? Or 10 minutes spent listening to the crickets in the backyard signal the end of the day as the last pink hues drenching the clouds fade into darkness.That�s it � your done. It�s really not that difficult after all. Now you can sit back and admire your handy work.Because of the high incidence of dryer fires, never leave the house if the dryer is on and never go to bed with the dryer running either. We are all a nation of multitaskers and what better way to multitask than to put wet clothes into the dryer, run some errands and come home to a load of dry laundry. This is really taking chances and just not safe to do.You can�t use this style vent cap on the roof. You need a cap that sheds the rain water and has flashing built in. They aren�t expensive at all. You can vent through the roof but experience says that there are usually better alternatives than the roof. Think about it � what an awful place to have to go to clean trapped lint. You can see why looking for other options is a good idea.Here�s tip #1 � do it right! There�s nothing more distressing then coming across a dryer that�s been vented wrong. Not only does it create quite a mess it can also create a major fire hazard.So if you are in need of this being done, just think about how much money you will be saving and how much joy it will put back into doing the laundry! Well, maybe that�s a slight exaggeration, but at least it will be a little less of a chore.The flexible connector hose between the dryer and the wall should be made from aluminum and not from flammable plastic. It should not be kinked or crushed, since this will also restrict the dryer�s ability to vent properly and will cause the dryer to overheat. It�s preferable that the connector hose only be long enough to go between the dryer and the wall with just a little bit of slack so that if the dryer is pulled out, the hose still stays connected.If you need to hang your dryer pipe use the plastic J hooks which are designed for 4 inch plumbing pipe. They are pre-punched and heavy duty. You can easily attach them where ever you need to. Simple and affordable.The solution may be simpler than you think. And less expensive.Tape the seam and the area around the screw once it is tightened. This will prevent lint from building up over the years. Remember duct tape is your friend.

Vicki Estes is a Topeka freelance writer. She can be reached at vaestes@sbcglobal.net.