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Protecting Your Home From Dryer Fires

Protecting Your Home From Dryer Fires

by | Oct 28, 2016 | fire safety

Dryer Fire Prevention Image - San Diego CA - Weststar ChimneyMost homeowners are aware of the various safety measures they should take around their home. Whether it is regularly checking the smoke detectors, cleaning out the gutters, keeping furniture dust-free, or any of the countless chores that make a household run efficiently, it seems that there is always work to be done and appliances to fix up.

One that is not thought about as frequently is the dryer. It seems like a harmless enough device, but the truth is that dryer vents are the cause of nearly 3000 home fires annually. This statistic increases throughout the fall and winter months meaning that now is the time to get any dryer issues addressed! Learn more about how to safely maintain your dryer below.

Check For Lint

When it comes to lint build-up, the lint trap is not the only place you should be checking. Check underneath the lint trap and always scan the inside of the dryer to ascertain that nothing is piling up. Ensuring that lint is cleaned out of every nook and cranny could make all the difference when it comes to keeping your appliance safe for regular use.

Hire A Professional

When it comes to installation, hiring out is the best option for ensuring your machine runs efficiently. Improper installation can cause issues and make the dryer unsafe for regular use. An expert will know what steps to take and how to properly connect the various parts and venting systems.

You will also want to hire out when it comes to regular cleanings. Many do not see the necessity in having your dryer vents professionally cleaned throughout the year, but this is a vital step in home care! Regular cleanings and inspections will offer you peace of mind, knowing your home is safe, and will ensure that your clothes are being dried on the first drying cycle.

Dry Safely!

There are lots of things you can do (or avoid doing) that will help your dryer run more efficiently. Be sure to only run the machine when you are at home and awake so that you will be alert to anything that may be malfunctioning. When drying items, make certain they are safe to use in a dryer. Any type of rubber, plastic, or foam is not suitable for dryer use and should be air-dried. Reading labels will help immensely in knowing what is safe to dry and what is not.

If your lint trap is at all damaged or loose, then refrain from using the dryer until it can be replaced. Also, avoid putting too much laundry in the dryer at one time, as this may cause it to overheat. When in doubt, always play it safe and avoid any potentially risky scenarios.

At Weststar Chimney Sweeps we know the importance of a well-maintained dryer. We pride ourselves on providing expert dryer vent cleaning services and will be happy to help you keep your household as safe as possible. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

Weststar Chimney Sweeps Is A Member Of NCSG

Weststar Chimney Sweeps Is A Member Of NCSG

by | Oct 12, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance

NCSG Member Image - San Diego CA - Weststar ChimneyHomeowners with a fireplace know the importance of maintaining a clean and structurally sound chimney. Not only does regular upkeep keep your chimney looking great, but it allows it to function as efficiently as possible, giving you and your family the enjoyment they deserve.

At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we value the importance of keeping your chimney clean, safe, and looking great, which is why we are proud to be a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild!

What is the NCSG?

The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) is set in place to ensure that chimney sweeps everywhere are providing the best services possible. By providing positive resources to businesses everywhere, it promotes growth and safe practices for anyone in this trade.

This organization also guides homeowners by promoting the importance of regular chimney care and maintenance. You will save yourself enormous amounts of time, money, and stress if you continue to schedule regular cleanings and inspections throughout the life of your chimney. Many would rather wait until something goes wrong to call in an expert, but this is not the safe or easy approach to take.

What They Do

As mentioned above, this organization stands for safe and fair practices when it comes to fireplace maintenance. But what do they do to instill these things?

The NCSG provides support for chimney sweeps by offering technical advice, discounts on products, and networking opportunities to bring people together who share a common passion. The resources provided by this group work to advance businesses and their staff by polishing their skills and providing educational materials in which to benefit.

This group also provides discounts on training and various learning opportunities, so anyone who is a member will have easy access to the wide array of chimney and fireplace knowledge out there. When it comes to one’s home appliances, there is a lot of information to learn as far as maintenance and installation. With codes and procedures changing every year, we know the value of staying up-to-date on everything.

As you can see, the NCSG is very involved and dedicated to what they stand for, and the work they do is celebrated by sweeps and businesses throughout the nation!

Turn To Us Today!

Because we value our customers, Weststar Chimney Sweeps is a proud member of this organization and we plan to utilize the tools they provide to their fullest potential. This, along with our countless other certifications and memberships, enables us to be the best that we can be, which is why people continuously turn to us for all of their chimney and fireplace needs.

Scheduling your appointment with us is easy! Contact us online or give us a call today, and see what we can do to get your chimney looking great and working as efficiently as possible. We look forward to working with you!