Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Toledo recently visited an assisted living facility to clean and repair the dryer vent system. They called us because several of the ducts were leaking onto the suspended ceiling. Once we started discussing the client's situation, we realized that they had no idea when the last time the dryer vents were cleaned, either. This posed a serious fire hazard, as the facility uses 6 dryers between two laundry areas. Given the number of dryers and routine usage of these machines, we knew the ducts would be absolutely filled with lint. Furthermore, some of the existing ducts were a flexible, accordion-type foil material, which is now widely recognized to be a fire hazard and detrimental to dryer efficiency. We strongly recommended that they replace these ducts, and the client agreed. Without further ado, we got to work.
Over the course of our work, we removed and replaced 180 pounds of duct work. We also removed 40 pounds of lint from the ducts and had to empty our HEPA vacuum twice while cleaning lint from ceiling tiles! The new duct work used a semi-rigid material which is much safer and more efficient. Furthermore, we fabricated a pair of pest-resistant triple vent covers to replace the existing grills. These will help keep out birds and other critters.
All in all, the residents and staff at this assisted living facility are much safer now. They'll also enjoy much greater efficiency with their dryers.
