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20 | October 19, 2017 | 22nd century media active aging Guide 22ndCenturyMedia.com YOUR PARTNER IN TIME we care for you DuPageMedicalGroup.com EXPLORE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE’S BENEFITS Medicare Advantage (MA) plans may offer seniors options that improve quality of care and reduce overall costs. While covering all Medicare services, most MA plans include prescription drug coverage. Many also offer coordinated benefits such as vision, dental and even gym memberships. Learn more at DuPageMedicalGroup.com/MA. 16DMG129_MAPrint_22CM_R3.indd 1 9/11/17 3:23 PM
22ndCenturyMedia.com active aging Guide 22nd century media | october 19, 2017 | 21 NL-based business works to make clothes dryers safer Hidden buildup in clothes dryer vent is fire hazard Most people know they need to clean out their dryer lint tray between each cycle, but what lurks behind the wall is just as important for safety and avoiding fire traps, as well as fully efficient dryer performance. Joe Enzenberger, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, opened his New Lenoxbased business in 2009. Lint is the villain. Lint that has been allowed to build up and linger too long in the dryer exhaust vent. It is estimated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the U.S. Fire Administration that 15,500 fires associated with clothes dryers occur annually. These fires account for an average of 20 deaths, 370 injuries and more than $88 million in property damage. “Failure to clean the dryer vent” was the leading factor, according to U.S. Fire Administration reports. “It is something very few people know about or think about,” said Enzenberger, whose company specializes in dryer vent cleaning, repair, alteration and installation. “It is the leading cause of dryer fires.” Lint accumulation also can cause dryers to stop working or to work inefficiently. A dryer vent clogged with lint can add as much as $18 to $24 per month to energy costs. “Improper venting causes problems, as well,” he said. “The dryer exhaust duct and connections should be made of rigid metal or semi-rigid metal and secured with metal heat-resistant tape, rather than duct tape. I often find plastic or foil accordion-type material, which can easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks and crushing.” Warning signs include: • Clothes are taking more than one cycle to dry, especially jeans & towels. • No lint visible on lint screen. • Dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle. • Clothes have moldy smell after dry cycle. • Clothes are very hot after a dry cycle. • The top of your dryer hot to the touch while running. • There’s excess lint left on your clothing. “This has been a consumer education process, but it’s hard to get the word out,” Enzenberger said. “Most don’t call until they have a serious problem with their dryer.” He suggests people treat clothes dryers as a household item in need of regular maintenance. Consumers can protect dryer performance and promote safety by cleaning the lint screen between each use, ensuring the connection between the dryer and wall is made of compliant material and remains unkinked, and having the dryer exhaust duct cleaned regularly. Dryer manufacturers recommend inspection and cleaning at least annually. October is National Fire Prevention Month and is the perfect time to have an inspection and cleaning of clothes dryers and dryer vent systems. Another important tip – never let your clothes dryer run when you are out of the house or asleep. Submitted by Dryer Vent Wizard, 1505 Cherry Wood Lane in New Lenox. For more information, visit www. dryerventwizard.com or call (815) 215-2090.
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