Monday, April 27, 2015

Published 7:09 PM by with 0 comment

Signs You Need Dryer Vent Cleaning

Did you know your dryer is actually a fire hazard? The National Fire Protection Association says that more than 15,000 home fires in the United States occur every year due to dryers. This is because lint and debris builds up over time in your dryer hose and vent duct. This greatly reduces air flow and even backs up exhaust gases, potentially sparking a fire.

The good news is it's easy to avoid a dryer vent fire by having your dryer vents professionally inspected and cleaned every year. As an added bonus, your clothes will dry faster and you'll put less wear and tear on your dryer, saving you time and money.

The following are signs it's time to request professional dryer vent cleaning in Temecula.

Your clothes take too long to dry
If your dryer vent gets clogged, your dryer may take two or even three times longer to dry your clothes. You'll probably start noticing clothes are still damp at the end of a cycle. Dryers work by pushing out moist, hot air to get clothes dry. When your vents become clogged with lent, this air stays in your dryer and keeps your clothing moist. As it takes longer and longer to get your clothes dry, you will put more wear on your dryer and shorten its lifespan.

You notice a burning aroma
Do you smell a burning aroma when your dryer is running? Lint is very flammable, and it begins to build up in your exhaust vent, lint trap and drum casing. When this lint gets hot, it can actually catch fire. This is the cause of that burning smell. If you notice a burning aroma, stop using the dryer immediately and contact Advanced Chimney Cleaning to inspect and clean out your dryer vent.

Your dryer vent hood flap won't open properly
Do you notice lint or other debris around your dryer hose or the outside vent opening? Does the duct hood flap not open as it should? When your outside vent does not open, it means your dryer is working with very little air flow, and it may be just a matter of time before you have a fire.

Your dryer is hot to the touch
Is your dryer or even your clothing is hot to the touch at the end of a cycle, it's a red flag that your dryer vent is not exhausting as it should. This is wasting energy but also wearing out the blower and heating element in your dryer.

You have not had your vents cleaned in more than a year
Has it been at least a year since your last dryer vent inspection? This should be done by a professional dryer vent cleaning company in Temecula at least once a year to reduce your risk of a house fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, and keep your dryer working efficiently. Dryer vent inspection and cleaning is an affordable way to protect your family and save yourself time and money each year with a reliable dryer.

Contact Advanced Chimney Cleaning today to schedule an appointment to have your dryer vents inspected and cleaned thoroughly to avoid headaches or even disaster later.

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Friday, April 24, 2015

Published 7:09 PM by with 0 comment

Dangers of Cleaning Your Own Dryer Vent Line

If you want to clean out your dryer vent, you probably already know the advantages of doing so. Dryers that are not cleaned out regularly pose a very real fire risk, as the lint that builds up in the vent line is highly flammable. Dryer vent cleaning also eliminates a mold hazard, lengthens the lifespan of your dryer, saves you up to $25 a month in energy costs, and makes your dryer run as efficiently as possible so your clothes dry quickly like they should. To learn more, visit the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning.

Still, cleaning out your own dryer vent line is not as easy as you may think, and it is certainly more complicated than cleaning the lint trap after every load.

Many homeowners try to use a vacuum to remove lint from the dryer vent line. This may help, or it may go wrong. Vacuum attachments can and do come off and get stuck inside a dryer vent line, which can block lint flow and make the problem worse. You can run into the same problem with brush systems that are sold as dryer line cleaners. A vent line with sharp 90 degree turns increases the chance that an attachment will break off.

You must also be careful if you have a vent line made from foil or plastic, as they can tear fairly easily. If they are damaged -- and you may not even know it! -- lint, moisture and combustible items are sent deep into your home, decreasing the efficiency of the vent line and increasing the chance that you will have a home fire. With metal pipes, you run the risk that your line will be disconnected if the joints are not attached well. To learn more, visit the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning.

It's also common for homeowners attempting to clean a dryer vent in Sun City to do the job only halfway. A line that is not completely scrubbed clean will quickly fill with lint again, as any lint on the sides of the vent slow down airflow and allow more lint to stick. Failing to clean the entire vent line can also push lint farther into the line, causing a blockage.

If you decide to clean your own dryer vent, make sure you are wearing the proper equipment, as small animals and birds can make your dryer vent a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Your vent may also have mold if the lint has built up.


There is more involved to properly cleaning a Sun City dryer vent than you may think. Don't take any chances; contact the professional dryer vent cleaners at Advanced Chimney Cleaning today to schedule a thorough cleaning of your dryer vent line to boost the efficiency of your dryer and protect your family.
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Thursday, April 23, 2015

Published 7:00 PM by with 1 comment

Reasons to Choose Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning

Your dryer vents move moisture, lint and debris outside of your home to prevent toxic carbon monoxide from entering your home, and to keep highly flammable lint from building up. Dryer vent cleaning is an important service to keep your Winchester home safe and keep your dryer working efficiently.

Your dryer works by removing moisture from clothes. This moisture is held as humidity, which then gets carried outside through your vent. Dryer vent cleaning involves removing the build-up of lint and debris that reduces air flow and prevents this moisture from escaping. When your dryer vent is clogged, your appliance works harder and harder to get your clothing dry with limited air flow. Not only can your dryer take up to three times longer to get your clothes dry; it's also wearing out faster than it should.

Most people do not give their dryer vent much consideration, but this affordable service offers many benefits. To learn more, visit the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning.

Reduce Fire Hazards
About 15,500 dryer fires happen every year, with failure to clean the dryer vent as the leading contributing factor. Dryer lint is a highly flammable substance that can easily ignite. Electric dryers have a fire risk as high as gas dryers, and even modern energy efficient appliances are not safe when it comes to dryer lint build-up.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Gas dryers pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. This odorless, colorless gas can back up into your home when your dryer vent gets clogged with lint and makes it hard for fumes to vent outside.

Dry Clothes Faster
Does your dryer take more than one cycle to dry a load of laundry? If so, there is a good chance you have a fire hazard right now in your vent. Clogged dryer vents make dryers run longer and longer to get clothes dry as moist air cannot vent outside. Professional dryer vent cleaning in Winchester will help your dryer work efficiently like it should.

Save Money
A clogged dryer vent will increase the time it takes to clean clothes, which means additional energy costs of $18 to $24 every month. An accumulation of lint reduces air flow, which will make your dryer more inefficient and even stop working completely sometimes. Cleaning out your dryer vent line can save you hundreds a year! To get more money saving tips, visit the pros at Advanced Chimney Cleaning.

Ditch Mold and Mildew
Your dryer removes moisture when it dries clothing. Clogs in your dryer vent can allow moisture to condense into pools in the vent, which then makes lint stick to the walls of the vent, the perfect environment for mildew and mold. Lint build-up can also cause leaks in the vent, allowing mold to grow in your walls.

Protect your home and save yourself time and money by scheduling Winchester dryer vent cleaning services from Advanced Chimney Cleaning today.


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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Published 7:00 PM by with 0 comment

How to Make Your Dryer More Efficient

Whether you only wash a load of laundry every week or you have a large family and find yourself in the laundry room every day, it's important to keep your dryer working as efficiently as possible. This will help reduce not only the impact on the planet but also on your pocketbook.

You do not need to shop for a brand-new energy efficient dryer to save money. There are several steps you can take now to boost the efficiency of the dryer you already have, including some that do not cost anything. To learn more, visit the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning.


Use the Right Setting


Most dryers today have delicate or permanent press cycles that are meant to protect more delicate or light fabrics. These settings also use less energy, as thinner material needs less heat to get dry. Use your high heat setting for heavy fabrics like bedding and towels to cut down on your energy costs.


Clean the Lint Filter!


You should make it a habit to clean out the lint filter after every cycle. A clear lint filter allows proper air flow, which reduces your drying time and prevents too much wear and tear on your dryer. Along with removing the build-up of lint, occasionally wash the filter with warm water and gentle soap to remove the build-up of fabric softener.


Dry Lighter Clothes First


Do you take care to sort your laundry by weight to wash and dry it? Try to avoid drying heavy clothes with light clothes, which extends the drying time for everything. Instead, dry your lightest items first, as the residual heat in the dryer helps the next load of heavy loads dry faster.


Don't Overload or Underload the Dryer


An overloaded dryer gives clothing too little space to tumble around, which lengthens the drying time and increases the chance that your clothes will come out wrinkled. An underloaded dryer, on the other hand, reduces the tumbling effect of a full load for a longer drying time. In fact, drying a single shirt can take 30 minutes, about the same amount of time it takes to dry a full load. If you have a load that isn't completely full, try throwing in a clean, dry towel, which absorbs some water and helps reduce drying time by around 25%. Visit the dryer pros at Advanced Chimney Cleaning’s website to get more tips.


Get Your Dryer Vents Cleaned


If your clothes are taking too long to dry, it may be time to contact a dryer vent cleaning company inWildomar. Your dryer vent and hose should be inspected and cleaned every 6-12 months to remove the build-up of lint and debris that reduces air flow, puts excess wear on your dryer, and makes your clothes take much longer to dry. Even worse, lint build-up is the cause of many home fires. Over 15,000 home fires are started by dryer lint every year.

If you want your dryer to run as efficiently as possible -- and reduce the chance that lint in your vents will ignite -- contact us today to schedule an appointment. Advanced Chimney Cleaning is a leading dryer vent cleaning company serving the Wildomar area, with affordable prices that will ensure your dryer vents are clear and safe.


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Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Published 7:16 PM by with 0 comment

How to Make Your Dryer Dry Faster

Is it taking your dryer longer and longer to get your clothes dry? The good news is there are some simple steps you can take to improve the efficiency of your dryer -- and reduce a major fire hazard in your home. To learn more, visit the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning.

Add a Dry Towel to the Load


Adding a dry, clean towel into a dryer of clothing, especially jeans, can help your clothes dry faster because the towel separates moisture. Adding the large, dry item soaks up a good amount of the moisture from the damp clothing, reducing the moisture in the dryer and allowing all items to dry faster.

Try a Second Spin Cycle


Are your clothes still fairly damp when they come out of the dryer? Try running a second spin cycle on your washer before adding clothes to the dryer. This will only add an extra ten minutes, but it will save more in dry time.

Dry Light Clothes Separately


Separating your laundry and drying it by weight can help your dryer dry clothes a lot faster. If you can, don't dry heavy and light clothes at the same time, because this makes everything take longer. Dry the light items first, then let that residual heat still in the appliance dry the next load even faster.


Do You Have the Right Load Size?


A dryer that is overloaded does not give clothes enough room to tumble, dramatically increasing dry time and wrinkles. If the dryer is underloaded, clothes don't tumble together at all. In fact, an under-sized load of laundry takes longer to dry than a full load! If your load isn't full, add a clean, dry towel.

Is the Lint Filter Full?


Have you forgotten to clean out your lint filter? It happens! Make sure you remove and clean the lint trap after every load of laundry for good air flow, which reduces the dry time and extends the life of your dryer. To learn more, visit the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning.


Have Your Dryer Vents Been Cleaned?


If your dryer takes longer and longer to dry clothes, you may have a build-up of lint in your dryer vent line. This is a serious fire hazard, and it reduces air flow, causing your dryer to work harder and harder to do the job.

Your dryer vent line should be inspected and cleaned every year. Contact Advanced Chimney Cleaners, a Hemet dryer vent cleaning company, to set up an appointment that gets your dryer working like it should while protecting you from fire hazards.

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Monday, April 20, 2015

Published 7:11 PM by with 0 comment

How to Prevent Dryer Vent Fires

How long has it been since you had your dryer vent inspected and cleaned? Lint and debris builds up in your dryer vent after every use, which means your dryer will exhaust at below ideal efficiency. Not only does this reduce the efficiency of your dryer and make it take longer to dry clothes, it also poses a hazard of fire or even carbon monoxide poisoning in the case of gas dryers, which can force CO back into your home.

To learn more, visit the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning

It's important to have your dryer vent inspected and cleaned once a year. A technician will check that the vent is the right size and installed properly to avoid hazards. For example, old-fashioned plastic transition ducts should be updated with non-flammable metal ducts. This inspection is especially important in new houses, which usually place dryers far away from outside walls. While convenient for you, this means a longer vent with more bends, which makes the dryer ducts much harder to access and gives them more space for lint to build up and even for animals to build nests.

To learn more, visit the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning

Dryer vent inspection in Lake Elsinore is important to protect the safety of your family. The US Fire Administration reports that around 15,500 house fires every year are attributed to dryers, which cause 400 injuries and 15 deaths a year. The leading cause of dryer fires is failure to clean the dryer vent. An annual inspection will ensure your duct is working efficiently and is installed to code. As a big bonus, this will keep your dryer working at peak performance to dry clothes faster and reduce wear on your dryer.

Dryer vent cleaning services:

  • Clean your vent from the dryer all the way to the outside of the home
  • Prevent a fire hazard by removing lint build-up
  • Reduce wear and tear on your dryer
  • Get your dryer working at peak efficiency to dry clothes faster


Dryer Vent Cleaning in Lake Elsinore

Dryer vents get filled with highly flammable lint. It's just a fact, but staying on top of this potential hazard and having dryer vent cleaning performed regularly will keep your vent clear and help avoid a fire. A clogged vent can make your dryer take 2 or even 3 times longer to dry clothes, costing you more money as time goes by. Protect your home and family today and save some money by scheduling dryer vent cleaning services by Advanced Chimney Cleaning.

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Friday, April 17, 2015

Published 7:08 PM by with 0 comment

How to Clean Your Dryer Vent Line

There are many reasons to regularly clean out your dryer vent line. Dryers are a major fire hazard, because lint that builds up in the line is very flammable. Cleaning out the dryer vent also lengthens the life of your appliance, makes your dryer as efficient as possible and saves you $15 to $25 a month in energy costs, depending on the severity of the build-up.

Cleaning out a dryer vent in Menifee is not as easy as you may think. If you are going to attempt it on your own, make sure you have the right equipment, including protective gear to avoid inhaling any bacteria.

To learn more, visit the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning.

What You Need

To do the job, you will need special brush kits, as vacuum attachments will not work by themselves because they cannot agitate the lint to remove it from the duct. A brush kit typically includes a long bristle brush that can clean the lint screen with a round, thick brush to clean out the round dryer vent line. This tip attaches to a flexible shaft that can be fed into the vent line.

Even with a brush kit, you do run the risk that a component will get stuck or break off in your dryer vent line, especially if your line has sharp turns. You must also be careful to avoid puncturing your dryer line.

Remove Your Lint Filter and Clean Housing Cavity

Start by removing your lint trap. It's the first line of defense, so clean the screen by brushing it with a fine cleaning brush. Once the filter is clean, you can vacuum the lint trap housing cavity. The cavity is where you removed the screen from, and you will need a long, flexible handle, extending it to the bottom of the cavity and using a slight twisting motion to pull the brush back out with the trapped lint attached. You can then use a shop vacuum to clean loosened lint out of the cavity.

To learn more, visit the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning


Clean the Dryer Vent

Now we move into the more difficult area where you may encounter problems, and where you risk damaging your dryer vent or doing the job improperly, which can actually make the build-up worse.

You need to disconnect sections of your dryer duct to expose the lint inside. This will get tricky as lint builds up inside the vertical vent right behind your appliance, and in the bend a few feet away. Lint can also build up throughout the entire vent all the way to the outside of your home. If your dryer duct is accessible, use the brushes to properly clean each section and reassemble. As you go, insert and rotate the duct brush, going slowly at first to really remove the debris.

Make sure you turn off the gas valve for a gas dryer, disconnect the duct joint near your dryer and pull your dryer away from the wall before you start.

Need Help? Contact Us Today

Cleaning out your own dryer duct can be very messy, and there is a risk that you will damage your vent or even your dryer. If your dryer vent line is not easily accessible, or you do not feel confident in your ability to do the job yourself, contact Advanced Chimney Cleaning today to schedule professional dryer vent cleaning in Menifee.

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Thursday, April 16, 2015

Published 7:00 PM by with 0 comment

Why Does My Dryer Take So Long?

Does it seem to take forever for your clothes to dry? There are few things as frustrating as waiting three hours for a load of laundry to dry, and there are a few potential problems that may be causing the problem. The good news is there may be nothing wrong with your dryer itself, and the fix may be straightforward. Here's a look at some potential causes of long clothes drying times in Murrieta.

Click here to learn more from the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning

Check the Lint Filter

Do you remember to clean out your lint filter every time you use your dryer? This filter eventually fills with lint, which reduces airflow and lengthens the time it takes your dryer to get clothes dry. You should also check the filter for a build-up of fabric softener, which also restricts airflow. Occasionally wash the filter with warm, soapy water and allow it to air dry before replacing it.

Click here to learn more from the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning

Do You Need Repairs?

There are a few parts on your dryer that may need to be checked or fixed, including the:
  • Blower wheel. If the blower wheel is not attached properly to the drive motor, it can slip and air will not move fast enough to dry the clothes properly, or the high limit thermostat can even trip and turn off your heat circuit. You should notice a rumbling sound if this is the case. Gas valve coil. If you have a gas dryer, you may have a defective gas valve. 
  • Felt drum seal. The drum seals prevent too much air from getting into the dryer drum and works as a cushion between the drum and bulkheads. These felt-like seals can become worn or torn and make a thumping noise. You may notice clothing is ripped or has black marks. 
  • Door seal. The door seal keeps cool air from getting into the dryer drum and ensures the dryer has the right temperature to quickly dry clothing. 

Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning in Murrieta

A likely reason that your dryer is not working as efficiently as it should is clogged dryer vents. Your dryer hose and vent should be inspected and cleaned every 6 to 12 months, not only to prevent dryer exhaust duct fires but also keep your dryer working the way it should. Dryers are made to push out hot, moist air to dry clothing. When the vent gets blocked by a build-up of lint, the air stays in your dryer, keeping clothes moist and hot. As it takes longer to dry clothing and your dryer must run longer, you put more wear and tear on your machine.

Not keeping your dryer vents cleaning reduces your dryer's efficiency, costing you time and money every year. There are several signs it's time to clean your dryer vent, including a longer dryer time, a dryer that is hot to the touch, a burning odor coming from your dryer, and a vent hood flap that will not open properly.

When was the last time you had your dryer vents professionally cleaned? If it's been awhile, or you have never had the vents cleaned out, contact Advanced Chimney Cleaning in Murrieta today to extend the life of your dryer, get your clothes dried faster and prevent a deadly dryer vent fire.

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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Published 9:19 PM by with 0 comment

What Happens When Your Dryer Vent is Clogged with Lint?

Do you have your dryer vent line cleaned out once a year, or do you assume that clearing out the lint trap is good enough? Unfortunately, many homeowners are unaware that lint accumulates in their dryer vent, posing a serious fire hazard while reducing the efficiency of the dryer itself. Here are the many problems that can result from a dryer vent clogged with lint.

1. Fire hazard
Lint is highly flammable. As it builds up in your dryer duct, it begins to pose a serious fire hazard, as your dryer gets overworked by the reduced air flow and may overheat, igniting the lint. If the duct itself gets damaged, it can release this lint into your walls, spreading the danger. The U.S. Fire Administration found that there are about 15,500 dry-related fires every year, causing about 15 deaths a year.

2. Carbon monoxide poisoning
Do you have a gas dryer? Then you have a second danger: the chance for deadly carbon monoxide to intrude into your home. When the exhaust duct of your gas dryer gets blocked with lint or the dryer does not vent as it should, this gas is forced into your home. This makes it especially important for gas dryer owners to scheduleprofessional dryer vent cleaning in Corona at least once a year.

3. Clothes take longer to dry
While less serious than CO poisoning and house fires, there are many other consequences of a clogged dryer vent. When the vent gets clogged with debris and lint, your clothes will take two or three times longer to dry.

4. Dryer lifespan is reduced
As if taking three times longer to dry your clothes isn't bad enough, a clogged dryer vent also reduces the lifespan of your appliance. This is because your dryer is forced to run longer and at higher temperatures, wearing out the components, particularly the heating element and safety controls.

5. Energy costs are higher
As you may have guessed, a dryer running hotter and longer leads to higher energy costs. Cleaning out your dryer vent can save you up to $25 a month in energy costs. You may be throwing away hundreds of dollars every year, while inconveniencing yourself!


Dryer vents are much more dangerous in new homes than in old homes, as dryer ducts today are harder to access with dryers typically installed somewhere inside that home that is convenient. This longer distance can allow birds and animals to nest in the duct, and it makes the duct line much harder to clean on your own. Contact the experts at Advanced Chimney Cleaning today to schedule a dryer vent inspection in Corona and ensure your vent is clear of all debris that can pose a danger to your family or decrease the efficiency of your dryer. 
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Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Published 6:43 AM by with 0 comment

DIY Dryer Cleaning: What You Should Know


It's important to have your dryer vent inspected and cleaned at least once a year to clear out the build-up of highly flammable lint that can cause a fire, or at the very least make your dryer work a lot harder and take longer and longer to dry your clothes. Many homes have fairly short dryer vents, and it's best to hire professional dryer vent cleaning services in Canyon Lake, and set up regular maintenance.

If you decide to skip professional cleaning, you'll need to make sure you do the job right. You will need to clean out not only the vent connecting to the back of your dryer but also the inside of your dryer. It's usually fairly easy to open your dryer's access panel to clean around the components, but removing the build-up can be hard with some models.



Steps to Clean Dryer Vents


There are a few basic steps to clean your dryer vents:
  1. First remove your transition duct attached to your dryer and the wall. Remove all debris and lint before you reattach it.
  2. Now it gets harder. You'll need to clean out the ventilation pipe that removes lint from your home. This can be very, very difficult, depending on the location of your dryer and how long the pipe is. Some homes have a vertical pipe that runs straight from the dryer up and out of the roof, but some wind through the house first.
  3. You will also need to clear out your exterior vent. This may be on the side of your home close to the dryer or it may be on your roof.

As you can see, dryer vent cleaning involves more than just clearing out the duct behind your dryer. It usually pays to hire a professional dryer vent cleaner in Canyon Lake.


Why Hire a Professional?


While everyone can clean out the lint trap after every load, blocked dryer vents are serious business and you want to make sure they are cleaned out properly to avoid a serious fire hazard.

A professional has the experience and expertise to do the job right, including moving your dryer and disconnecting it from electrical or gas lines prior to the job and clean out your vents without damaging them or your appliance.

If you attempt to clean your own vents and accidentally damage a component, you will be responsible for the extra costs and repairs. A professional is bonded and insured, which means this damage would be covered.

Finally, proper vent cleaning requires specialized equipment, not just a wet-dry vac. A professional has the equipment and training it takes to do the job easily and properly so you can rest easy knowing that the highly flammable lint is safely removed from your home.

Schedule an appointment for professional dryer vent cleaning with Advanced Chimney Cleaning today to enjoy peace of mind and a dryer that is as efficient as possible.

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Monday, February 9, 2015

Published 7:21 PM by with 1 comment

Fireplace Repair: Cracked Firebox

Firebox Crack Repair


 Chimney Cleaning Videos Click Here


Hey There,

If you find yourself here, you likely have a firebox that looks something like this:

Cracked Firebox Repairs

or this:

Murrieta Chimney Sweep

Possibly this:

Local Chimney Sweep



or MAYBE this:


OK, so we've established by now that your fireplace has cracked panels.  You've got questions, right?  Not to worry.  We have all the answers you are looking for right here.

Fireplace Crack Repair

First, and foremost, there is NO REPAIR for cracked refractory panels in a per-fabricated or Zero-Clearance fireplace.  Whats a per-fabricated fire place?  Click here for a full photo comparing a per-fabricated vs masonry chimney.

So anyway, there is no repair.  No patch. No Spackle.  Put down that tube of caulking, Hoss, and listen up.  What I am about to say is very important:

All manufacturers of per-fabricated fireplaces have a specification for how big a crack can get before it needs replacement.  Most have a specification that is fairly easy to follow.  The one that we follow is the "Dime Width".  Any crack which exceeds a dime's width must be replaced with a new refractory panel. 

The purpose behind the panels in the firebox is to absorb heat and deflect it away from the metal box they are housed in.  When the cracks exceed a dime's width, heat may be allowed to penetrate the void and heat up the metal box.  And here is where it gets interesting:  The metal box potentially could have the framing of the house in contact with it.  The box can heat up and transfer that heat to the framing of the home. 

Here is a shot of what it looks like behind a panel that had a sizable crack in it.  What you are seeing is the smoke staining where hot, smoky air was passing through the crack and hitting the galvanized firebox:


 Fireplace Panels Replacements

Patching the cracks in a pre-fab fireplace is not allowed by the manufacturer due to the following:

1.  The panels are designed to expand and contract with the heating and cooling of the firebox.  There are no guarantees that the material you insert into the crack will expand and contract at the same rate as the panel.  
             For Instance:  You patch a crack, have a fire and all looks good right?  Well, when that panel cools down and contracts, if there is any foreign body in that void that IS NOT contracting at the same rate, the patch material may act as a wedge and can cause the cracking to worsen!

2.  There is play between the side walls and the back wall.  This "wiggle room" is required to allow the walls to expand and contract.  Sealing these gaps with mortar or cement is a surefire way to crack the entire firebox.

3.  They are the manufacturer.  They say don't do it.  They spent millions of dollars developing these fireplaces.  Testing them.  Torturing them.  They understand the conditions that can cause their products to fail.

Fire Place Repair Temecula, Ca.

It is best to have a professional chimney cleaning company, like ours, Advanced Chimney Cleaning perform this job.  

Call us now at 951-698-8676 to schedule an appointment.  We have been servicing chimneys and fireplaces near Temecula, CA for nearly 20 years.   If you are not sure about the condition of any part of your chimney or fireplace, it is best to have us inspect it's condition before use.

Visit us online at www.AdvancedChimneyCleaning.com

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/AdvancedChimneyCleaning

Follow on Instagram: @advanced_chimney


fireplace firebox repair
Locally Owned in Murrieta, CA since 1997











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Saturday, January 24, 2015

Published 9:48 PM by with 1 comment

Murrieta Chimney and Dryer Vent Cleaning BLOG

Murrieta and Temecula Valley Chimney & Dryer Vent Cleaning

Here is a teaser video I will be discussing in a future post.  Ever wonder about Chimney Sweeping Logs? Get your answer here!



Welcome!  This marks a first in Advanced Chimney Cleaning's 17 year history: A BLOG!





 My first thought was, "Who in the heck wants to read about soot and lint?".  Most customers prefer not to handle their soot and lint, let alone seek it out on their leisure time.  But I do have to say, the more and more I thought about it, the more I enjoyed the idea of sharing our experiences we have everyday out in the field.  In between sweeping chimneys and cleaning out dryer vents, we encounter all sorts of interesting characters, see some pretty unique fireplaces, and occasionally get our pictures taken with falcons or pot belly pigs!  It can all be so much fun and very interesting, even to those not in our line of work.

I plan on sharing pictures and videos from fireplaces I find intriguing, cool back yards and whatever else I may run across that you all might like to see as well.  You would think a fireplace is the type of thing that once you've see one, then you've seen then all.  Right?  Let me tell you, I am constantly amazed at the variety of different facades, doors/screens, mantels and stone work I see.  Even after all these years, I still see fireplace designs that are completely unique....tune in for some inspiration and ideas for your own home!


Don't have a fireplace but still want to get in on this party?  Got you covered.  I'll have plenty of videos and pictures of non chimney subjects, mostly cool pets people have.

Don't like dogs? Well I can't help you there....

-Stay Stooty










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Published 9:33 PM by with 1 comment

Temecula, CA - My Clothes Aren't Drying!

Temecula, CA My Clothes Aren't Drying! See why!


I've got an exciting video to share with you all today. This dirty dryer vent was so clogged with lint, we had to take extra steps to remove it all.  I will get into all that in a moment, but let me give you what you came for:  Dryer Vent Sexiness.....



So? What did you think?  You heard the homeowner's reaction. I think it was "OH WOW!"

Crazy right?!  I was so impressed with this video, I made it the feature on our dryer vent cleaning page.  This video shows how much lint can accumulate in a dirty clothes dryer vent.

Danger In A Dirty Dryer Vent

A dirty dryer vent can cause a whole host of issues.  At a minimum, the homeowner or Chief Laundry-Doer (often times MOM!) will experience extended drying times.  These extended dry times amount to wasted money on utilities, more time spent doing laundry, and more wear and tear.  Lets not forget about the two most severe of all these issues: a structure fire AND Carbon Monoxide poisoning!  As the owner of Advanced Chimney Cleaning, I get a large amount of satisfaction from preventing fires and accidental poisonings!

Temecula Dryer Vent
That pile is about 7" tall!  Hard to tell from this angle, but I assure you, It was a whopper!
Many homes in Temecula are this clogged!

My Dryer Isn't Drying My Clothes


We have been cleaning dryer vents and busting loose clogged lint from local Temecula ducts for nearly 20 years.  This dryer vent was a little bit exceptional, as far as lint production goes.  It was so clogged up, we had to use a professional leaf blower to create the air flow necessary to actually push the lint out...in most cases the air from the dryer is sufficient, but here, no way!  There was no air coming out what so ever.  We were forced to call in the big guns.

If your dryer doesn't seem to be running as well as it should, or if you have loads taking longer than 45 minutes, give us a call at (951) 698-8676  

We are always here to help, drop us a line on Facebook: facebook.com/AdvancedChimneyCleaning

-Stay Sooty




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Monday, January 5, 2015

Published 7:24 PM by with 1 comment

Dry Your Clothes Faster

Murrieta, CA Dry Your Clothes Faster


The most frequently asked question about dryer vent cleaning we get is, "How often should I get my dryer vent cleaned?".  There is no easy answer for this, however, if you listen close enough, you'll find that your clothes dryer will tell you if a duct cleaning is necessary.  Chances are, if you are here, you suspect something may be amiss, or you just came to see what comes out of a dirty dryer vent.   Here you'll find a video illustrating how dirty a vent can be, even if it is just the first 5 feet or so:





How Long Should It Take To Dry My Clothes?


It is crucial for the homeowner to know how long a load of clothes takes to dry.  This information is used to determine when the dryer vent requires service.  I like to prescribe the following technique to figure this out:

1.  Start with a clean dryer vent.  At this point, you'll know your system is as clean as it can be and as efficient as possible.

2.  Begin a dryer load consisting of heavier common items like towels and jeans.  Make it a size you would typically throw together.  Avoid t shirts and lighter fabrics as these can dry quickly and skew the results.













3.  Ensure the the dryer is set to TIMED DRY.  Set timer for 45 minutes and press start.  Walk away.


4.  Once your dryer has finished the cycle, check the clothes for preferred dryness (found this can vary person-to-person as well).  Using the 45 minute dry cycle as a baseline for your heavier items, adjust your time accordingly for desired dryness.

     Now what has happened is the homeowner now has a baseline to work off of.  After completing Step 4, and making the necessary time adjustments, they know how long a load will take for their heaviest items when the dryer vent is completely clean.  From here, the dry times can be monitored by using TIMED DRY.

What Dryer Setting is the Best?

    At this time, I would like to discuss WHY timed dry is preferred over sensor dry, as so many newer appliances are equipped with this feature.  Sensor dry will continue to make adjustments to the dry cycle, slowly over time.  This occurs when lint begins to deposit into the vent and restrict the venting of the air from the dryer.  The sensor compensates for this restriction and slowing of the wet air by extending the amount of time the dryer is running, in order to adequately dry the clothing.


    When this happens, the dry times go from 45 minutes or so, to a whopping 3 hours, in many cases!  DO NOT let your dryer fool you with the easy button!

    People will find that a cleaning is not always an annual requirement in their home.  It is very subjective and dependent upon use of the appliance.  People also find that their needs can change, as children move in and out of the home, for example.

    Over time and use, damp clothes start coming out of the dryer at the time determined by the user to be the "sweet spot", thus requiring more time to dry. More time = More $$.  Using the timed drying method, the homeowner has a faster indicator of how often they need to clean out their dryer vent while saving money on their utilities and also preventing a structure fire from the build up of flammable lint!

Sounds like a good idea to me: Lower utility bills, lower chance of fire & shorter drying times.

If you've never had this service performed, give us a call or check us out online!  If you won't benefit from our service, WE WON'T PERFORM IT!  Simple as that.

-Stay Sooty


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