The True Importance of Dryer Maintenance

Dryer maintenance is both simple and important.

Maintenance is an important aspect of homeownership. Today, I’d like to talk specifically about the significance of dryer maintenance. Along with manufacturer recommendations, you also need to make sure you are always clearing the dryer vent of lint and other obstructions.

Remember to check that air flow from the exhaust vent remains unblocked. A number of things, including inclement weather, can cause blockages for this vent.

Most ranch-style homes will vent low and close to the ground. On two-story homes, the vents are typically higher. If your vent is located on the roof, you may need to enlist professional help.

Checking this vent is not only important for ensuring that your dryer functions properly, but also because doing so can prevent fires. Checking your dryer vent at least a couple of times a year is critical.

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Checking your dryer vent at least a couple of times a year is critical.

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Most dryers these days will have an alarm or sensor to detect blockages, but this isn’t the case for all units. Even if your dryer does have an alarm, periodically checking the vent is still a good idea.

You can even hire a professional duct cleaning company to clear the vent for you. Otherwise, dryer cleaning kits are available at most hardware stores.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Know anyone who's interested in building a home? 

If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to own their first or second home - would you forward this message to them? We'll be happy to show them our eight new construction home plans along with the benefits of owning a Charleston Home so they can make a decision that's right for them.

How Moisture Affects New Construction Homes

How much moisture should be in your new construction home, and how will cold weather impact moisture levels? Let’s find out.

Cold weather has a few distinct effects on new construction homes.

With any new home, you will have excess moisture because of all the building components that went into your property.

As you turn on your heat when colder weather arrives, this moisture becomes airborne. You can monitor your moisture levels with a hydrometer. The most important thing is to know where your moisture content is at in your home.

Some people think more moisture is better and are tempted to run a humidifier, but generally speaking, we don’t recommend running a humidifier within your first year or two of owning your new home. With so much moisture already in your home, it just isn’t a good idea.

Typically, it is best to have a moisture content of between 40% and 55%. Wood floors will contribute to a higher moisture content.

Some tell-tale signs that your home is beginning to dry out include cracking trim or trim becoming separated from the walls. This is the point when you may want to set up a humidifier. In the spring and summer, though, you may want to use a dehumidifier.

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It’s very important to know the moisture content of your new construction home.

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As moisture evaporates out of your materials during the winter months, you may begin to see condensation on the windows, since they are a colder surface than the walls.

It is perfectly normal to live in a brand-new home and still see condensation. Whether you have top-of-the-line or bottom-of-the-line windows, it doesn’t matter. It all depends on the level of moisture in the home.

Running bath fans after bathing or even while you’re bathing or showering is a good idea. It will help take the extra moisture you’re putting into the air and vacate it to the exterior of the home. If you don’t run bath fans while bathing or showering, it will increase the condensation in your home

As your home starts to dry out, you will experience some floor popping, but this is also normal. It’s all part of the weathering of the home.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Know anyone who's interested in building a home? 

If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to own their first or second home - would you forward this message to them? We'll be happy to show them our eight new construction home plans along with the benefits of owning a Charleston Home so they can make a decision that's right for them.