Warning Signs It's Time to Have a Dryer Vent Professionally Cleaned
Lint and other debris can build up in the dryer vent over time and threaten the home and family's safety.
The dryer vent is one of the most critical parts of a dryer. Its primary purpose is to expel excess moisture and heat from the drying cycle out of the house to help dry clothes. Unfortunately, lint and other debris can build up in the dryer vent over time and threaten the home and family's safety.
A dirty or clogged vent can damage the dryer, reduce efficiency, raise energy bills, lower indoor air quality, and even lead to a fire. That is why periodic dryer inspections and professional cleaning are essential to avoid these hazards. Here are some telltale signs indicating it is time to schedule professional dryer vent cleaning:
Longer drying time
An efficiently working dryer takes about 30 to 45 minutes to dry a load completely. But if one notices a considerable increase in the drying time or if the clothes still feel wet after the drying cycle completes, it is time to get the dryer vent professionally cleaned. Lint and debris buildup restricts airflow, making the dryer work harder and less efficiently.
Strange, burning smell
Any burning smell while the dryer is running needs immediate attention. Lint is highly flammable, and its excessive buildup prevents heat from escaping, causing the dryer to overheat and even catch fire. If there is a burning smell, turn off the dryer immediately and call a professional for an inspection.
Clothes smell musty and are hot-to-touch
The clothes smelling musty after the drying cycle is another sign that the dryer vents are overdue for cleaning. When the dryer is not operating efficiently, it fails to remove moisture properly from the clothes. Also, when the dryer vent needs cleaning, the clothes coming out of the dryer feel overly hot. A dirty or clogged dryer vent traps heat and can result in laundry feeling unusually hot to the touch.
Excessive lint
Another warning sign that the dryer vent needs cleaning is noticing an unusual amount of lint in the lint trap, outside the vent opening, sticking to particular clothing material, and outside the dryer. All these things indicate clogging, which can cause severe problems down the line.
The laundry room feels hotter than usual
If the laundry room feels extra hot after running the dryer, that indicates that the dryer vent is not expelling the hot air outside correctly. The heated air is pushed back into the room, making it feel hot and humid. The laundry room should stay the same temperature as the rest of the house. Schedule dryer vent cleaning if the room feels warmer than normal.
The vent hood flap fails to open
This vent hood flap is designed to open when the dryer is running. If the hood is closed or there is lint or debris around the outside vent opening, it indicates that the airflow is restricted due to lint buildup, which is a fire hazard.
It has been more than a year since the last cleaning
Like other appliances, a dryer vent also requires routine maintenance to improve the dryer's performance and efficiency. Even if the dryer vent does not show any of the above signs, it is a good idea to schedule professional cleaning once a year. Annual professional inspection and cleaning prevent situations from worsening and minimize the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Sweeps N Ladders is a North Texas chimney and roofing repair service providing chimney & fireplace restorations, brick and mortar restoration, chimney caps, chase covers, and more. We provide fireplace inspection and repair, fireplace remodeling, chimney inspection and sweeping, and dryer vent cleaning. We are locally owned and operated family business and are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call us today at 469-812-5662.