How do I know if my dryer vent is clogged?
Your drying time is longer than it used to be.
Every dryer duct system works differently, but if it is not maintained correctly, an elongated dryer time is one of the most common signs of malfunction.Â
A congested dryer duct can increase the time it takes to dry clothes. This creates unneeded wear and tear on the machine, which can potentially cut down on your dryer’s lifespan by almost half.
Your dryer is hot to the touch.
When your dryer vent is clogged, your dryer has to strain itself and work twice as hard to dry your clothes, which means your appliance might get extra hot while attempting to dry your clothes.Â
Your dryer is supposed to exhaust the heat and the moisture as it works, but if it is unable to do so, the heat builds up. If your dryer overheats too much, it can eventually cause a fire.Â
Your dryer has a burning or fiery smell.
Lint is extremely flammable. If the lint that is clogged in your vent has no way to get out, it can eventually catch fire.Â
If you ever smell a burning odor during or after your dryer cycle, you should stop using it immediately and get your dryer inspected.Â
Your dryer is producing more lint than usual.
If you’re noticing that there is more lint on your lint filter or lint tray, it most likely means your dryer vent is clogged. It is possible to find dryer lint outside of the lint tray, or even outside of your dryer.
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
If you want to avoid clogging your dryer vent, you should get your dryer vent cleaned once a year. If you can’t remember the last time it’s been cleaned, it’s better to be safe and get it checked out to avoid future problems. Dryer vents can get clogged up by highly flammable lint, and if you don’t get the extra lint out of your dryer, it can cause a fire. According to the NFPA, on average, 5270 homes burn per year because of failure to clean dryer lint. A clogged dryer vent can also burn out the heating element. If you regularly clean your dryer vent, your dryer can have a much longer lifespan, and you can save money on your electric bill, which will save you money in the long run.
