Your clothes dryer is one of the hardest working appliances in your home, especially during the winter when it’s too cold to hang your laundry outside to dry.
Your dryer needs to be able to vent moist,hot air to the outside in order for it to dry clothes efficiently.
That warm air also tends to carry a lot of clothing fibers and pet hair that are removed from clothing as it’s being dried. Some types of fabricshed more than others, but no matter what the source, those fibers can accumulate inside your dryer vent and block the air flow.
When the drier vent gets blocked, in the best case scenario, your dryer doesn’t dry clothes as quickly and efficiently as it should. In a worst case, your dryer could actually catch on fire because of the heat buildup. So, how do you know when it’s time to clean your dryer vent?
One of the first signs that your dryer vent is plugged up is clothes are still hot and damp after you throw them in for their regular drying time. If the hot, moist air can’t escape, your clothes will still be hot and damp when you take them out of the dryer.
The outside of your dryer will also probably feel unusually hot if the ventstarts to get plugged up. Not only is this a waste of energy – all of that excess heat can cause components in your dryer to wear out prematurely.
If you notice a burning smell when your dryer is running, you should turn it off immediately and clean the lint screen and check the dryer duct for blockages. If the dryer isn’t venting properly, flammable lint can build up around the drum casing and the heating element, possibly causing a fire.
When your dryer is running, the flap on the outside vent should be pushed open. If it isn’t, the dryer duct is probably blocked. A lot of lint around the vent opening or on the ground outside the vent can also indicate that the duct is getting plugged by lint.
It’s a good idea to clean your lint screen should every time you use your dryer. If you notice any of the warning signs above, it’s definitely time to check your dryer duct for lint buildup. You can do it yourself, but if you prefer not to, contact Kettle Valley Duct Cleaners. While we’re at it, we can also inspect your heating ducts.
