Top Signs Your Dryer Vent is Clogged and Needs Immediate Attention

Among these appliances, which should not go unnoticed, stands the dryer—making laundry day easier and quicker. But then, it vastly slips people’s minds that they also have to clean their dryer vent. In case the dryer vent gets blocked, it will be hindering one’s drying cycle and setting up a possible risk of something disastrous, like a house fire. Knowing the symptoms of a clogged dryer vent will better prepare one for avoiding dangers.

 

Clothes Take Longer to Dry

Here is one of the most obvious indications of the clogged dryer vent: your clothes are not drying as they have before. If your dryer used to dry clothes within 45 minutes, if it does it within an hour or more, this indicates that there is reduced airflow. If the vent is blocked, then the warm, moist air cannot get out, and the dryer becomes overworked and less effective. Not only are you using more energy and spending more money on utilities, but you are also wearing out your dryer more than necessary.

 

The Dryer and Clothes Feel Hot to the Touch

What may be common is finding the dryer itself warm during the cycle, however, if the dryer is too hot, then the vent is likely clogged. If you see that the outside casing of the dryer or your clothes are hot from the inside after the use of the dryer, then this means that the heat inside the dryer is not being effectively expelled outside. This situation poses a high risk of causing a fire and also, damages your dryer in the long run. It is necessary to clean them and make all the necessary adjustments in order to have proper air flow and, thus, safe usage of dryer vents.

 

Burning Smell While the Dryer is Running

If your dryer is producing a smell similar to burning, then it is time to call a professional to look at the problem with your dryer. This odor is mostly due to a ‘clogging’ of the vent by lint, one of which is that if it overheats, it can start burning or smoldering. As lint is highly flammable, this becomes a very compromising position, and the possibility of a fire outbreak becomes very real. However, it can turn out to be a serious issue, and if you notice the smell of burning while the dryer is on, switch off and get a professional dryer vent cleaning in Orlando to sort out the problem.

 

Excess Lint Behind the Dryer

Other indications that the dryer vent is full are the accumulation of lint behind the dryer or around the vent outlet. Lint is produced when drying is being done, and some of it will always end up at the vent, but if you find large balls of lint outside the lint trap, then your vent is blocked. This buildup arises in such a way that, due to a lack of other room to go, the lint is either forced back into the dryer or around the vent. Clean the lint screen of your dryer often, and contact a professional dryer vent cleaner if you find that there is a lot of lint buildup behind the dryer.

 

The Vent Hood Flap Doesn’t Open Properly

The exterior vent hood flap must be opened in the direction of the exterior to ensure the circulation of hot air, and this must be opened when the dryer is on. If the flap does not open at all or if it only opens halfway, then it is a sure-shot clue that the air is unable to circulate properly due to a blocked vent. Returning air also reduces the effectiveness of a dryer and significantly increases the chances of accumulation of lint inside the venting system, which is a major cause of fire. One of the ways you should look out for this problem is by inspecting the vent hood frequently; this way, you will be able to solve it before worsening.

 

Increased Energy Bills

This is probably the most critical sign that your dryer vent is clogged because if this is the case, then you will see a surge in your energy bills, thus, you read why this has to be fixed as soon as possible. This means that whenever the vent is blocked, the dryer has a tough time drying your clothes, and it has to work longer to complete the task and will in the process use more electricity. Cleaning the dryer vent gives your appliance its best efficiency in usage, which also reduces energy bills and enhances the lifespan of your dryer.

 

The Importance of Regular Dryer Vent Cleaning

The same case applies, though, with air duct cleaning, which can make a huge difference in clean and healthy indoor environments besides proper functions of HVAC systems; cleaning dryer vents might seem quite important for dryer safety and proper functioning. Failure to perform this very important maintenance function results in high energy consumption, shortened appliance durability, and sometimes fire risks.

 

Final thoughts

More than just making your dryer work efficiently, the cleaning also helps prevent hazards that can harm your household. You should definitely have a professional cleaner look into your dryer vent and clean it for you, at least once a year, or whenever you spot any of the above-discussed signs. Overall, taking your time to give your dryer vent maintenance is cost-effective, plus it ensures your home is safe from fire.

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