Signs You Need to Clean Your Dryer Vent

Do you know that dryer lint is extremely flammable? While many homeowners think that emptying the lint out of their dryer vents is a great way to keep their home spotless and safe, it might not be enough. There are times when you need to clean your dryer beyond the removable trap. As such, you must regularly maintain your dryer vents. 

You should watch out for the following signs. Should you notice any of these signs in your home, you might need to schedule a dryer vent cleaning as soon as possible.

Clothes Take Too Long to Dry

If you think your clothes take longer than usual to dry, you might want to get in touch with the professionals. Usually, this is the first sign of lint buildup in your vents. Not only is it inconvenient if you need something dry in a hurry, but it can also significantly increase your energy bills. To prevent this from happening, you might want to schedule a vent cleaning. 

Clothes Feel Unusually Hot

When taking your clothes from the dryer, you should expect them to be warm, but not too hot. If your clothes smell musty or feel unusually hot, your dryer might be overheating because of restricted airflow. You might want to clean your lint trap, but if your dryer is still too hot, it might mean you have lint in the duct. You can also check this issue by going outside and feeling air coming from the vent when the dryer is running. 

Burning Smell

A burning smell shouldn’t be taken lightly. When dryers get too hot, it can be a recipe for disaster. One of the reasons for this is that lint may be stuck in your dryer vent. Keep in mind that lint is flammable, which may increase the risk of a possible fire.Be sure to call a professional to clean your dryer vent to avoid lint accumulation. 

Lint Flap Isn’t Opening

The lint flap outside should open every time you’re using your dryer. If it doesn’t, this might mean lint is stuck in the vent. This causes restricted airflow, which causes your dryer vent to overheat, as previously mentioned. It’s also important to note any large amounts of lint accumulating in the dryer’s lint trap after each cycle. 

More Than a Year Since Last Cleaning

No matter how many times you clean your lint filter, lint will make it into your dryer vent and start clogging your system. If you haven’t cleaned your dryer vent for more than a year, it might be time to call professional cleaners. At best, you should clean your dryer vent at least once a year. You should also choose a good time of the year where you’ll remember to finish the chore. 

For professional dryer vent cleaners, turn to our experts in Chimney Doctors. We offer many home services, including chimney relining and more. Call us today at (518) 882-5009, or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.