A clogged dryer vent is more than just a nuisance. Aside from affecting the efficiency of your dryer, it can pose a serious danger to your home. Clogged vents can lead to fires. Thousands of U.S. households learn this the hard way every year. Don’t be one of them! Use these five tips to determine whether your dryer vent needs immediate attention.
1. Automatic Shut-offs
Most modern dryers will automatically shut down when they overheat. The high temperatures result from blockages that exist in the dryer exhaust duct (AKA: “dryer vent”). These blockages produce excess heat and moisture that prompts the system to self-terminate. If this is occurring with your dryer, you should seek out a professional dryer vent specialist as soon as possible; your dryer is trying to tell you there is a serious problem with the exhaust system.
2. Burning Smells
When burning smells emanate from the dryer it is a signal that the vent is not functioning correctly. Clean dryer vents do not produce any foul scents. The unwelcome smell occurs due to the burning of trapped lint. In general, lint can become lodged in the exhaust, lint trap or the drum area. The high heat of the dryer can actually incinerate these small pieces of lint and cause a fire. This is a very dangerous situation that should be addressed right away.
3. Out of Place Lint
You shouldn’t see lint in places it shouldn’t be. Obstructions in the dryer exhaust duct will usually displace lint throughout the machine. If lint is building up around the hose or vent it should not be overlooked. You should also keep an eye out for lint in the door seal, or behind the machine. When lint stays in an area it does not belong it increases the chances of a fire.
You should also be on the lookout for the absence of lint. Don’t just check the lint trap to clean out the accumulated lint. Also, take note of the amount of lint that is being collected. If you notice that there is a reduced amount, or none at all, it means there is a blockage in the dryer exhaust duct. Another telltale sign, is when lint is building up on the wrong side of the lint screen.
Another place to look for out of place lint is on dried clothing. Ideally, no lint should end up on the clothes. The presence of lint points to an airflow problem in the dryer exhaust duct. Lint on clothes isn’t just annoying, it also means your dryer needs service.
4. Hot to the Touch
When the metal surface of the dryer is hotter than usual, it indicates over-heating. This is also true when clothes retrieved from the dryer are extremely hot and crisp. Signs of excessive heat indicate that the dryer vent is clogged. If you notice this is happening, stop using the dryer until it can be inspected by an experienced dryer vent technician. When your dryer gets too hot, it can ruin dryer component parts (often costly repairs) and clothing. It can also lead to a dryer fire.
5. Excessive Drying Times
Another telltale sign that you need to clean the dryer vents is an increase in drying times. Blockages that restrict airflow inside the dryer are largely responsible for this. When the airflow is hampered, it allows for extra moisture to build up inside the drying container. This prevents clothes from drying during a single cycle. The only way to fix this is to remove the clog in the dryer exhaust duct.
Get Help With Dryer Vent Problems
Issues with dryer vents are commonly looked over. However, it is wise to perform regular check-ups of the dryer vent to prevent hazards, and to maintain efficient energy use. By remembering the steps above, you’ll be able to perform DIY checkups on your dryer’s health. Dryer repair technicians recommend getting your unit serviced on a yearly basis. You may need to do so more frequently if you have pets in the home because pet hair clogs a lot quicker. Aside from regular servicing, you should contact a dryer vent cleaning company whenever you notice one of the signs. Don’t risk your family’s safety when it comes to dryer vent problems.
If you need assistance in the North Texas area, contact Superior Dryer Vent Cleaning. Superior can handle all aspects of dryer vent repair. Their services include vent cleaning, repairs and replacements. They can even perform a vent re-route if necessary. Contact Superior today for detailed inspection of your dryer unit. Make an appointment through the website, or by contacting a representative via phone.
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