Your dryer is a hard worker, constantly turning wet garments into fresh, fluffy ones. But, like any productive appliance, it needs little attention to continue operating effectively and securely. One important part of dryer maintenance is keeping the dryer vent clean. A clogged dryer vent can cause several issues, which are irritating and dangerous.
So, how do you know when to clean your dryer vent? Here are five signs to look out for:
Sign #1: Clothes just don’t dry as quickly as they used to
Remember that feeling when you bring out a completely dry load of laundry? That may become impossible if your dryer vent is clogged. Here’s why.
A blocked dryer vent holds hot, damp air inside the machine. Instead of venting to the outside, this air circulates with your clothes. Imagine trying to dry dishes with a wet dishcloth; it will not work properly. The clogged vent causes your dryer to work hard, heating the same damp air again and resulting in long drying cycles.
So, how can you be sure if your clothes are taking longer than usual to dry? Here’s an easy test: after the cycle, feel your clothing. Are they still wet even after the timer goes off? Do they feel hot? If this is the case, your dryer vent needs attention.
Sign # 2: Loads of lint piling up more than usual
You know the drill: wash the lint trap after each drying cycle. But what about the invisible threat that lurks inside your dryer vent? Excessive lint buildup in the vent is a warning that should not be ignored.
Here’s why it’s harmful. Lint is extremely flammable. Consider a lengthy, fluffy line of sparks that leads straight from your dryer to the outside. A blocked dryer vent filled with lint offers the perfect setting for a fire to start. The National Fire Protection Association reports that dryer fires are one of the biggest causes of residential fires in the United States.
Also Read: Tips to Prevent Clogged Dryer Vents
Sign # 3: There’s a whiff of something burning when you run the dryer
Don’t take this lightly. A burning odor coming from your dryer is a huge warning sign and a possible fire hazard.
Remember the blocked dryer vent we mentioned earlier? Extreme lint buildup can severely impede airflow, causing components within your dryer to overheat. This overheating can separate lint deposits. It may lead to a unique burning odor. If left untreated, this overheating could result in a dryer fire.
Sign #4: Notice your energy bills suddenly jumping up for no reason
Nobody appreciates seeing their energy costs rise for no reason. But did you know that a clogged dryer vent might be to blame for those growing costs?
Here is the connection: Remember how a clogged vent keeps hot, wet air inside your dryer? Well, trapped air makes it more difficult for your dryer to reach the ideal drying temperature. As a result, your dryer works extra. It performs longer cycles and uses more energy. It’s like how your car struggles to maintain speed on a busy roadway; it just uses more fuel.
Sign #5: Your laundry room’s turning into a sauna lately
Is your laundry place becoming like a steam room after using the dryer? Excessive heat and humidity may indicate a ventilation problem with your dryer vent.
As was mentioned earlier, blocked dryer vents trap hot, damp air within the dryer. But guess what? That trapped air does not just disappear. It needs to go someplace, and that somewhere is usually your laundry room. It results in a hot and humid climate that is uncomfortable and may also harm your clothes and cause mold development.
Dryer vent cleaning isn’t the most pleasant task. However, as we have seen, it is an essential task for maintaining your dryer running efficiently and safely.
By keeping these signs in mind and prioritizing dryer vent cleaning, you can guarantee your dryer runs smoothly, dries clothing quickly, and, most importantly, stays a safe machine in your house. So, schedule cleaning and be confident your laundry area is safe!
Get Ultimate Dryer Vent Clean and Peace of Mind
Call Easy Steam for complete peace of mind and a sparkling clean dryer vent from top to bottom. Our licensed technicians are dryer vent cleaning professionals with the right equipment and expertise to complete a thorough and safe cleaning.
Let Easy Steam take care of your dryer vent and get the advantages of improved drying performance, lower energy costs, and a dryer that will operate safely for years!
