5 Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Immediate Cleaning

Chimney Pro Services

Dryer vent cleaning is all about home safety and efficiency. When your dryer vent clogs with dust and lint, you’re at risk of poor indoor air qualitypotential fire hazards, and decreased dryer efficiency. It’s bad for your health, your dryer, your clothes, and your home.

Annual dryer vent cleaning is recommended for most homes and residential dryer units. This can vary, however, based on use and the age of your appliance. So how do you know when to call for dryer vent cleaning services? Is it ever okay to wait?

We break down the 5 most common signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned immediately. The longer you wait, the more at risk you are for fires – at the very least, higher energy bills and decreased lifespan of your dryer.

Don’t hesitate, call today for dryer vent cleaning if these signs sound at all familiar. 

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signs you need to have your dryer vents cleaned

Your Dryer is Taking Longer to Dry Your Laundry

One of the most noticeable signs that your dryer vent needs cleaning is your drying time. As lint and debris build up in your dryer vent, this restricts airflow to and from the dryer. This can cause your dryer to take exponentially longer to dry your laundry.

If you notice laundry is coming out warm but still damp or the cycles are taking longer, it is probably time to call a local dryer vent cleaning company to take care of the ductwork. You want to prevent clogs and fire hazards by calling ASAP. 

Your Dryer is Overheating

Dryers should not be hot to the touch while running or in the aftermath of drying. If your dryer is hot when touched, this is a warning sign that your dryer vent is clogged and needs cleaning.

Hot dryers occur because reduced airflow in the ductwork causes the heat to stay trapped and warm up the unit. Not only is this dangerous, it is actually damaging the components of your dryer. This can cause your dryer’s lifespan to become much shorter and will cost you in dryer repairs down the line. 

the benefits of annual commercial dryer vent cleaning

You Notice Burning Odors

Your dryer should not have foul or bad smells coming from it. If you smell something burning while your dryer is running, you need to shut off your dryer and call for assistance right away.

Burning smells from a dryer indicates that the lint that is trapped in the ductwork has begun to heat up and catch fire. This can cause damage to not only your dryer unit but your entire home. There should never be burning smells while running your dryer and you need to refrain from the running the dryer until the ductwork is cleaned. 

Finding Excessive Lint Around the Dryer

All dryers collect lint and a bit of lint here and there is normal. However, most of your dryer lint should be getting trapped in the dryer vent. If you’re noticing lint in the dryer itself or spilling out onto the floor when you open the door, this is a sign your dryer vent is clogged and over capacity.

Blockages in your dryer ductwork cause the backup of lint that stays on your clothes or collects near and around the dryer door. Call for dryer vent cleaning ASAP if you find your lint isn’t getting pulled out correctly. 

How Often Your Dryer Vent Should Be Professionally Cleaned

Your Laundry Room is Hot with the Dryer Running

Similar to your dryer growing hot as it runs, your dryer should not be emitting so much heat that your laundry room becomes warm as the dryer runs. If the room grows hot as the dryer runs, this means an excess amount of heat is being generated while it is running, which is often due to clogged vents and ductwork.

Monitor the air temperature in your laundry room and be sure to call for dryer vent cleaning if you notice excess warmth. You will want the dryer ductwork cleaned ASAP to prevent fire hazards and other appliance issues. 

Call for Dryer Vent Cleanings to Prevent Fire Hazards

Regular maintenance and cleaning of your dryer vent and ductwork are essential to ensure your appliance operates efficiently, reduce the risk of fire, and help extend the lifespan of the dryer. If you notice any of these signs, it’s advisable to address the issue promptly by cleaning the vent and ductwork or seeking professional assistance if needed.

Chimney Pro can assist with vent cleaning and dryer ductwork cleaning. One simple call and we can get you on the schedule to help protect your dryer, your home, and your family. Get better indoor air quality, appliance efficiency, and peace of mind.