Clogged dryer vents can be an annoying and expensive issue that causes your energy bills to soar. But if you know the warning signs of a blocked vent, you can take proactive measures and avoid professional dryer vent cleaning services in the future.
During dryer cycles, hot, damp air is forced through the vent. If it’s stuck closed, this trapped heat inside can clog up any vent. If you are experiencing any of the following things, you might have a clogged dryer vent.
1. Your dryer is taking a long time to dry
If your dryer is taking a long time to dry, it could be due to various causes. These include an incoming power issue, overload issues, wet clothes, dirty lint screens in the vents, or clogged vents.
Start by inspecting the vent hose in your dryer. Lint, pet hair, and other particles can clog it up; if the hose appears unclogged, there could be an obstruction within the pipe itself.
Next, inspect the thermistor. A malfunctioning thermistor can cause your dryer to overheat, so use a multimeter to test its ohm range.
Finally, make sure your dryer is in optimal working condition. A clogged vent can cause your dryer to overheat, leading to expensive repairs and an increased energy bill. Furthermore, this poses a fire hazard in your home – so have it cleaned at least once annually for optimal performance.
2. Your clothes are damp
Your clothes may remain damp after a dryer cycle due to lint buildup in the vent, which prevents hot air from escaping. This clog also restricts airflow and makes it harder for your dryer to dry your garments effectively – leading to higher energy bills and an increased risk of fire hazards.
Many new homes built today feature dryer vents vented away from an exterior wall. Unfortunately, this extra length creates more bends in the vent through the home which could allow lint accumulation or animals and birds to take refuge.
If you’ve recently moved into a new home, take the time to clean the innermost reaches of your dryer vent with a narrow hose vacuum attachment. This simple task can prevent clogging and save time, money, and energy by preventing dryers from taking longer to dry laundry.
3. Your dryer is overheating
A blocked dryer vent can prevent your dryer from heating up and drying your clothes properly, as well as lead to mold and mildew growth in your laundry room – which poses a health risk for family members and pets.
Lint can accumulate in the dryer vent if not cleaned out regularly, leading to overheating of your machine.
To determine if your dryer is overheating, test the heating element with a multimeter and check for continuity. Make sure you use the rated temperature of your heating element; if it has lost continuity, you’ll need to replace it.
4. Your lint filter is full
One of the best ways to care for your dryer is to keep it clean. Your lint filter plays an integral role in this machine, and a blocked filter can cause your machine to work harder and longer than necessary – not only frustrating for clothes and wallets, but it could also pose a fire hazard in your home.
Maintaining your lint filter is the most effective way to maximize its life. While this may seem like a tedious task, it’s actually quite straightforward: take out the filter, place it in a sink filled with hot water and soap, and scrub away – voila!
A sparkling new lint filter should appear within no time! Additionally, remember to change out your filter regularly; while this may seem like an annoying chore at first glance, doing so saves money and energy in the long run! Additionally, having a well-maintained lint filter increases appliance and laundry life dramatically!
If you think you have a clogged dryer vent, you should hire the right residential dryer vent cleaning service.