Keep smelling a burnt odor while drying clothes or your clothes still damp after a dryer cycle – there are warning signs! Your dryer vent may be clogged. When lint and dust build up in your dryer vent, it blocks airflow and causes exhaust gases to build up. Eventually, that buildup can start a fire. Cleaning your dryer vent regularly will prevent fire hazard!
From longer drying times, to hot clothes or excessive lint, there are quite a few signs that your dryer may be clogged or obstructed. In addition, this can lead to serious issues such as mold growth, carbon monoxide buildup and dryer fires.
If you notice any of these telltale signs, you can determine when it is time to schedule professional dryer cleaning. Regularly scheduled cleanings protect your home or business from dryer fires as well as save a great deal of time and money. At least one of these issues will present themselves if your dryer is obstructed, clogged or in need of service.
Below are some of the main warning signs you should be on the lookout for when trying to determine whether your dryer vent is clogged.
During or after a drying cycle, have you noticed a burning smell? This is an indication that there is excessive lint build-up. Lint is extremely flammable, which is why it is often used as kindling by wildlife experts as a matter of survival. If you neglect to have your dryer vents cleaned and inspected annually, lint build-up is inevitable and will emit a burning smell. This build-up is typically located in the dryer vent, drum casing or lint trap. If you notice this serious warning sign, it is recommended to not use the dryer until it has been professionally cleaned.
Have you noticed that your dryer is hot to the touch? Are your clothes dry but extremely hot when your remove them from the dryer? These are clear indications that your dryer vent is clogged with dirt, lint and other debris. Such obstructions will severely reduce the airflow of the dryer vents which increase the temperature of the dryer causing your clothes and the dryer unit to be hotter than usual. As such, the heating elements of the dryer are going to wear out faster, which can decrease the lifespan of your dryer, or lead to costly repairs. In addition, your energy bills will skyrocket.
New dryers are designed with a built-in feature called a “check filter light: that will indicate if your dryer vents are damaged or somehow obstructed. If this light is on, you should probably schedule an appointment for dryer vent cleaning. If there is a dangerous amount of lint build-up, these newer dryers have a built-in safety fail that will prevent the dryer from even starting. Keep in mind that excessive ling accumulation and other issues with your dryer vent pose serious issues such as higher utility costs, slower drying cycles, damaged clothes and even the risk of household fires.
If your dryer vent is not opening or closing while your dryer is operating? Have you noticed broken vent flaps? Is there a noticeable amount of lint from the dryer vent cover? These are clear-cut visual signs that there are factors such as debris such as a bird’s nest or excessive lint that is obscuring the airflow.
Using your clothes dryer frequently causes excess deposits of lint seep out from the outside vent cover, which will cause the vent work and dryer to work less efficiently. As well, small animals such as mic, birds or squirrels tend to seek comfort from the bitter cold Candian winters by nesting in your dryer vent.
Have you noticed loose pieces of lint anywhere in your dryer or is your lint trap always full? There are also indicators that your dryer vent is obstructed. If you notice that you are constantly cleaning up excess lint, it means that your lint-trap, dryer cabinet or vents have accumulated lint exceeding their normal capacity. If you notice this along with any of the aforementioned warning signs, it is time to get your dryer vents cleaned.
How long ago did you last have your dryer vent cleaned? If it has been more than a year since your last cleaning and inspection, you are at greater risk for carbon monoxide poisoning or dryer fire. It is strongly advised that you do not clean the unit yourself as this can cause damage to the vent or the dryer unit. Call us to schedule an appointment for thorough and affordable professional dryer vent cleaning. 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
