Running multiple dryer cycles just to get one load of laundry fully dry is a major drag.
Your Sunday afternoon plans to tackle the week’s laundry are quickly derailed, while piles of dirty clothes and bedding continue to accumulate.
While dryer problems are undoubtedly annoying, they can also signal that an inspection is in order. Damp clothes may indicate a clogged dryer vent, which can pose a safety hazard.
If you’re experiencing this problem, don’t fret: fall is the ideal time to have your dryer vent inspected and cleaned before cold weather puts your laundry room to work.
Why is Your Dryer Taking Longer to Dry Clothes?
Have you ever taken your supposedly clean clothes out of the dryer, only to find them still damp? The initial disappointment is compounded by the frustration of having to run another cycle or hang everything up to dry, which can take hours.
It’s also a sign that something may be wrong with your dryer.
Dryers don’t typically stop working overnight. These appliances generally last between 10 and 15 years, though dryer vent cleaning is recommended every one to two years. However, dryers can show signs that an inspection or cleaning is needed long before they reach the end of their lifespan. These warning signs shouldn’t be ignored.
When a dryer takes longer to dry clothes, it usually means one of two things: the dryer isn’t producing enough heat or the humid air inside the dryer can’t escape properly.
A clogged dryer vent is the most common cause of these issues. Other possible causes include:
- Faulty moisture sensors
- Dirty lint filter
- Malfunctioning thermostat or thermal fuse
- Damaged dryer duct
- Overloaded dryer
- Washing machine spin-cycle issues
- Defective heating element
- Obstructed or damaged exterior vent
If you’re unsure what may be causing the problem, avoid attempting complicated repairs yourself. Doing so can result in further damage to your appliance or vent system. The professionals at PureClean Carpet and Air Duct Cleaning have the proper tools to thoroughly inspect your dryer vent, determine the source of the problem, and recommend appropriate solutions.
Cold Weather Laundry Habits Can Put Your Dryer to the Test
Many people who experience dryer problems during the fall and winter months wonder, “Why is this happening now?”
Admittedly, cold weather can make existing dryer vent problems more noticeable.
A dryer vent may be partially obstructed for months without causing obvious problems. However, those issues can become more apparent when bulkier laundry loads are to the dryer’s workload.
Winter jackets, snowsuits, thick blankets, and other insulated fabrics force the dryer to work harder. If the dryer or its vent system isn’t functioning properly, the increased demand can make existing problems more noticeable.
What Happens When Your Dryer Vent Becomes Clogged?
Dirt, dust, fabric fibers, and pet hair can accumulate inside dryer vents, restricting airflow. Vents can also become obstructed by outdoor materials, such as leaves, insects, bird nests, and even small animals that prevent the exterior vent from properly exhausting air. Many of these materials, particularly lint, are flammable.
When unobstructed, a dryer vent helps regulate airflow by removing hot, moist air from the dryer. When the vent becomes clogged, airflow is restricted, resulting in longer drying cycles. The combination of excess heat and accumulated flammable materials can create a serious fire hazard.
More than 13,820 residential fires occur every year due to clogged dryer vents, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Failure to clean the dryer was responsible for roughly one-third of these fires.
Cleaning the lint screen alone doesn’t remove all the dust and debris that can accumulate throughout the dryer vent system. A dryer can have a completely clean lint screen and still pose a fire risk. Hence, regular inspections and professional cleaning are important for keeping your dryer system clean and functioning properly.
6 Signs Your Dryer Vent May Need Cleaning
A dryer may perform differently when its vent is clogged or airflow is restricted. If you notice one or more of the following signs, then it’s time to schedule a professional inspection:
- Multiple cycles are required to fully dry clothes or other fabrics.
- Your dryer takes longer to complete a cycle than it used to.
- Your dryer emits a burning smell while in use.
- Lint or debris accumulates around the dryer vent opening.
- Your dryer or the room where it’s located feels usually hot.
- Little to no airflow comes from the exterior dryer vent.
If you suspect your dryer is burning or see smoke or flames, stop using it, go outside if possible, and contact emergency services immediately.
What Happens During Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning?
When you contact ProClean Carpet and Air Duct Cleaning, you’ll speak with a staff member about your concerns and the reason for your call. Next, you’ll schedule an appointment for a trained professional to visit your home, assess the dryer vent system (both internally and externally), and identify any areas where airflow may be restricted.
The technician uses specialized tools to remove accumulated dust, lint, and debris from the vent duct. During the inspection, the technician may also identify additional damage, faulty components, or other issues that could be affecting your dryer’s performance.
While cleaning alone can’t resolve every potential dryer problem, it can go a long way toward restoring proper airflow and reducing fire risks. If the inspection reveals a malfunction or damaged component, additional repairs may be necessary.
Don’t Let a Slow Dryer Become a Bigger Problem
A slow dryer isn’t just an inconvenience that adds time to your laundry routine. Restricted airflow can cause your dryer to overheat, increase energy consumption, and create a serious fire hazard.
As you prepare your home for the colder months, add a dryer vent inspection and cleaning to your fall maintenance checklist. Taking care of potential obstructions now can help your dryer operate more efficiently and reduce preventable safety risks.
If your dryer is taking longer than usual to dry clothes, contact PureClean Carpet and Air Duct Cleaning to ask about professional dryer vent cleaning and keep your laundry routine running smoothly.
