How do I know if my dryer vent needs cleaning?

Have you noticed that your clothes are taking a longer time to dry? Are you concerned that your dryer is collecting lint in areas out of your cleaning reach? While regular cleaning of your dryer’s lint trap is essential to keeping your machine’s every day efficiency up, your dryer may require a more indepth look to ensure it doesn’t become a hazard or drain on your electricity bill.

It is a professional industry recommendation to have your dryer vent cleaned out once a year depending on your laundry frequency. Not only can annual maintenance spot any hazards but it can also spot any faulty vent connections or catch outdoor pests before they become a problem. Maintaining your dryer vent isn’t only important to keep your energy costs low and avoiding dryer malfunctions, it also keeps your home free of one less hazard to worry about. Did you know each year dryer vent fires cause $35 million dollars in property damage and injury. By keeping your eye on the signs listed above you can quickly recognize any signs that point to dryer vent issues.

Keep an eye out for these indicators that your dryer needs its vents cleaned:

  • Dryer vent has never been cleaned before

    It’s easy to forget that dryer vents may require yearly cleaning, depending on use frequency. Not all lint will be caught by the lint trap, especially if your lint trap has a history not being cleaned out with every use. Lint will eventually make it farther down your vent system, causing clogs and debris build up.

  • Dryer stops before cycle is complete
    Newer dryer units are equipped with energy efficient sensors to stop if clothes are dry even before the dry cycle is completed. If your dryer is stopping before the drying cycle is complete and your clothes are still wet or damp you may have a safety sensor signaling the unit is too hot and may be a hazard if it does not have the chance to cool down.
  • Maintenance indicator light
    Smart appliances help you by taking the guesswork out of troubleshooting malfunctioning machines. Indicator lights on your machine shouldn’t be taken as a suggestion, they should be looked into promptly to avoid any issue turning into a hazard or into a bigger repair cost if neglected. Though your machine will not indicate that the vent is clogged, there are signs like overheating that can be a clue to check your vent.
  • Clothes are hot
    Warm clothes straight from the dyer gives everyone cozy comfort, although that may not be the case with clothes that feel almost too hot to the touch. A burn from a metal zipper or rivet from an overheated dryer is only one of the small consequences that can come from a neglected dryer vent. Lowering the temperature of your dyer setting may be a temporary fix but the extended use you may be damaging your unit with extended use.
  • Visible lint
    Suspect that a clogged vent may be the root cause of your dyer issues? We suggest taking a walk outside and paying your outdoor vent a visit (if possible) If there is a visible lint build up from the outside grate there may be a high chance you’ve got lint build up between the vent and the dryer.
  • Burning smell
    It goes without saying, if your dryer unit is producing a burning smell, immediately discontinue use until a profession can locate the source. It is a dangerous combination, lint and dyer that is not properly able to release heat.
  • Room is warmer when dryer is running
    While you can expect a few bumps in degrees while the dryer is running, a total room temperature change can be a strong indicator the dispelled heat is not venting correctly. Upon clearing out the vent your laundry room should return back to the normal set temperature.
  • It’s been a year since cleaning
    Dryer vent maintenance is a professional industry recommendation that should be done yearly (depending on use frequency) it can easily be tacked on to your spring cleaning to do list. If you find yourself wondering the last time this service was done on your dryer vent, it may be time to call to schedule your appointment.

At Precision air duct cleaning, we have been proud to be the top ranked and trusted professionals serving hundreds of homeowners in the Long Beach, Hollywood, and Bel-Air area. We uphold our commitment to providing unparalleled service to our residential and commercial customers for the last ten years.

Have any questions that we can answer for you about our services? Don’t hesitate to call our office located in Burbank, California, where our knowledgeable and friendly staff is available to answer your air duct cleaning questions or concerns.