Dryer Vents Give Us Signs They're Dirty

Your dryer is an essential appliance that has made doing laundry at home a relatively easy task. However, it needs some regular maintenance to keep operating efficiently. Regularly emptying the lint trap is rarely enough; it also needs periodic cleaning. Without proper maintenance, your energy usage can become inflated. Plus, it could become a dangerous fire hazard. But, how do you know when it should be performed?

Tell-Tale Signs That Dryer Vent Cleaning Is Needed

Your Clothes Are Taking Longer To Dry Than Expected

Have you noticed that the time it takes for an average-size load of laundry to become fully dry is beginning to take longer than it used to, or you have to run the clothes through multiple cycles? If that is happening, it is likely an indication that lint or other debris has built up inside your vents.

Your Laundry Smells Musty

When your laundry takes on a musty smell straight out of the dryer instead of smelling fresh and clean, that’s also a sign that the clothes are taking too long to dry. The longer your clothes stay damp, the greater the opportunity for mold and mildew to set in.

Your Clothes Come Out Of The Dryer Too Hot

Clothing pulled straight out of the dryer immediately after finishing is typically quite warm, but it should not be very hot. If it is, the culprit could be restricted airflow. As your vent becomes clogged, dryers often overheat. You can also check for this by examining your vent’s outflow of air while the dryer is running. If you don’t feel a steady, smooth outflow emerging from the vent, that’s another sign that dryer vent cleaning is due.

Your Laundry Room Is Too Warm

When your vents begin to clog, the hot air and moisture seep into the laundry room, raising the room temperature. In conditions like this, mold growth is commonplace. If your laundry area feels warmer than it should, or mold growth is apparent, it’s time to check the vent.

Something Smells Burnt

Lint is a flammable substance, and if continually subjected to higher than normal temperatures, it can give off a smoky, burnt aroma. If lint is blocking your vent, the heat begins to build up to the point where you can smell its effects. When that happens, trouble is what’s cooking. It’s a recipe for fire disaster if not taken care of.

The Lint Flap Is Malfunctioning

Your dryer vent has an outside exhaust flap that should open freely. If it doesn’t open, appears to be sticking, or you see a noticeable lint build-up, it needs to be cleaned.

The Dryer Itself Is Complaining

If you’ve got a dryer with the latest technological advances, it might have a warning light or signal to let you know there’s a problem. Older models can tell you the old-fashioned way; they overheat or break down.

Your Heating Bill Is Spiking Abnormally

When your dryer vent becomes clogged, the dryer struggles and uses more energy to work, and shows up as an unexpected spike in your heating bills. The raised temperature in the laundry room can seep into the rest of the house and cause the HVAC unit to run more than it should, increasing energy costs. The excess wear and tear can also shorten the life of your appliance.

It’s Been Too Long Since Your Last Dryer Vent Cleaning

Even if you can’t identify one of the above signs, it’s still critical to perform a dryer vent cleaning annually and more often if your dryer is getting heavy use. Spring is a perfect time, or perhaps the same time of year when you change the batteries in your smoke detectors. The important thing is that it is done regularly. Could you attempt it yourself? Yes, but it is a difficult task that requires skill, expensive tools, and strenuous physical labor. Very often, your appliances need to be moved, and you must access the entire length of the vent, which can be up to 35 feet. The best choice is a professional dryer vent cleaning service. Not only does it save you money, but it could also save lives. There are nearly 16,000 house fires caused by washers and dryers annually, and more than 90% of those are caused by improper maintenance of the dryers. Please do not let yours be one of them.

The Professional Solution 

In Macomb and Oakland Counties, there is no finer duct and vent cleaning service than Donald’s Duct Cleaning. Our team of friendly, experienced technicians has the tools, skill, and know-how to take care of your dryer vent cleaning swiftly and efficiently. We also offer great pricing and a 100% quality guarantee. Your peace of mind is just a click away; contact us today.