You’re running your dryer in the morning before work, counting on it to be done in time. The buzzer goes off and you reach in to find all your clothes still damp. We’ve been there, and we understand how frustrating that scenario is. The key to avoiding this is to have your dryer vent cleaned at least once a year.
Here are the 3 most common signs your dryer vent needs cleaning:
- Longer Drying Time
Longer drying times is usually one of the first signs that you’re due for dryer vent service. Having a particularly full or heavy load of laundry (like blankets or towels) can cause longer drying times for many machines, but if you notice your dryer taking over an hour, even for regular loads, you probably have an issue.
- Dryer Exterior is Hot
When your dryer vent builds up with lint, it blocks the exhaust tube which usually allows hot air out of your machine. Your dryer will be working extra hard to dry the clothes and can compensate by running with the heating element on stronger. This can cause the dryer and the clothes to be extremely hot to the touch and, if not corrected, can wear out your heating element.
- Burning Smell while Running
As we’ve discussed, a blocked exhaust tube traps excess heat inside your machine. Your dryer will become hot on the outside, but the excess heat also travels to the clogged vent. Overheating lint, especially a tube full of it, is a significant fire hazard. Lint is extremely flammable, and a burning smell is a red flag. If you notice a burning smell, you should immediately discontinue the use of your dryer until after the vent has been cleaned.
If you notice any of these signs – call Black Goose Chimney. One of our technicians, certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America to work on dryer vents, will come out to take a reading at the vent termination on the exterior of the home. By using a vane anemometer, the temperature and airflow speed can be documented. After the vent has been cleaned, another reading is taken to check the numbers and ensure the problem has been fixed.