Does your dryer’s lackluster performance have you thinking that it’s time for a replacement? Before you hit the appliance store in search of a new clothes dryer, make sure you inspect your dryer vents. You might not need a new dryer after all; your dryer vents could just be clogged.
Signs of Clogged Dryer Vents
Clogged dryer vents can mimic the signs of a failing dryer, making it seem as though your dryer is in need of replacement, even if it isn’t that old. Some signs that your dryer vents need to be cleaned include:
Clothes that just don’t seem to dry.
How many cycles does it take you to dry a load of clothing or towels? A light load of clothes should be fully dry in 30 to 40 minutes, while a heavier load of towels should dry in no more than 50 minutes. Longer drying times can be one of the first signs that your dryer vents are clogged.
Musty smelling clothes or a musty smell when the dryer is running.
If your clothes aren’t drying properly due to clogged vents, they’ll begin to smell musty during their time in the dryer. You also might notice that your laundry room fills with a musty smell while the dryer is running.
Excessive heat coming from the dryer.
If your dryer vents are clogged, your dryer can’t “breathe.” This will cause your dryer to overheat. You might notice that clothes coming out of your dryer seem abnormally hot, that your dryer feels hot to the touch while it’s running or that your laundry room heats up while the dryer is operating.
Lint building up in and around your dryer.
If your dryer vents are overstuffed with lint, dryer lint will begin building up in other places. You might notice that your lint trap is overflowing, that lint is making it back into the dryer or that escaped lint builds up underneath the dryer vents.
Strong smells in your laundry room
Clogged dryer vents can result in a variety of smells in your laundry room. In addition to the musty smell we mentioned above, you also might notice that the smell of dryer sheets becomes very strong when the dryer is running, or you might notice a burning smell as your dryer overheats.
A professional dryer vent cleaning can save you from having to purchase a brand new clothes dryer! It also can lower your risk of a dangerous dryer fire, as clogged vents can cause your dryer to overheat to the point of catching on fire. If your clothing dryer looks like it needs to be replaced and you suspect that your dryer vents might be to blame, call Lou Curley Chimney Service to schedule a dryer vent cleaning today!