Do you often find your clothes damp even after completing a full dryer cycle? Have you noticed an unusual odor coming from your dried clothes? These are common indicators that your dryer vent might be clogged and in need of a professional cleaning service.
There are various reasons behind a clogged dryer vent, with one of the main causes being the accumulation of lint within the ventilation system. As lint builds up over time, it obstructs the airflow in the ventilation system, leading to reduced efficiency.
Unfortunately, The lint that has built up over the years not only hinders the operation of a dryer vent but also results in a fire breakout. Approximately, more than 15,000 dryer fires are reported every year causing 100s of injuries & millions worth of property damage.
While doing laundry is a routine task for many of us, how often do we truly consider the importance of cleaning out our dryer vents? If your dryer unit is showing signs of inefficiency, there are several warning signals that point to clogged dryer vents.
How to Tell If a Dryer Vent is Clogged?
Listed below are a few warning signs why a dryer vent is clogged.
Excess Drying Time
One of the initial indicators of a clogged dryer vent is an extended drying time for clothes. Normally, a load of laundry should be dried within 30 to 40 minutes, but if it’s taking significantly longer, it’s likely that your dryer vent is obstructed, impeding proper air circulation. After completing a full dryer cycle, you might notice that the clothes feel hot and damp, rather than dry. To confirm this issue, remove the clothes and check for any lingering moisture. If you find dampness, it’s a clear signal that your dryer vent requires cleaning.
Burning Smell
Have you detected a burnt odor emanating from your dryer unit? If you’ve experienced a burnt smell after a laundry cycle, it’s probable that the odor is originating from your clogged dryer unit. The accumulation of lint and debris in the dryer vent can lead to an overworked unit, causing a burnt smell due to strain.
Hot Exterior
The exterior of your dryer unit feeling excessively hot is an indicator that your dryer is being pushed to its limits. As previously mentioned, a clogged dryer vent can lead to the overexertion of the unit. The primary function of the dryer vent is to expel heat and moisture from the dryer. When this process is hindered, the dryer experiences malfunctions, which can escalate to the point of the vent overheating and posing a fire risk. Therefore, it is imperative to promptly address any clogs in the dryer vent to prevent potential hazards.
Sizable Lint
A common practice that one must adopt is to clean the lint filter/or the tray but when you start seeing an excessive amount of lint accumulating each time you clean the unit, there’s a high chance the dryer vent is clogged. A large amount of lint accumulates outside the lint filter or around your dryer & laundry room. It shows that there’s lint present within the dryer vents and requires a thorough cleaning process.
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What To Do When The Dryer Vent is Clogged?
If the dryer vent is clogged and it has been a while since you last considered cleaning it, feel free to get in touch with our professional. A dryer unit will show all the warning signs as mentioned before it begins failing. Therefore, it is recommended that when your dryer vent starts acting up, you should call in a professional to take care of it.
Alpha Clean Air is a professional dryer vent cleaning service where we take care of all dryer vent hassles. Whether you want us to inspect how much lint is present within the dryer vent or you want our certified teams to clean them, our professionals can do all that and much more. Dial (888) 502-3828 and call Alpha Clean Air today for dryer vent cleaning.