Clogged dryer vents are one of the leading causes of house fires in the United States. While most people probably don’t even think to clean out their dryer vents, this is a crucial step in basic dryer maintenance. Not only does cleaning your vent reduce the risk of fire, but it also keeps your dryer running smoothly and helps the machine dry your clothing faster, which ultimately saves you time and money while doing laundry.
To give your dryer the proper care and attention that it needs, it’s important to know when your dryer vent is clogged. Here are the key signs to be aware of before you call for a professional dryer vent cleaning.
Damp Clothing
When your dryer vent needs to be cleaned, the dryer will no longer work as efficiently as it used to. This typically results in clothes that are still damp when you take them out of the dryer. While it’s normal for this to happen occasionally, especially if you don’t use the right temperature setting, there’s usually something wrong if you need to put your clothing through multiple cycles just to dry them fully.
Musty Smell
In many cases, a dryer vent that is in need of cleaning will emit a musty smell into your home. This is often a result of hot, damp air escaping your dryer and spreading throughout your living space. If you notice this unpleasant smell coming from your laundry room, be sure to call for a dryer vent cleaning Salt Lake City immediately. By failing to address a musty scent right away, you may soon be dealing with a burning smell that indicates a much more dangerous situation.
Hot Dryer or Laundry Room
A blocked dryer vent can also cause your dryer and clothing to feel unusually hot to the touch. After this problem persists, you might also start to notice that your laundry room feels strangely hot or humid. This is because your dryer vent has the job of directing hot air outside of your home, which is a job it can no longer do if it’s clogged. Once a blockage in your vent stops hot air from being filtered outside of your house, it will begin to spread through your laundry room.
If you notice any of these warning signs in your home, it’s imperative to take action as soon as possible. Cleaning your dryer vent on a regular basis will let your dryer work more efficiently and allow you to maintain a safer home.
Paul Petersen is a seasoned home improvement expert and DIY enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He began his career as a carpenter, honing his skills in woodworking and structural design. Over the years, Paul expanded his expertise to encompass a wide range of home renovation projects, from kitchen remodels to landscape design.