Dryer needs consistent maintenance in to keep it in working properly. Unlike washing machine or dishwasher, dryer requires regular maintenance to keep it safe. If a dryer vent is working properly, lint is less likely to build up. Dryers with full size stack blows better than old dryers and dryers with small stack. Avoid vents that have turns and elbows to maximize blowing and prevent lint build up. Full size dryers with small vents may not require frequent cleaning. Some vents needs cleaning every 2 years depending on its work load. Dirty vents can be a fire hazard. A plugged vent causes a dryer to blow hotter which can boost possibility of catching fire. A dirty vent can be a link to other possible fire causes to start a fire. The other causes are dryer switches, thermostat failure, lint in the dryer, broken dryer hose, or missing or damaged lint screen.
The top 10 dryer vent problems are:
- Nesting birds
- Too long hose
- Too many elbows and turns
- Plugged screen
- Plugged dryer
- Plugged with lint
- Plastic venting
- Crushed dryer
- Flaps shut
- Loose or damage vent
The usual vent repair includes repairing vents or replacing them when needed, removing or replacing venting by removing minor sections in the drywall of laundry closets and running new vents by drilling new holes. Dryer blows hot air through the ducts, because of this, the shorter the duct means the better. The recommended length for ducts is 25 feet from the dryer to the outside. If your ducts have bends and turns, it will be shorter. Avoid having too many turns and long ducts as this can affect your dryer’s performance and can cause lint to build up. If your dryer works hard, it will soon wear out and may need repair or replacement. Some signs that your drier and vent is clogged are:
- Clothes take longer time to dry
- Heavy items like pants and towels are hot and even wet when the dryer stops
- The dryer is hot
- Totally no lint in the lint screen