Washers & Dryers 360Washers & Dryers 360
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Powered By DealNews
    Washers & Dryers 360 is reader-supported. We may earn commissions on qualifying purchases. >
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Washers & Dryers 360Washers & Dryers 360
    • Brands
      • Bosch
      • Electrolux Appliances
      • Frigidaire
      • GE
      • Hotpoint Appliances
      • LG
      • Maytag
      • Miele
      • Samsung
      • Whirlpool
    • Washers
    • Dryers
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    Washers & Dryers 360 is reader-supported. We may earn commissions on qualifying purchases. >
    Washers & Dryers 360Washers & Dryers 360
    Home ยป How to Tell if Your Dryer Vent is Clogged
    Dryer vent in a home being cleaned out with a round brush. There is a large pile of lint that has been removed from the vent on a white tiled floor. The walls and baseboards are white. The lint is gray. Taken with a Canon 5D Mark 3 camera. rm
    Clothes Dryers

    How to Tell if Your Dryer Vent is Clogged

    May 24, 2022Updated:May 24, 2022No Comments
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    A dryer vent refers to a tube used to regulate airflow in your clothes dryer. It is difficult to get an idea of the type of vent you have without looking inside your machine. Some people do not even know if they have a vent at all. Without proper maintenance and cleaning, lint can accumulate in the vent, causing it to get blocked and not function as expected. A blocked vent can cause severe damage to your dryer and your home. Here are eight signs of a clogged dryer vent:

    Table of Contents

    • 1. The Temperature Rises
    • 2. The Lint Trap Is Full
    • 3. Breathing Problems
    • 4. Longer Drying Times
    • 5. A Noticeable Decrease in Performance
    • 6. Weird Noises Coming From the Dryer
    • 7. Increased Electricity Bill
    • 8. A Burning Smell
    • Contact the Experts

    1. The Temperature Rises

    One sign that a dryer vent is clogged is that the temperature inside the machine continues to rise. If you’re using a gas dryer, this could take the form of hot air coming out of the lint trap. Your clothes won’t be drying properly if you’re using an electric dryer. The motor should shut off sooner than normal, and it will continue to run after the cycle is complete.

    For example, when removing your clothes from the dryer, they will be extremely hot to the touch. This can damage your clothes or lead to a fire if you aren’t careful.

    2. The Lint Trap Is Full

    One way to check if your vent is clogged is to remove the lint trap and look inside the exhaust pipe with a flashlight. You should be able to see a small amount of light shining through the exhaust pipe. If there’s no light coming through, then your lint trap might be full, and you need to remove the trap to clean it.

    If there’s a lot of dust buildup on the inside of the pipe, this can also cause problems with your dryer. Lint is a lot like insulation and will slow down the heat. You will need a professional dryer vent cleaning service to resolve this issue.

    Be sure to clean out your dryer lint trap after every cycle to avoid machine damage or fire.

    3. Breathing Problems

    Another main symptom of a clogged dryer vent is that it starts to smell. If you have hardwood floors, this could cause trouble with your heating system. Often, this smell is a combination of the odor that comes out of the lint trap and the smell coming from inside your range hood. It can make it difficult to sleep at night if you’re an allergy sufferer.

    4. Longer Drying Times

    A clogged dryer vent can cause your machine to take longer to dry your clothes. You might even have to run the cycle multiple times to dry them fully. This is a serious problem, and you need to take some time out of your day to make sure that a clog doesn’t occur again. For example, if your clothes took 20 minutes to dry and now take an hour and a half, you might have a clog in your vent. 

    5. A Noticeable Decrease in Performance

    One of the most common signs of a clogged dryer vent is that you notice decreased performance. For example, if you always see puffy wrinkles on your clothes after running the dryer, there’s probably a vent problem. The heat can’t reach your clothes, so they’re still wet. 

    If you see that there’s not enough heat, this could also mean that you have a vent problem. If the outside vent is clogged with leaves, trash, or even snow, then the dryer isn’t going to get hot enough to do its job properly.ย 

    6. Weird Noises Coming From the Dryer

    Your dryer can make weird noises if something is obstructing the exhaust pipe. You may hear a rattling, squeaking, or even banging sound. These noises are usually accompanied by the same signs as a clogged dryer vent. You might see that the temperature rises quickly or the machine fills with smoke or steam. You may also notice that your clothes are coming out of the dryer wet.

    7. Increased Electricity Bill

    A clogged dryer vent can cause your electricity bill to go up significantly. The appliance is trying to get warm air out of the dryer vent hose, and it can’t do that effectively. The motor has to work harder, which causes an increase in electricity usage. If you notice your bill is higher than normal, then there’s a good chance that you have a clogged vent.

    8. A Burning Smell

    Another way to tell if your vent is clogged is by noticing a burning smell. If you use your dryer often, you might not notice it, but there’s still a good chance you’re smelling something. It could be coming out of the lint trap or the exhaust pipe. This can easily lead to a fire if you don’t address the issue. Consider a dryer cleaning service if you want to remove all the lint.

    Opt to clean your clothes at your local Dry Cleaners while you fix your at home washer & dryer!

    Contact the Experts

    If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to contact a professional immediately. You should never run your dryer without the lint trap attached simply because it can cause serious damage to your clothes and your home. The lint trap is one of the most important safety features of any dryer, and you should never try to clean it yourself.

    If you have a clogged dryer vent, it’s important to have it cleaned by professionals. You’ll likely be able to do it yourself if you remove the trap, but that’s not wise. Professionals know how to clean a dryer vent without causing any damage.

    When the experts arrive at your home, they’ll be able to inspect the whole venting system from top to bottom. They will look at the inside pipe and even use a camera to check for signs of trouble inside the ductwork.

    They can also perform dryer duct cleaning by using a brush or scraping the lint. If there are any other issues with your system, like an animal that has made its home there, they’ll resolve the problems. They’ll use a powerful rotating brush inside the vent to clean out all lint and debris. This will eliminate the possibility of fire, enable your dryer to work properly, and even make your clothes dry faster.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

    Related Posts

    The Best Samsung Washers and Dryers in Black

    June 9, 2022

    The Best Whirlpool 7.4-Cu. Ft Electric Dryers

    June 2, 2022

    Best Ways to Clean Your Washer & Dryer

    May 5, 2022

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Search Washers & Dryers 360
    Sections
    • Brands
    • Washers
    • Dryers
    Best Selling Dryers
    Bestseller No. 1 Kenmore 29' Front Load Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Guard and 7.0 Cubic Ft. Total Capacity, White
    Kenmore 29" Front Load Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Guard and 7.0 Cubic Ft. Total Capacity, White
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 2 Kenmore 29' Front Load Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Guard and 7.0 Cubic Ft. Total Capacity, White
    Kenmore 29" Front Load Electric Dryer with Wrinkle Guard and 7.0 Cubic Ft. Total Capacity, White
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 3 ROVSUN 13LBS Portable Clothes Dryer, 3.5 Cu. Ft High End Front Load Tumble Laundry Dryer with Stainless Steel Tub, LCD Screen & Exhaust Pipe for Apartment, Home, Dorm-110V / 1500W, White
    ROVSUN 13LBS Portable Clothes Dryer, 3.5 Cu. Ft High End Front Load Tumble Laundry Dryer with Stainless Steel Tub, LCD Screen & Exhaust Pipe for Apartment, Home, Dorm-110V / 1500W, White
    $289.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 4 Euhomy Compact Laundry Dryer 1.8 cu.ft, Stainless Steel Clothes Dryers With Exhaust Pipe, Four-Function Portable Dryer For Apartments, Home, Dorm, White
    Euhomy Compact Laundry Dryer 1.8 cu.ft, Stainless Steel Clothes Dryers With Exhaust Pipe, Four-Function Portable Dryer For Apartments, Home, Dorm, White
    $289.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 5 SAMSUNG 4.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer, Compact Clothes Drying Machine, Stackable for Small Spaces w/ Sensor Dry, 12 Preset Cycles, Reversible Door, Internal Drum Light, DV22K6800EW/A1, White
    SAMSUNG 4.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer, Compact Clothes Drying Machine, Stackable for Small Spaces w/ Sensor Dry, 12 Preset Cycles, Reversible Door, Internal Drum Light, DV22K6800EW/A1, White
    Buy on Amazon
    Best Selling Washers
    Bestseller No. 1 Kenmore 28' Top-Load Washer with Triple Action Agitator and 4.2 Cubic Ft. Total Capacity, White
    Kenmore 28" Top-Load Washer with Triple Action Agitator and 4.2 Cubic Ft. Total Capacity, White
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 2 Kenmore 28' Top-Load Washer with Triple Action Impeller and 5.3 Cubic Ft. Total Capacity, White
    Kenmore 28" Top-Load Washer with Triple Action Impeller and 5.3 Cubic Ft. Total Capacity, White
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 3 Kenmore 27' Top-Load Washer with Triple Action Impeller and 4.8 Cubic Ft. Total Capacity, White
    Kenmore 27" Top-Load Washer with Triple Action Impeller and 4.8 Cubic Ft. Total Capacity, White
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 4 How To Repair Your Washing Machine - Quickly and Cheaply! (Fix It Yourself Series)
    How To Repair Your Washing Machine - Quickly and Cheaply! (Fix It Yourself Series)
    $2.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 5 SAMSUNG 2.2 Cu Ft Compact Front Load Washer, Stackable for Small Spaces, 40 Minute Super Speed Washing Machine, Steam Wash Clothes, Self Cleaning, Energy Star Certified, WW22K6800AW/A2, White
    SAMSUNG 2.2 Cu Ft Compact Front Load Washer, Stackable for Small Spaces, 40 Minute Super Speed Washing Machine, Steam Wash Clothes, Self Cleaning, Energy Star Certified, WW22K6800AW/A2, White
    $1,329.00
    Buy on Amazon
    Popular Posts
    Best Selling Dryer Accessories
    Bestseller No. 1 2 Pack Stainless Steel Sock Drying Rack with 72 Clips, Swivel Wind-Proof Hook Clothes Hanger Dryer for Sock, Underwear, Bra, Laundry Accessories
    2 Pack Stainless Steel Sock Drying Rack with 72 Clips, Swivel Wind-Proof Hook Clothes Hanger Dryer for Sock, Underwear, Bra, Laundry Accessories
    $17.99
    Buy on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 2 Holikme 2 Pack Dryer Lint Vacuum Attachment and Flexible Dryer Lint Brush, Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit, Vacuum Hose Attachment Brush, Blue
    Holikme 2 Pack Dryer Lint Vacuum Attachment and Flexible Dryer Lint Brush, Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit, Vacuum Hose Attachment Brush, Blue
    $10.95
    Buy on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 3 25 Pieces Compatible Cloth Dryer Exhaust Filter Set Replacement for Panda/Magic Chef/Sonya/Avant
    25 Pieces Compatible Cloth Dryer Exhaust Filter Set Replacement for Panda/Magic Chef/Sonya/Avant
    $14.98
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 4 Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Cleans Front Load and Top Load Washers, Including HE, 5 Tablets
    Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Cleans Front Load and Top Load Washers, Including HE, 5 Tablets
    $10.99
    Buy on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 5 DryGuy DX Forced Air Boot Dryer and Garment Dryer
    DryGuy DX Forced Air Boot Dryer and Garment Dryer
    $78.00
    Buy on Amazon
    Best Selling Washer Accessories
    SaleBestseller No. 1 Front Load Washer Door Prop, Magnetic Washing Machine Door Holder, Keep Washer Door Open, Flexible Prop Fits Most Washing Machines
    Front Load Washer Door Prop, Magnetic Washing Machine Door Holder, Keep Washer Door Open, Flexible Prop Fits Most Washing Machines
    $10.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 2 Haus Maus - The Original Laundry Guard - Keeps Laundry from Falling Behind Your Washer/Dryer - Magnetic - Fits Most Front Load Washing Machines - Made in North America (Slate Gray)
    Haus Maus - The Original Laundry Guard - Keeps Laundry from Falling Behind Your Washer/Dryer - Magnetic - Fits Most Front Load Washing Machines - Made in North America (Slate Gray)
    $31.95
    Buy on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 3 Certified Appliance Accessories Washing Machine Hose with 90 Degree Elbow, Hot or Cold Water Supply Line, 5 Feet, PVC Core with Premium Braided Stainless Steel, Silver/Pewter, 6.25in. x 6.25in. x 2.00in., WM60SSL
    Certified Appliance Accessories Washing Machine Hose with 90 Degree Elbow, Hot or Cold Water Supply Line, 5 Feet, PVC Core with Premium Braided Stainless Steel, Silver/Pewter, 6.25in. x 6.25in. x 2.00in., WM60SSL
    $10.80
    Buy on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 4 Anti Vibration Pads with Tank Tread Grip, 4 Pads + Level - Washer & Dryer Pedestals Fit All Machines - Noise Dampening, Protects Laundry Room Floor - Anti Vibrasion Pads for Washing Machine
    Anti Vibration Pads with Tank Tread Grip, 4 Pads + Level - Washer & Dryer Pedestals Fit All Machines - Noise Dampening, Protects Laundry Room Floor - Anti Vibrasion Pads for Washing Machine
    $21.95
    Buy on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 5 Little Tikes First Washer Dryer - Realistic Pretend Play Appliance for Kids, Interactive Toy Washing Machine with 11 Laundry Accessories, Unique Toy, Ages 2+
    Little Tikes First Washer Dryer - Realistic Pretend Play Appliance for Kids, Interactive Toy Washing Machine with 11 Laundry Accessories, Unique Toy, Ages 2+
    $31.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Newsletter Sign Up
    Subscribe
    Sign Up to our free newsletter and get the latest washer dryer reviews directly to your inbox.
    Marketing by
    ActiveCampaign
    Navigate
    • Brands
    • Washers
    • Dryers
    Site Information
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Contact Us
    • How Star Ratings Work
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Powered By The DealNews Network

    501 Madison St SE Suite 200
    Huntsville, AL 35801
    (256)971-6840
    DealNews, Inc

    Affiliate Disclaimer

    Washers & Dryers 360 contains links to affiliate websites, and we may earn commissions for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Learn more about our affiliate disclaimer.

    © 2022 DealNews. Built by Press Foundry.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.