The dryer is one of the most common workhorses of home appliances. It tirelessly dries your laundry day in and day out, but many people don’t realize when it is not working properly (until it’s too late).
The dryer duct system is easy to overlook when conducting routine dryer maintenance, like removing lint or debris from the lint trap, because it’s not clearly visible. But the ducting system can easily get clogged or disconnected from the external vent without you knowing, leading to hot and moist air blowing into your home or crawlspace. It’s important to make sure that your dryer is venting correctly, and in this blog, we’ll make sure you know how to check (and fix) the problem.
For dryer duct cleaning, questions, and professional advice, get in touch with PNW ProClean.
Risks Associated with Disconnected or Clogged Dryer Vents
1. Clogged Dryer Vents Can Lead to House Fires
One of the most important reasons to make sure that your dryer is venting properly is to prevent house fires. Lint and debris build up in the ducts and can obstruct the vent, preventing airflow. This leads to heat buildup that can cause the trapped lint to combust, causing a fire that spreads in the home. Lint can also back all the way up into the dryer itself, collect around the heating element, and catch fire.
To avoid fire risk, schedule a regular dryer vent cleaning every 1-3 years depending on use.
2. Keep Moisture Out of Your Crawlspace
The dryer vent transfers the hot, moist air from your laundry outside your home. If the dryer duct is broken or disconnected, then that hot, wet air might be blowing back into the laundry room or crawlspace. Over time, this moisture causes mold and mildew growth, potentially leading to structural issues and bad air quality.
The best way to prevent moisture accumulation is to check that your dryer duct is connected to the external vent. You can check in the crawlspace or look for air blowing through the external vent outside while your dryer is running.
3. Prevent Broken Dryers
Disconnected or clogged dryer vents can also lead to expensive repairs or a broken dryer due to the machine overheating and straining to the point that it breaks or causes a fire. At a minimum, you’ll likely be running your laundry multiple times to get it dry, increasing your energy bills.
Checking Your Dryer Duct System
There are two main things to look for to make sure your dryer is venting properly: clogs and disconnection.
How to Check for a Clogged Dryer:
- Remove and clean the lint screen
- Unplug your dryer
- Find the vent opening on the back of the dryer.
- Look for the external vent and check if there’s visible lint or debris
- Check the duct itself by removing it from the back of the drye
If the duct is clogged, we recommend hiring a professional duct cleaning company to do the cleaning to prevent damage.
How to Check for a Disconnected Duct:
- Get access to the back of the dryer
- Make sure the duct is properly connected to both the dryer and the wall vent. If the piece is loose or disconnected, reconnect it.
- Use clamps to secure the connections of the ducts
- Look for tears or damage in the duct and make repairs or replace the duct as necessary.
Keep Your Home Safe and Your Dryer Working!
Reduce fire risk and moisture in your home, and keep your dryer working smoothly, by making sure that your dryer duct system is properly connecting and clear. If you need help checking or would like a professional opinion, give PNW ProClean a call.
