What should I do if I notice a burning smell coming from my dryer?

If you notice a burning smell coming from your dryer, you should immediately stop using it and unplug it from the power source. A variety of issues, such as overheating, lint buildup, or a malfunctioning component, could cause the burning smell. Inspect the lint trap and clean the trap and the vent hose for any visible blockage then call a professional to diagnose and repair the issue.

Why does my dryer usually feel hot during operation?

While some heat is normal, excessive heat from the dryer or laundry room can indicate restricted airflow due to a clogged vent. Additionally, ensure the dryer is properly vented to the outside to prevent overheating.

Why is there lint inside or behind my dryer?

When a dryer vent is clogged or a lint screen doesn’t fit properly, the lint still has to go somewhere. That somewhere is usually inside your dryer, on the back of the dryer, or the wall behind your dryer. If you find excessive lint in any of these places, you may have an issue. While you can vacuum up the lint, contact a professional to diagnose the root cause.

Why are my clothes still damp after the dryer stops?

When your dryer system is working properly, clothes should be dry and warm after a single cycle (about 45 minutes). If your clothes are still damp or have a moldy smell at the end of a cycle, your dryer vent may be clogged keeping the moist air from exhausting to the outside. A dryer vent cleaning professional can perform tests to measure if a vent is fully or partially clogged and practical solutions to fix your issue(s).

What are the long-term consequences of ignoring warning signs related to dryer vents?

Ignoring warning signs can increase fire risk, decrease dryer efficiency, raise energy bills, and compromise indoor air quality, necessitating costly repairs and posing safety hazards. Ensure safety and optimal performance by having a professional inspect and clean your dryer vent system at least once a year.

Why is my dryer shutting off prematurely?

Many modern dryers have built-in safety mechanisms that automatically shut off the dryer if it’s overheating. If your dryer frequently shuts off before the cycle is complete, it could be due to restricted airflow caused by a clogged dryer vent.

Why is my energy bill increasing?

A clogged dryer vent makes your dryer work harder and longer to dry clothes, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. If you have noticed a sudden spike in energy costs without any other explanation, it's worth investigating the condition of your dryer vent.

Are there any warning signs specific to gas dryers?

Gas dryers have their own set of warning signs to look out for. Should you smell potent, unusual gas emitted from the dryer or near the unit, this could indicate a gas leak. Shut off the gas valve immediately and call a professional to help repair the issue. Additionally, if you notice any discoloration on or around the dryer, this could be a sign of incomplete combustion.

Dryer Vent Don'ts

Q: Why is there lint inside or behind my dryer?

When a dryer vent is clogged or a lint screen doesn&#8217;t fit properly, the lint still has to go somewhere. That somewhere is usually inside your dryer, on the back of the dryer, or the wall behind your dryer. If you find excessive lint in any of these places, you may have an issue. While you can vacuum up the lint, contact a professional to diagnose the root cause.

Keeping Yourself Informed

Staying informed about the importance of clean dryer vents is crucial for the safety of your home. You should clean the lint trap, schedule annual dryer vent inspections, and watch for warning signs. Don’t neglect regular cleaning as lint can restrict airflow, creating a dryer vent fire hazard. Also, ensure you’re not blocking the ventilation, which can restrict airflow and leave a higher risk of your dryer overheating. Dryer Vent Wizard® offers services to ensure you have clean dryer vents.

Keeping Yourself Informed

Be Aware of Dryer Vent Do’s and Don’ts:

Dryer vent care is vital for the safety of your property and the life of your dryer system. Work with Dryer Vent Wizard to manage these do’s and don’ts.

DO NOT use vinyl or slinky foil materials

Dryer vents made from flexible plastic or foil can be easily kinked or crushed, restricting airflow. The ridges in vinyl and slinky materials can also catch excess lint, creating an increased fire risk. If a dryer fire should occur, these materials quickly spread the fire.
DO NOT use PVC piping or plastic materials

Static in PVC piping and plastic venting causes lint to stick to the inside of the vent walls. This lint can mix with the expelled water during a typical dry cycle, creating sludge, clogs, and an increased risk of fire. PVC also sweats when warm, moist air travels through its cool, smooth surface. This causes lint to collect and harden, making cleaning more difficult. Additionally, PVC takes longer to heat up allowing water to remain in vapor form inside the pipe. The water, along with the buildup of lint, creates sludge in the vent.
DO NOT use duct tape to connect venting materials

The adhesive dries out over time, especially due to temperature changes, creating gaps in the joints of the vent.
DO NOT use screws or bolts to secure joints

Screws and bolts act as lint collectors inside the vent wall and create an increased fire risk.
DO NOT terminate dryer vents in crawl spaces or attics

Dryer vents that terminate in crawl spaces or attics allow for moisture to deposit and encourage mold growth and health hazards. Dryer vents must terminate outside of the building.
DO NOT use cages or screens to prevent pests from entering

The use of pest cages or screens can allow lint to build up creating a fire hazard and reducing the dryer’s efficiency.
DO NOT ignore warning signs

Watch for warning signs that indicate you have a clogged or obstructed dryer vent and a potential fire risk in your home.
DO call your local Dryer Vent Wizard

If your dryer ventilation system incorporates any of the “don’ts” above, call Dryer Vent Wizard to schedule service and have a safer and more efficient dryer in your home or business today!

Schedule Your Dryer Vent Appointment

Ensuring you have clean dryer vents is vital for your laundry operation. We provide comprehensive drying services to help you maintain your dryer's efficiency and safety. All our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which ensures your satisfaction with the job. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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Dryer Vent Wizard has over 125 locally owned and operated franchise locations in the U.S. and Canada. Dedicated professionals are always encouraged to apply to join our local Dryer Vent Wizard team!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Don't ignore the common warning signs of a clogged dryer vent! Below are some of our most commonly asked questions about potential warning signs, but be sure to contact the experts at your local Dryer Vent Wizard for solutions that prevent safety hazards.

If you notice a burning smell coming from your dryer, you should immediately stop using it and unplug it from the power source. A variety of issues, such as overheating, lint buildup, or a malfunctioning component, could cause the burning smell. Inspect the lint trap and clean the trap and the vent hose for any visible blockage then call a professional to diagnose and repair the issue.
While some heat is normal, excessive heat from the dryer or laundry room can indicate restricted airflow due to a clogged vent. Additionally, ensure the dryer is properly vented to the outside to prevent overheating.
When a dryer vent is clogged or a lint screen doesn’t fit properly, the lint still has to go somewhere. That somewhere is usually inside your dryer, on the back of the dryer, or the wall behind your dryer. If you find excessive lint in any of these places, you may have an issue. While you can vacuum up the lint, contact a professional to diagnose the root cause.
When your dryer system is working properly, clothes should be dry and warm after a single cycle (about 45 minutes). If your clothes are still damp or have a moldy smell at the end of a cycle, your dryer vent may be clogged keeping the moist air from exhausting to the outside. A dryer vent cleaning professional can perform tests to measure if a vent is fully or partially clogged and practical solutions to fix your issue(s).
Ignoring warning signs can increase fire risk, decrease dryer efficiency, raise energy bills, and compromise indoor air quality, necessitating costly repairs and posing safety hazards. Ensure safety and optimal performance by having a professional inspect and clean your dryer vent system at least once a year.
Many modern dryers have built-in safety mechanisms that automatically shut off the dryer if it’s overheating. If your dryer frequently shuts off before the cycle is complete, it could be due to restricted airflow caused by a clogged dryer vent.
A clogged dryer vent makes your dryer work harder and longer to dry clothes, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. If you have noticed a sudden spike in energy costs without any other explanation, it's worth investigating the condition of your dryer vent.
Gas dryers have their own set of warning signs to look out for. Should you smell potent, unusual gas emitted from the dryer or near the unit, this could indicate a gas leak. Shut off the gas valve immediately and call a professional to help repair the issue. Additionally, if you notice any discoloration on or around the dryer, this could be a sign of incomplete combustion.