How to Tell If Your Dryer Has a Lint Build Up

Removing lint from a dryer is typically seen as more of a maintenance task, but when you have lint built up in your dryer, whether it is the screen, the exterior vent, or in the vent tube itself, the symptoms it manifests certainly seem like something in your dryer is in need of repair. However, not only can these lint-caused problems be easily fixed by a homeowner, but you are actively preventing what could be a dangerous fire hazard.  If your dryer is having a lint problem, here are the signs to watch out for:

Long Drying Time

Your dryer is designed to dry your clothes by pushing the hot, moist air out through the vent. If any part of that process is clogged with lint, it can’t do it as effectively. You will notice that the drying time on your clothes goes up over time until they really aren’t drying at all.

Your Clothes are Very Hot

Sometimes a lint clog can manifest itself in clothing getting very hot. If your clothing is really quite hot to the touch at the end of the cycle, it means your dryer has an exhaust problem. Typically, this problem is caused by an abundance of lint in the vent that is keeping the dryer too hot. It is wasteful on your energy bill, is a huge fire hazard, and it is wearing out your dryer’s heating element exponentially.

Your Dryer Shuts Off

If you have a newer dryer, it will likely shut off when it detects the dryer is getting too hot. Newer models will also likely throw out an error code for that reason as well. However, if your dryer is stopping and you don’t know why, a first place to check is your dryer exhaust system.

Removing Lint Clogs

If your dryer is manifesting these symptoms, cleaning the lint away isn’t a difficult task. Your first step should make sure they you have a clean lint filter. Not only the filter, but the area around the filter may need cleaning as well.Next is to check the venting hose. You will want to make sure it is securely connected to the dryer and the exterior ports as well as without any kinks in the line. After unplugging your dryer, you can detach the vent hose and check for any build up. The easiest way of cleaning the hose is to use a vacuum cleaner hose attachment or a shop vac to suck out the lint.Finally, you will also want to make sure the exterior vent is free and clear to vent. There is a common example of an exterior vent that was painted closed accidentally by a house painting, but everything from paint to nesting birds can block an exterior vent.If you cleaned the lint out of your dryer, but are still having problems, contact us today.