While every dryer vent system is different, without regular thorough  cleaning, most will exhibit the same warning signs of a clogged vent.  HITEC Dryer Vents & Air Ducts encourages Louisville, Kentucky And Southern Indiana residents to watch for the following warning signs that indicate a  hazardous clogged dryer vent.

• Long Drying Times: A longer drying cycle is  usually a straightforward sign that airflow is restricted in the dryer  vent line, resulting in trapped moisture in the dryer and, therefore,  more time needed to dry clothing fully. Restricted dryer vent airflow is  caused by clogs or obstructions in the dryer vent line. 

• Hot Clothes, Hot Dryer: When a vent line is  obstructed, moisture and heat build up in the dryer, resulting in a hot  appliance and/or clothing. This is not only dangerous because of the  increased risk of fire, but it can also cause excessive wear to the  appliance itself and your clothing. 

• Overheat Shutoff: If your dryer is getting too hot  due to trapped heat and moisture because of a log or blockage in the  vent line, the machine may turn off mid-cycle. This fail-safe is the  dryer manufacturer’s final effort to prevent a dryer fire, and should be  taken as a sign that immediate service is needed. 

• Moldy or Mildew Smell: Another issue that arises  from trapped heat and moisture in the dryer is mold and mildew growth.  Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas, and if heat and moisture are not  properly vented from your laundry area, mold and mildew may begin to  grow in your dryer, dryer vents, on clothing, and in and around the  laundry area.

• Excess Lint: While keeping a clean lint trap may  help prevent buildups and clogs, an annual dryer vent cleaning is still  necessary in order to keep a safe and efficient dryer vent system. Lint  that should be pushed through the vent line may build up instead due to  the use of unsuitable ventilation materials, improper installation, or  nests and other debris in the line that can accumulate lint passing  through. When an obstruction forms in the vent line, lint begins to  collect in spaces throughout the system and laundry area.  
  • Lint Behind Dryer and In Door Seal: Lint that  is forced into and behind the dryer near the machine components is a  significant fire hazard and should be removed immediately.
  • Lint on Clothing: When your clothes come out of the  dryer with lint on them, it is likely that lint is being trapped in the  dryer with nowhere to go but on your clothes due to a dryer vent clog. 
  • No Lint on Lint Trap/Lint Screen: If you find no  lint on the lint trap, or lint on the wrong side of the screen, an  obstruction is most likely causing a backup of lint in your machine.  Back pressure and a buildup of heat and lint in the machine can easily  result in a dryer fire.

• Excess Pet Hair: If you share your home with a  furry friend, their hair may produce an added fire hazard. Dryer vent  systems in homes with pets tend to clog more quickly and carry more  debris that can cause a dryer fire, meaning you may want to consider an  inspection or cleaning more frequently than the recommended one time per  year.

If you see any of the warning signs above, HITEC Dryer Vents & Air Ducts can help! Our expert dryer vent cleaning services provide the Louisville, Kentucky and Southern Indiana area with real, safe solutions to fix the  source of these warning signs while increasing safety and efficiency in  your home and our community. To schedule your dryer vent cleaning, inspection, or repair, call (502) 303-2290 today.