Dryer Vent Maintenance: 5 Signs That Your Dryer Vent Needs Your Attention
For most people, the thought of something happening to their home, especially severe damage or a fire, is devastating. And while the majority of homeowners take precautions, such as installing and checking smoke alarms, there is one part of home maintenance that gets overlooked regularly: the dryer vent.
Your dryer vent needs to function properly in order to keep your home (and family) safe.
Haven’t thought about your dryer vent in a while? Chances are, it needs your attention.
Here are five warning signs to look for that can indicate that your dryer vent needs to be professionally cleaned or repaired.
1. Your dryer doesn’t seem to be working properly. If your clothes or laundry are taking longer than usual to dry, there’s a good chance that it’s because your dryer vent needs to be cleaned.
2. Your laundry room has a burning smell when you run your dryer. That too-hot, almost burning smell is a tell-tale sign of a dryer vent needing maintenance. Don’t ignore it! Call a dryer vent professional today to have it taken care of before it’s too late.
3. Your dryer seems to be overheating. If your dryer gets really hot when it’s working, or if you notice that your clothes are hotter than usual when you take them out, you need to schedule an appointment with a dryer vent specialist to ensure your home’s vent is working properly.
4. The flap to your vent looks funny. If the exterior hood flap for your vent won’t close right, it’s most likely happening because of a buildup of lint and debris. A professional dryer vent cleaning can take care of this potential risk.
5. You have forgotten to maintain your dryer vent. Even if the other four signs aren’t showing up in your home, if you haven’t maintained your dryer vent in over a year, it’s time. The longer you wait, the more costly maintenance and repairs can get and the more likely that the other warning signs will happen soon.
Dryer vent maintenance is best done by a professional. Call your local dryer vent specialists today and schedule a cleaning. And, if you’re noticing any of the warning signs above, don’t wait!