An Obstructed dryer vent can have multiple adverse effects for the homeowner, tenant or business owner. If your dryer is taking significantly more time to dry, or you notice high humidity in your laundry room, you may have an obstructed duct line. An obstructed line can lead to excessive wear on your dryer, increased utility costs, overheating of the dryer, and worst-case scenario, a vent fire.
Regular preventative maintenance is key to optimal performance, just like regular oil changes are to your vehicle. If your dryer is used heavily, once a year cleaning may be in order, if sparingly, then you can extend out the time between cleanings.
Even if you are on top of your maintenance, situations can happen that will cause problems between cleanings. In the photo, the vent cover was blocked by vines and pine straw that had been applied by landscapers. This blocked the vent cover preventing the moist air from being properly exhausted. It also caused lint to back up into the duct and into the dryer itself. Birds, usually in the spring, can cause issues if they are able to get a nest built in between use of the dryer. This will also cause poor air flow and allow lint to back up into the system. Finally, for those that have bird guards installed due to previous bird issues, these can, in certain circumstances become clogged with lint. I call this a “catch 22” situation, you need the bird guard to prevent future bird problems, but the guard itself can become a problem if not monitored for lint build up. It is very important to monitor vent hoods with bird guards installed.
Maintaining your dryer vent is an expense, but it is a necessary expense to ensure that you have a safe and efficient dryer that will function for years to come.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Benjamin Franklin.