The dryer vent, a forgotten home maintenance task can get hot. However, if your clothes dryer is too hot to touch, gives a burning smell, or there’s hot air in your laundry room, it’s time to service your dryer exhaust with a dryer vent cleaning.
The dryer exhaust temperature shouldn’t go over 200°F, as the temperature rising above the max temp could ignite the lint in your dryer vent. The moist air generated by running your dryer should vent directly through your dryer vent run and out the dryer vent on the outside your house. When that air can’t escape, it gives rise to higher and higher temperatures. Running your dryer when the dryer vent temperature reaches critical levels spells disaster.
How Did My Dryer Vent Get This Hot?
The temperatures of your dryer can consistently reach critical temperature levels from a few ways:
Lint Buildup In The Dryer Vent
More dryer cycles mean more and more lint that accumulates inside your dryer and lint trap. While cleaning out your lint trap is important and should be done at nearly all dryer cycles; however, that isn’t the only issue with lint in your dryer.
What many homeowners overlook is the buildup of lint in the dryer vent itself. Over time, lint buildup inside the vent can create blockages that not only increase the risk of a fire but also decrease your dryer’s efficiency. A clogged vent forces your dryer to work harder, driving up energy bills and causing unnecessary wear and tear on your appliance. Regular maintenance of your dryer vent isn’t just about safety—it’s also about prolonging the life of your dryer and saving you money in the long run.
Restricted Air Flow In The Dryer Vent and Ducts
Low airflow is another reason your dryer is overheating, and it’s also a symptom of lint buildup in your dryer vent. If your dryer vent can’t expel the hot air that’s created through drying your clothes, it spits it back into your dryer and laundry room. The more restricted your airflow is, the hotter your laundry room can get, and that can soon turn into burning lint.
This restricted airflow doesn’t just make your dryer a fire hazard; it also creates an uncomfortable and unsafe environment in your home. Excess heat in your laundry room can damage walls, flooring, and even your washer if the two appliances are located close together. Heat can also lead to humidity, which encourages mold growth. Fixing dryer vent airflow problems can prevent expensive repairs or potentially severe fire hazards in the future.
Non-Functional Dryer Duct System
Not every dryer duct system is made equal. Rigid and semi-rigid metal pipes are the two best types of piping. However, PVC pipes, foil, and other non-metal pipes can be risky for your home. Non-functional dryer duct systems can affect your dryer’s temperatures and create a serious fire hazard.
Additionally, older duct systems may degrade over time, leading to gaps, cracks, or poorly connected segments that allow lint and hot air to escape into your walls or attic. Leaks like those can compromise your dryer and increase the risk of a house fire.
Getting a dryer vent reroute is a safe way to make sure your dryer runs safely. If you’re unsure about your duct system’s condition, it’s better to call in a professional to assess it before a minor issue turns into a major problem, or a ‘DIWhy’.
Can You Fix An Overheating Dryer Vent By Yourself?
Fixing a dryer vent is a straightforward task, especially if you are equipped with the appropriate tools. Not all tools are created equal, and could negatively impact your dryer vent system.
Consumer-grade tools, such as leaf blowers or inexpensive dryer vent cleaning kits, may seem like convenient options, but they often fall short in delivering a thorough cleaning. Leaf blowers, for instance, are designed for outdoor use and may not provide the precision needed to navigate the twists and turns of a dryer vent. While they can blow out loose debris, they might not be able to dislodge stubborn lint buildup that can accumulate over time.
Similarly, many cheap dryer vent cleaning kits available on the market may not have the necessary features to tackle the job effectively. Low-quality brushes may not be able to reach deep into the vent or may break apart during use, leaving lint behind. Additionally, some kits may not come with the right attachments to fit different vent sizes, making them less versatile.
How Dryer Vent Superheroes Can Fix Your Dryer Vent
When dealing with an overheating vent. Dryer Vent Superhero franchisees are licensed and equipped with professional grade tools to fully clean your dryer vent. Find your local dryer vent superhero here, and schedule a time for them to come save your dryer vent.