A clothes dryer needs a clear path to move hot, moist air outdoors. Lint buildup, crushed ducting or a blocked exterior hood can reduce airflow and make the dryer run hotter and longer.

1. Loads Take Longer Than They Used To

A noticeable increase in drying time is one of the easiest airflow clues. Clothing may still feel damp after a cycle that previously finished the same load.

2. The Dryer or Laundry Room Feels Excessively Hot

Restricted exhaust can trap heat around the appliance and duct system.

3. Lint Collects Around the Exterior Vent

From outside, look for lint buildup around the hood or flap. The flap should be able to open when the dryer operates.

4. The Exterior Flap Barely Moves

Weak exhaust at the termination can point to a restriction somewhere between the dryer and the outside wall.

5. Flexible Ducting Is Crushed or Kinked

Moving the dryer too close to the wall can collapse flexible transition duct and reduce airflow.

6. You Smell Overheating or Burning

Stop using the dryer if you notice a persistent burning smell, smoke or signs of overheating and have the appliance and vent system checked.

7. The Vent Has Not Been Inspected in a Long Time

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends cleaning the lint filter before and after loads and maintaining dryer exhaust systems to reduce clothes-dryer fire risk.

Our Practical Take

Dryer-vent maintenance is easy to forget because much of the duct is hidden. Use drying time as an early warning signal. If the same loads suddenly need much longer cycles, inspect the airflow path instead of simply running the dryer again.

Related Reading

Review our smoke-alarm checklist, CO alarm placement guide, and more Home & Living resources.

Source

U.S. Fire Administration — Clothes Dryer Fire Safety