Dryer lint is highly flammable and poses a serious fire hazard when not cleaned from the vent properly. Each year, fire departments respond to over 13k cases of dryer fires. And in 27% of those cases, an accumulation of lint is the cause of the fire.

In addition to regular lint trap cleaning after each drying cycle, it’s important to look out for warning signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned.

  1. You notice a burning smell. This is an obvious sign that something is wrong with your dryer and it should not be ignored. It could be a buildup of lint that is causing the unit to overheat which increases the risk of a fire.
  2. The drying cycle takes longer than normal or clothes are not dry. This is because the lint in your dryer vent is restricting airflow so hot, moist air doesn’t ventilate as it should.
  3. The unit is hot to the touch. The dryer shouldn’t be noticeably hot on the outside as it could mean that temperatures inside are at unsafe levels. That means there is a reduction in airflow from the dryer vent which is typically caused by a buildup of lint.
  4. Clothes are hotter than normal after the cycle. This is also a sign that the temperature in the unit is improper or that the dryer is overheating.

In addition to these signs, if you’re moving into a new place with an existing washer and dryer unit, you should automatically have the dryer vent cleaned. We recommend this for regular HVAC ductwork as well.

How to Minimize Dryer Fire Risk

  • Remove lint from the trap after each use
  • Vacuum out the dryer vent at least once a year
  • Replace accordion-style ducts with rigid metal ducts
  • Call in a professional to safely and securely clear your dryer vent

HVAC Services Near You

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Chattanooga is here for you around the clock. Our highly trained HVAC technicians offer services that are backed by our guarantees. Give us a call today for prompt and professional heating and air conditioning services. No matter how big or small your HVAC issue is, our team can handle it.