Did you know your dryer has to remove 8 pounds of water on a normal size load from the washer? How does it do this? By having proper air flow.
A dryer has to work overtime when you have an improper or restricted vent system. This is the venting inside your dryer, between the dryer and your external vent.
Dryers have trouble drying clothes due to several problems.
- The internal vent system inside dryer is partially or fully plugged.
- The vent hose between the dryer and wall can be smashed or too long.
- The external vent system can be partially or fully plugged.
- Most drying loads should take 30-50 minutes, any longer means a potential problem with ventilation or the dryer itself.
All of these items cause the dryer to work extra hard, but it also:
- Uses more electricity and gas, making for higher utility bills.
- The dryer runs longer, therefore wearing out most of the moving and some non-moving parts sooner, requiring unexpected repairs.
- Back pressure on the vent causes internal parts to overheat, cracking belts, seizing motor bearings, burning heating elements, plus other parts are prematurely worn.
Despite these problems, the biggest problem for you and your home is actually a fire hazard!
Blocked vents or smashed vent hoses can cause temperatures inside the dryer and vent
system to reach fire hazard levels, potentially causing your home to burn down! If you have a white vinyl hose on the back of the dryer, this is a fire hazard.
Take these steps to avoid fires:
- Most dryers should have their internal parts cleaned at least every 5 years.
- White plastic vinyl should be changed immediately with a UL listed dryer vent hose.
- The external vent system that runs up and out the roof or through your concrete foundation should be cleaned every 1 – 4 years.