5 Warning Signs Your Dryer Vent is a Fire Hazard

Did you know that according to the NFPA, nearly 17,000 home fires are caused by clothes dryers every year? The vast majority of these fires are caused by one simple thing: lint build-up in the dryer vent. Here are the 5 warning signs you should never ignore.

1. Drying Time is Taking Longer

If your clothes are still damp after a standard 45-minute cycle, your dryer is struggling to push out moist air. This is almost always due to a blockage in the vent line.

2. The Dryer is Hot to the Touch

Dryers are designed to handle heat, but if the exterior of the machine or your clothes feel excessively hot at the end of a cycle, it means the hot air isn't escaping. This causes the internal heating element to overwork and can lead to a fire.

3. You Notice a Burning Smell

If you smell something burning while the dryer is running, stop it immediately. This is often the smell of lint inside the vent or the machine getting scorched by the heating element.

4. The Outside Vent Flap Doesn't Open

Go outside while the dryer is running. If the vent flap isn't opening wide, or you don't feel a strong blast of air, you have a major obstruction that needs professional removal.

5. It's Been Over a Year Since Your Last Cleaning

Even if you don't see these signs yet, lint accumulates steadily. Annual professional cleaning is the only way to ensure your home stays safe.