What a clogged vent actually does

Signs your vent needs attention

• Clothes take longer than one cycle to fully dry
• The dryer or laundry room feels unusually hot during a cycle
• You notice a burning smell while the dryer runs
• Excess lint collects around the dryer or exterior vent hood
• It's been over a year, or you don't know when it was last cleaned

Why it matters

A blocked vent traps heat and lint together. That combination is the leading cause of dryer-related house fires, and it's almost entirely preventable with a routine cleaning. It also makes your dryer work harder than it needs to, which shortens its lifespan and raises your energy bill in the meantime.

How often to clean

Most homes should have their vent professionally cleaned once a year. Larger households, longer duct runs, or vents with several bends tend to build up faster and may need attention sooner.