Isn’t it the heat that actually gets the clothes dry? Yes, heat plays a part in drying your clothes, but air-flow and proper venting also plays an important part. The heat, along with moisture and lint, must be able to escape in order for clothes to dry properly. A mechanical problem or faulty thermostat could be the problem, but most of the time, this is caused by a blockage in the dryer exhaust ducts. When the hot, damp air is unable to escape through the duct system to the vent outdoors, it stays in the drum, with your clothes. The heating element continues to produce more heat, causing the dryer to overheat and cause damage to the appliance and your clothing. This causes your dryer to work harder, consuming more energy. This is also a warning of a pending fire hazard.

The first thing to check is often the easiest to access. This is the vent located outside, usually about 12 inches off the ground, but in some cases, it’s on the roof. Be sure the flapper opens and closes easily. If it doesn’t, there could be a lint build-up that needs to be cleaned away. Applying a small amount of silicone spray to lubricate it will help to keep it working properly.

Check the dryer duct behind the dryer, which leads to the vent outside. Be sure it has not been crushed or kinked from sliding the dryer closer to the wall. If the hose is very long, running the length of the basement ceiling or across your attic, try disconnecting it from the dryer and use a shop vac or leaf blower to blow it out.

Check inside the dryer, where the hose connects, for visible lint build-up. You should be able to remove most of it by hand or with a vacuum cleaner. If none of these tips cure the problem, then you will have to call a dryer vent cleaning company to perform this job. They have special tools for reaching the hard to get to places that the average homeowner doesn’t. They can also inspect the system to be sure it meets with today’s codes and UL safety standards. They may even be able to alter your dryer vent system to make it more efficient and easier for you to maintain.

When it comes to clothes dryers, the most common cause of the dryer not working is a clogged vent system. Appliance repair can be very expensive and when a clothes dryer is not working properly, the problem is rarely mechanical. You would be better off calling a dryer vent cleaning and repair specialist who will most likely cure the problem and have your dryer performing at top efficiency for a much lower cost.

This article was written by Larry Butterfield, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Southeast Michigan. Larry is a dryer vent repair specialist who provides dryer vent cleaning services as well as educating consumers on dryer fire safety. http://www.dryerventwizard services consumers in Wayne County, Detroit, Livonia, Redford, Dearborn, Canton, Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Saline, Ypsilanti, Monroe County, Carlton, Monroe, Temperance, Lambertville, Lenawee County, Hudson, Adrian, Blissfield, Tecumseh, Addison and neighboring cities and communities.