My friend just purchased a new dryer; he said the other one just stopped working. When he installed it, he noticed that it ran very hot. Of course he asked me to have a look at it because he knows that dryer vents are my specialty.

The first thing I noticed was that the dryer vent hose was made of the old vinyl and it was way too long. The excess tubing was coiled and crammed behind the dryer while the rest of it extended about 10 feet to the dryer vent outside. When I disconnected it from the dryer, I noticed that it was full of lint. I found it hard to believe that he would attach this old thing to the new dryer. I pointed out the fact that the dryer is unable to vent the hot air; therefore, it is overworking and wasting a lot of energy.

I explained that this type of venting is not in compliance with today's safety codes. Dryer ducts should be aluminum or semi-rigid metal that is smooth inside. They should be as short as possible and as straight as possible to allow optimum air-flow.

I explained that he probably did not need a new dryer. He needed to upgrade his dryer exhaust system. The dryer ducts and dryer vent are responsible for removing lint, heat and moisture from the dryer drum to the outdoors. If you have a gas dryer the system also removes gas by-products from your home. A poorly vented gas dryer can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home.

When the dryer ducts are clogged with lint then heat cannot escape the dryer drum; they system overheats and the lint catches on fire. Lint is very combustible; therefore, fuel for a rapidly spreading fire.

Keith O'Loane, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, provides dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation while educating consumers on dryer safety. Manufacturers recommend annual professional dryer vent cleaning to keep clothes dryers working safely and efficiently. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com to learn more.