My Dryer Is Not Drying Due to a Clog in the Ventilation

Dryer Problems

• When your dryer isn’t drying because of a clog in the ductwork leading to the exterior vent, it can take two or three cycles to dry a load of fabric that should only require one. You’ll notice that the heating element works just fine; in fact, your clothes will feel hotter than normal when you pull them out of the unit. Your laundry area will feel hotter when the dryer runs, and you might notice increased humidity in the area as well.

Clog Causes

• Clogs occur in your dryer’s ventilation system when lint gets caught inside the ductwork. This can happen if the lint trap on the dryer is bent out of shape or if you rarely clean it out. If your laundry room is located on the interior of your home rather than by an exterior wall, the ductwork running to the exterior vent can be long and winding. Lint can get caught inside one of the bends in the ductwork and build up over time.

Solutions

• Removing the clog in the ventilation will improve your dryer’s performance. Look inside the ductwork from inside your home and, if possible, through the exterior vent opening. If you see a wad of lint, pull it out. If you can see anything, use a wet/dry shop vac to clean out the ductwork. Insert it into the ductwork and run it until you no longer hear it sucking up debris. If you are unable to pull lint out of the ventilation system, contact an HVAC professional to find and remove the clog.

Considerations

• Don’t ignore a clog in your dryer’s ventilation. Not only are you wasting money when you run your dryer several times to dry your clothes, you are also putting your home and your safety at risk. Lint building up in your dryer and duct system increases the risk of a fire, which can damage your dryer or even destroy your home. A clog can also lead to moisture buildup inside the ductwork. Over time, the ductwork can start to leak, leading to water damage inside your home.