Lint Fan Is Surging in a Dryer

Signs Fan Is Surging

• A lint fan that’s surging may vibrate strongly in the ducting where it’s housed. You might hear a rattling sound or banging in the ducting of your dryer or from the exhaust vent on the exterior of your home. Additionally, you might experience slow dry times from your dryer, as airflow is constrained.

Clog

• A clogged lint fan could surge as it tries to expel exhaust air despite being limited by lint deposits on its fan blades or impeller. Inspect the fan for excessive lint by first disconnecting its power source. Detach the duct from the fan’s inlet or connection point nearest the dryer. Wipe off the fan blades with a clean cloth or vacuum the blades to eliminate debris. Remove lint that may have collected in the vent area just before the fan; otherwise the debris will attach to its blades soon after you reassemble the ducting and run your dryer.

Malfunction

• A lint fan may surge from excessive use and wear. Certain fans have a light to indicate a malfunction. If the light is on, contact a dryer repair technician to have it serviced. While replacing the fan motor could remedy the issue, based on the age of the fan and cost of the motor replacement, you might want to invest in a new fan. Even if your fan doesn’t have an indicator light, contact a dryer repair technician to inspect the fan when it surges, especially if the problem occurs each time you operate your dryer.

Considerations

• Beyond regularly checking for lint obstructions, most fans don’t require any other maintenance once they’re installed properly, states the website Fantech, which recommends inspecting the fan about every six months to confirm the fan blades are free of lint. If you use your dryer all the time, you might want to examine the fan more regularly. Keeping the fan blades clear of buildup will ensure the fan performs properly.