How to Tell if Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning (And What Ignoring Costs You)

If your clothes are not drying like they used to, or worse, your laundry room smells a bit burnt, it may be time to clean your dryer vent.

Dryer vent cleaning is not something most homeowners think about on a regular basis. But neglecting it can lead to higher energy bills, major appliance repairs, or even a house fire. That is why it is critical to recognize the early warning signs and schedule professional dryer vent cleaning when needed.

Let’s walk through how to tell if your dryer vent needs cleaning and what to do next.

Why Dryer Vent Cleaning Matters

Your dryer does not just blow hot air into the clothes drum. It pushes that hot, moist air out through a vent, usually through the wall or roof of your home. Over time, that air carries lint with it, and the lint builds up.

When lint clogs the vent system, airflow is restricted. That means longer dry times, overheating, and in worst-case scenarios, a fire hazard. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 3,000 residential fires occur each year due to clothes dryers. The leading cause of these fires is failure to clean the vent.

Dryer vent cleaning is not just a maintenance task. It is a vital part of keeping your home safe and your appliances running efficiently.

Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning

Below are the most common red flags that your dryer vent may be clogged and in need of professional attention.

1. Your Clothes Take Too Long to Dry

If it takes more than one normal cycle, typically around 30 to 45 minutes, to fully dry a load of clothes, your vent is likely blocked.

Your dryer relies on strong airflow to expel heat and moisture. When the vent is clogged, the hot air cannot escape. Clothes may feel hot and damp even after a full cycle, and running the dryer again only adds more strain and produces more lint.

Not only does this waste energy and raise your electric bill, but it also puts stress on your appliance, increasing the risk of a breakdown.

2. Your Clothes and Dryer Are Hot to the Touch

It is normal for freshly dried clothes to feel warm. But if they come out very hot or if the outside of your dryer feels unusually warm, it could indicate poor ventilation.

This excess heat buildup can overwork the dryer’s internal parts, especially the heating element. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs or even a complete breakdown.

3. You Smell Something Burning

If you detect a burning smell when the dryer is running, stop using it immediately.

Lint is highly flammable. A clogged vent, combined with excess heat, creates the perfect environment for a fire to start. The smell may come from lint trapped near the heating element, drum casing, or exhaust tube, not just the vent itself.

Do not attempt another cycle. Shut off the dryer and call a professional right away.

4. There is Lint Around the Exterior Vent

Check the exterior vent on your home, usually a small opening on the wall or roof where the dryer exhaust exits. If you notice lint or debris accumulating around this vent, it is a clear indication that airflow is restricted.

The flap on the vent should open while the dryer is running. If it remains closed, air is not moving through the system as it should. In some cases, birds or rodents may build nests inside the vent, which adds another layer of blockage and risk.

5. You Haven’t Had It Cleaned in Years

Even if you haven't noticed any obvious signs, your home may still be at risk, especially if it's been five years or more since your last dryer vent cleaning.

Older homes, longer vent runs, frequent laundry loads, and homes with pets can all contribute to faster lint buildup. A routine inspection and cleaning every three to four years is a smart move for most households.

Newer Dryers Can Warn You, But Don’t Rely on Them

Some modern dryers come with airflow sensors that trigger a warning light or even shut off automatically when a problem is detected.

This feature is helpful, but not foolproof. Many issues develop gradually, and the dryer may continue to operate without alerting you until the problem becomes more severe.

Drying performance is still the most reliable indicator. If your clothes are not drying like they used to, pay attention.

Other Surprising Causes of Dryer Vent Issues

While most problems are caused by lint buildup, other common causes of restricted airflow may come as a surprise.

Sometimes, dryer vents become crushed behind walls or in tight attic spaces during installation or renovations. This damage is often hidden and can severely restrict airflow, even if the rest of the vent looks clear.

We have also seen cases where roofers accidentally shingle over a dryer vent opening, completely blocking it off. This prevents any hot air from escaping, putting both the dryer and your home at risk.

In some homes, the vent duct becomes disconnected entirely (either in the wall or attic—allowing lint to blow into the house's structure. This can lead to hidden fire hazards, mold, or structural damage.

Birds, squirrels, and even insects may also find their way into outdoor vent openings, especially if the exterior cover is missing or damaged. They build nests inside the ductwork, which blocks airflow and introduces flammable material into the system.

It is also worth noting that new construction homes are not immune to this issue. In fact, poorly routed vent lines and substandard installation practices are more common than many homeowners realize. Just because a home is new does not mean the vent system is safe or efficient.

At HomeSafe, we never assume the problem is just lint. That is why every cleaning includes a thorough inspection. We examine the entire ventilation system to identify the root cause and provide solutions that enhance both safety and performance.

Can You Clean Your Dryer Vent Yourself?

DIY dryer vent cleaning kits are widely available, but they have limitations. These kits may remove surface lint near the opening, but often miss compacted debris deep inside longer or more complex vent systems.

Worse, DIY tools can sometimes push lint further into the duct or damage fragile sections of the vent. That can exacerbate the problem and make it more expensive to fix.

Professional dryer vent cleaning services include a complete inspection, the use of specialized tools, and the expertise to identify underlying issues. This ensures your vent system is clean, safe, and working properly.

Trust the Local Experts at HomeSafe

HomeSafe Dryer Vent Cleaning has been helping homeowners in North Texas since 2009. We are not just a cleaning company. We are dryer vent specialists with over 15 years of experience.

We provide thorough inspections, repairs, and expert cleanings designed to make your dryer run more safely and efficiently. Whether your vent exits through a wall, the attic, or the roof, we know how to handle it.

If you are experiencing long dry times, strange smells, or just want peace of mind, we are here to help.

When to Schedule Dryer Vent Cleaning

For most homes, dryer vent cleaning should be done every three to four years. If you do a lot of laundry, have indoor pets, or your dryer is located far from an exterior wall, more frequent cleanings may be necessary.

You should also schedule service immediately if:

• Your clothes are not drying in one cycle

• You smell something burning

• Your dryer feels unusually hot

• It has been more than four years since your last cleaning

  
  

Call HomeSafe Today

If you live in North Texas and suspect your dryer vent needs cleaning, don’t wait. We would love to help you keep your home safer, lower your energy bills, and keep your dryer running at its best.

Call us today or schedule an appointment through our website. Let’s get your dryer vent back to doing its job—safely and efficiently.