A clogged dryer vent isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It’s a serious safety risk that can increase your energy bills, damage your appliance, and even cause a house fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 3,000 home fires each year are linked to clothes dryers, with failure to clean the vent as the leading cause.
If you live in Minneapolis or the surrounding areas, keeping your dryer vent clear is especially important during colder months when indoor drying is more frequent. At Gray Duct Heating, Cooling & Air Duct Cleaning, we specialize in preventing these issues with professional dryer vent cleaning and repair services. Here are the top signs your dryer vent may be clogged—and what you should do about it.
1. Clothes Take Too Long to Dry
If your clothes are still damp after one drying cycle, that’s often the first red flag. Restricted airflow prevents the moist air from leaving the dryer, making it work harder and longer to do its job.
What to do: Schedule a dryer vent cleaning to restore proper airflow and efficiency.
2. Dryer Feels Hot to the Touch
When the vent is clogged, heat gets trapped inside the dryer. If the top or sides of your unit feel unusually warm after a cycle, the exhaust may be backed up.
What to do: Unplug the dryer and call a professional for inspection. Prolonged overheating can damage internal parts or start a fire.
3. Burning Smell While Running
A burning smell is a major warning sign. Lint buildup near the heating element can begin to smolder, especially if the vent is severely blocked.
What to do: Stop using the dryer immediately and contact Gray Duct Heating, Cooling & Air Duct Cleaning for a prompt, safe inspection.
4. Lint Around the Dryer or Outside Vent Hood
Lint escaping from seams, connections, or the outdoor vent indicates a blockage. It’s trying to escape any way it can instead of flowing freely outside.
What to do: Look around the base of the dryer and the outside vent hood for lint debris. If you see it, it’s time for a thorough cleaning.
5. Excess Lint in the Trap After Each Load
The lint trap is designed to catch loose fibers, but if it’s suddenly collecting a lot more than usual, that could mean your exhaust system is struggling.
What to do: Clean the trap after every load and monitor how much builds up. If it’s excessive, schedule a cleaning to check for clogs deeper in the system.
6. Laundry Room Feels Extra Warm or Humid
If your laundry room is steamy or hotter than usual while the dryer runs, moist air may be leaking indoors. This not only affects comfort but can lead to mold or mildew.
What to do: Improve ventilation and check for signs of blocked vents or leaks. Our dryer vent repair service can help resolve venting issues that cause heat buildup.
7. It’s Been Over a Year Since Your Last Cleaning
Even if everything seems fine, annual cleaning is strongly recommended. Lint buildup happens gradually and is easy to overlook until it becomes a problem.
What to do: Don’t wait for warning signs. Routine maintenance from a trusted provider ensures safety and performance. Our team also offers other indoor air quality services to help keep your entire HVAC system running clean.
Protect Your Home with Expert Dryer Vent Care
If you’ve noticed one or more of these warning signs, don’t ignore them. A clogged dryer vent can increase your fire risk, shorten your dryer’s life, and waste energy. At Gray Duct Heating, Cooling & Air Duct Cleaning, we’re proud to offer veteran-owned, fully licensed, and reliable service that helps Minneapolis homeowners breathe easier.
Contact us today to schedule your dryer vent cleaning or inspection and get peace of mind.
