Recognize these symptoms early and act before a clogged vent becomes a dangerous problem.
This is the most common warning sign. When lint blocks your vent, hot, moist air can't escape. Your dryer runs and runs but clothes come out damp. If a normal load takes 45 minutes but now takes 90+ minutes or multiple cycles, your vent is almost certainly restricted.
What's happening: Reduced airflow means moisture stays trapped in the drum. Your dryer's heating element works overtime, but without proper exhaust, it can't do its job.
Schedule cleaning nowLint is highly flammable. When it accumulates in your vent duct and gets hot, it can produce a burning or hot smell. If you ever smell burning while your dryer is running, stop the dryer immediately and don't use it again until the vent is inspected.
What's happening: Lint trapped near the heating element or exhaust is getting dangerously hot. This is a pre-fire condition and should be treated as urgent.
Urgent — stop dryer immediatelyWhen the vent is blocked, heat has nowhere to go. The dryer exterior becomes hot to the touch, and the laundry room temperature rises noticeably. Clothes also come out extremely hot — much hotter than normal.
What's happening: The dryer is overheating because exhaust can't escape. This puts extreme stress on the heating element, thermostat, and motor — and creates a fire risk.
Get a professional inspectionGo outside and check where your dryer vent exits the house. If you see lint, debris, or fluff around the opening — or the flap doesn't open when the dryer is running — you have a blockage. A properly functioning vent will push air strongly enough to open the exterior flap.
What's happening: Lint has accumulated throughout the duct and is backing up to the exit point. Airflow is severely restricted.
Vent is blocked — schedule cleaningThe National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends professional dryer vent cleaning at least once per year. If it's been longer than 12 months — or you've never had it done — your vent has accumulated lint that you can't see or reach.
What's happening: Even with regular lint trap cleaning, lint passes through the trap and accumulates inside the vent duct over time. A year's worth of laundry produces a significant amount of buildup.
Overdue — time to scheduleWhen moist air can't escape through a blocked vent, humidity builds up inside the dryer and duct. This creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew. If your freshly dried clothes smell musty, damp, or "off," the vent is likely the culprit.
What's happening: Moisture that should exit through the vent is condensing inside the duct, promoting mold growth. This affects both your clothes and your indoor air quality.
Mold risk — get it checkedModern dryers have a built-in safety thermostat that shuts the dryer off when it overheats. If your dryer is stopping before the cycle finishes, it's likely overheating due to poor ventilation. Don't ignore this — it's the dryer's last line of defense before a potential fire.
What's happening: The high-limit thermostat is tripping because the dryer is reaching dangerous temperatures. The vent is severely blocked and the dryer is protecting itself (and your home) by shutting down.
Safety shutoff — clean vent immediatelyDon't wait. Clogged dryer vents are the #1 cause of dryer fires. Every day you delay increases the risk. A professional cleaning takes under an hour and costs a fraction of what a fire would.
Get a free quote now →Step 1: If you smell burning, stop the dryer immediately. Unplug it and do not use it until the vent has been inspected by a professional.
Step 2: Check the exterior vent while the dryer is running. If air isn't flowing out strongly, the vent is blocked.
Step 3: Clean the lint trap and the short section of hose behind the dryer. This is basic maintenance you can do yourself.
Step 4: Schedule a professional vent cleaning. Only professional equipment can clean the full length of your vent duct and verify it's clear with camera inspection.
A licensed technician will reach out within a few hours. Check your phone and email.
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