The dryer exhaust duct is not always top of mind; however, it does require a little bit of attention – once per year, at a minimum. Excessive lint and debris not only reduce the equipment’s efficiency and performance, but also create a fire hazard in your home. Additionally, the blocked dryer exhaust duct can encourage harmful biological growth. Let’s take a look at some common dryer exhaust duct problems:

Clogged Dryer Exhaust Duct

Lint buildup commonly leads to a clogged dryer vent. The accumulation of lint increases the number of cycles it takes to dry a load of laundry and can also cause overheating, with the possibility of a dryer fire.

Any debris that collects around the exterior wall vent can impede the flow of air within the dryer exhaust duct, trapping lint and creating the perfect environment for a dryer fire. Keeping the exterior wall vent free of plant growth, spiderwebs and grass cuttings are key.

Rodent and bird nests can also lead to dryer exhaust blockage. A clogged duct can trap lint inside your dryer and increases the chance of a fire. This makes it important to clean your dryer vents regularly.

Compressed Dryer Exhaust Duct

Most dryers have a short distance between the back of the unit and the wall. In some cases, the dryer gets pushed against the wall, flattening or kinking the exhaust duct. This reduces the airflow and traps lint within the duct to create a blockage. To avoid these dangers, installing a product that meets building code requirements is preferred.

DryerFlex meets those standards and is the safer choice. It’s resistant to crushing and kinking and maintains its 4-inch diameter, whether stretched or compressed. Learn more about the DryerFlex advantage and its code-compliant properties at DryerFlex.com. DryerFlex can be ordered by visiting the product page.

Excessive Duct Turns

The ideal dryer exhaust duct should be more or less in a straight line. More turns promote the accumulation of lint and other debris, which can reduce the dryer’s efficiency. To avoid complications, try to avoid multiple turns in the dryer exhaust duct.

Poor Installation

A poorly installed dryer exhaust duct can cause multiple problems for the dryer and your home’s safety. It can lead to an electrical short circuit or fire, and it may make the dryer run inefficiently. To learn more on dryer exhaust duct installation, this blog contains some tips for installing a new dryer exhaust duct: https://betterventing.com/blogs/news/clogged-vents-and-duct-cleaning.

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