The Dangers of Clogged Dryer Ducts

by Duct Cleaning

Keeping your clothes dryer running safely and efficiently depends on your care and maintenance of it. When your dryer is in use, lint from clothes and linens escapes and gets sucked into the dryer duct. Some of it is captured by the lint screen, but some of the lint gets into the ducts. In the ducts, the lint sticks to the duct walls.


Why is cleaning out dryer ducts necessary?

Over time, dryer lint builds up and can severely restrict or completely block the dryer ducts. Clogged dryer ducts create several dangers for your home. Those dangers include:

  • Clothes dryer fires
  • Carbon monoxide buildup
  • Inefficient dryer operation
  • Shortened dryer lifespan
  • Dangers of clogged dryer ducts

Clothes dryers do have heating elements that can catch fire, and clogged dryer ducts are the leading cause of dryer fires. Clogged ducts prevent hot air from escaping the dryer. That hot air builds up, and the heating element begins working overtime to compensate and cause the heating element to burst into flames.

There is more than hot air exhausts through your clothes dryer ducts. If you have a gas dryer, the carbon monoxide generated by the combustion in the dryer exhausts through the dryer ducts. If the ducts are clogged, carbon monoxide can’t escape through the duct. Instead, it builds up within your home. If it goes unchecked, it can build up to sicken your family and there is even a risk of death.

At a minimum, clogged dryer ducts prevent your dryer from operating properly and efficiently. It will take longer for you to dry each load of laundry. You’ll run your dryer multiple times, which cost you more time and money. Because clogged dryer ducts cause your dryer to work overtime to compensate for inefficient exhausting, it can shorten the lifespan of it.

Keeping your home safe from the dangers of clogged dryer ducts

The best way to keep your home safe from the dangers of clogged dryer ducts is to prevent a buildup of lint in your dryer ducts. To keep your dryer ducts clear of lint and keep your dryer operating safely and efficiently, there are some things you can do.

You can clean the lint trap between each load of laundry. If the lint trap is full of lint, there is nowhere for the lint to go but into your dryer ducts. You should never run your dryer without the lint trap in place. It’s also a great idea to schedule a professional dryer duct inspection and cleaning with us at least once a year. Professional dryer duct cleaning employs rotating brushes and high-powered vacuums to fully clear all the lint from your dryer ducts.

Reach out to our professional for a dryer duct cleaning

You need to know the signs of clogged dryer ducts. When you know the warning signs of clogged dryer ducts, this gives you time to get a much-needed dryer duct cleaning before it is a major hazard. When ducts are restricted, dryer cycles will take longer to dry your laundry, clothes may smell musty. You may also smell a burning smell when the dryer is running, or laundry room may become unusually warm when the dryer is operating.

If your clothes dryer is showing signs of clogged ducts or if you’re overdue for a professional dryer duct cleaning, call the Diamondback HVACR professionals! Our technicians can clean your dryer ducts to keep your home safe from the dangers of clogged dryer ducts!

Diamondback AC & Heating provides reliable, quality dryer duct cleaning. Call to schedule an appointment (210) 409-7271