Louvered dryer vent hood on an outside wall with the damper flap open

Generic photo: The EnergySmart Academy · CC0

Dryer vent cleaning service: disconnect, brush the run, check the hood and prove airflow

Failure to clean is the leading factor in dryer fires. Whirlpool says vents to the outside should be cleaned every one to two years, or sooner if drying slows, and fire services recommend cleaning the lint filter every load. The service is: disconnect, clean the dryer's exhaust outlet and transition, brush the run section by section to the hood, replace foil or plastic duct with rigid or semi-rigid metal, reconnect with foil tape (no screws) and test airflow at the hood.

Cross-checked ~60 min moderateBrands: All

Before you start

Unplug the dryer. On gas dryers, move the unit gently so the gas connector is not kinked or strained; if the connector must be disconnected, that is for a qualified gas technician
Never use plastic or thin-foil accordion duct; replace it with metal
Do not fasten duct joints with screws that stick into the airstream; lint snags on them

Diagnostic steps

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