Over time, appliances can often lose their efficiency. This is no different for dryers, which may start to take longer to dry your load of laundry. This can be a hassle, but it can also mean larger issues, such as higher energy bills, a dryer that is likely to fail, or even a dryer fire. When you start having issues with your dryer, that it is the time to troubleshoot what is going on before things get worse.

There are many downsides to a dryer that is inefficient. You may find that the cycle repeats if the dryer senses moisture. The dryer might overheat and shut off due to long cycles. At the same time, your clothes are moist and you can’t seem to get them dry.

When your dryer has to work overtime to dry your laundry, the internal temperatures rise beyond normal operating levels. Excessive heat stresses key components such as heating elements, thermal fuses, thermostats, control boards, and more. This negatively effects the lifespan of your dryer, and can also cause fires.

Another downside is wasted utilities. Every load of laundry you run through the dryer is another expense. Over time, your utility bills will add up.

Here are some reasons your dryer might have issues drying your laundry.

Washing machine with a laundry bin next to it.

Lint Buildup

Lint buildup is a common issue in dryers. Despite a lint trap, lint still travels into the vent hose. This can build up over time, restricting airflow. This is the reason that many dryers start taking longer to dry clothes, as it is more difficult for moisture to escape through the vent hose.

If you have lint buildup, you will probably notice that your clothes are warm but damp, it takes longer to dry, there may be a burning smell, or there is excess link around the dryer vent.

Long Vent Runs Reduce Airflow Efficiency

The length of the vent run can also play a factor in your dryer’s performance. A longer vent means that moisture and lint has further to travel. This often means that there is lint buildup in the vent, especially if there are any bends or other spots that can slow it down.

Improper Vent Routing

Vent routing mistakes can impact dryer performance. It is possible that your dryer setup is incorrect, such as excessive bends, too many turns, sagging ductwork, wrong types of vents, or venting into your home or crawl space. If you have tried to fix your dryer to no avail, it may be time to see if you need a professional to work on routing your vent properly.

Troubleshooting

If you notice you are struggling with getting your clothes dry, here are some things you can troubleshoot:

  • Clean the lint trap thoroughly
  • Inspect the vent hose behind the dryer for kinks or crushing.
  • Check the exterior vent flap to ensure it opens freely while the dryer is running.
  • Look for visible lint buildup at the vent outlet.

If airflow still seems weak after these steps, a deeper inspection of the duct system may be needed.

When Professional Cleaning May Help

In some cases, lint buildup inside the ductwork cannot be fully addressed with basic cleaning. A professional dryer vent cleaning service such as licensed dryer vent cleaning services in Bethlehem can remove compacted lint and restore proper airflow. However, the primary goal should be improving appliance performance and ensuring safe operation rather than simply scheduling a service.