Dryer Taking Long Time to Dry

If your dryer is taking too long to dry your clothing, you can count on Dryer Vent Cleaning Pro for professional Los Angeles dryer vent maintenance and troubleshooting services to figure out what the issue is.

At Dryer Vent Cleaning Pro, we are the local expert you can trust for dryer vent inspection and consultation, cleaning, maintenance and repair.

Our dryer vent maintenance and troubleshooting services will ensure all joint connections are secured, there is no excess buildup of lint, and the vent lines are free from hazards that may contribute to dryer malfunctions and fire.

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Why Your Dryer is Taking Long Time to Dry

There are several reasons your dryer might take a long time to dry clothes. Here are some common causes:

Clogged Dryer Vents

Lint and other debris can build up in the vent or exhaust duct, restricting airflow and causing the dryer to take longer to dry clothes.

Dryer Vent Malfunction

A malfunctioning vent can cause your dryer to run less efficiently, leading to longer drying times and higher energy bills. Sometimes, it can even be a safety hazard, as a clogged or blocked vent can cause your dryer to overheat and potentially start a fire.

Clogged Lint Screen

The lint screen is a screen that separates the duct leading away from the machine from the dryer drum that catches particles of lint. The dryer’s hot air blows these fibres around and into the lint screen. When the screen is full of lint, it can prevent the proper circulation of hot air, leading to longer drying times.

The Dryer Drum is Overloaded

If you try to dry too many clothes at once, they can take longer. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the maximum load size for your dryer.

Defective Heating Element and Thermostat

Because the dryer’s heating element is responsible for heating the dryers, if the heating element is damaged, it will not be able to generate enough heat to dry clothes efficiently.

Incoming Power Issue

If the dryer is not getting enough power, it will not be able to generate enough heat to dry clothes efficiently. A tripped circuit breaker or a faulty outlet can cause this.

General Solutions for Dryers Taking Long Time to Dry

When your dryer takes a long time to dry clothes, it either malfunctions or the dryer vent is clogged and needs serious cleaning and repairs.

If the heating element and thermal fuse have blown, it is best to get your dryer vent cleaned before replacing the heating element and thermal fuse.

Since the dryer had become too hot, primarily because of a clogged vent, we will deal with the clogging first. Otherwise, it will blow up again, even with a newly replaced fuse. If the heating element has blown, it would require an appliance-repair service.

Indicators That the Dryer Vent Is Causing the Dryer Delays

There are a few signs that your dryer vent may be causing your dryer to take longer than usual to dry clothes:

  1. Clothes are taking longer than usual to dry: If it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, this could be a sign that your dryer vent is clogged or blocked. This can restrict the airflow and cause the dryer to work harder, leading to longer drying times.
  2. The dryer is hot to the touch: If the outside of your dryer is hot to the touch, this could indicate that the airflow is restricted and the dryer is overheating.
  3. A burning smell comes from the dryer: If you smell a burning odor from your dryer, this could be a sign that the vent is blocked and the dryer is overheating.
  4. The outside exhaust vent flap is not opening properly: If the outside exhaust vent flap is not opening properly, this can restrict the airflow and cause the dryer to work harder, leading to longer drying times.

We can help address the problems by conducting a thorough cleaning and detailed repair along the vent so everything can work perfectly.

Dryer Vent Solutions for Dryers Taking Long Time to Dry

If your dryer is taking longer than usual to dry clothes, our first solution is to inspect and clean the vent. A clogged or blocked dryer vent can restrict the airflow and cause the dryer to work harder, leading to longer drying times.

Other additional steps we can take to try to resolve the issue include the following:

  1. Checking the exhaust vent: we ensure that the outside exhaust vent is not blocked by debris such as leaves or lint.
  2. Checking for any kinks in the vent hose: we ensure that the vent hose is not kinked, as this can also restrict the airflow.
  3. Checking for other issues: once we have tried these steps and the dryer is still taking too long to dry clothes, we will troubleshoot the vent system to check for any other issues.

Dryer Vent Troubleshooting

During the troubleshooting process, our technicians inspect the dryer vent for any of these issues and take appropriate steps to fix them. This may involve cleaning the vent, repairing or replacing damaged parts, or re-installing the vent correctly.

The most common problems we may discover include the following:

  1. Clogged dryer vent
  2. Disconnected or damaged dryer vent
  3. Improperly installed dryer vent
  4. Obstructed outdoor dryer vent

Dryer Vent Inspection

During a dryer vent inspection, you can expect our technicians to thoroughly examine the vent system to ensure it is functioning properly and safely. Our inspection is meant to identify any excess lint buildup and help prevent fires by eliminating potential hazards, and includes the following:

  1. Checking the dryer vent for any visible signs of damage or obstruction, and inspecting the vent lines, lint traps, joint connections, termination points, and washer hoses.
  2. Inspecting the dryer to ensure that it is operating correctly and that the lint filter is clean. We will also check for any visible signs of damage, such as holes or tears in the drum.
  3. Testing the airflow using specialized equipment to measure the airflow through the dryer vent system to determine if there are any blockages or restrictions in the vent.
  4. Checking the outdoor dryer vent to ensure that it is properly installed and free of any obstructions, such as debris or nests.

After completing the inspection, we will provide a report detailing all issues and recommend any necessary repairs or maintenance.

Dryer Vent Repair

Several issues can cause a dryer vent to malfunction, and our repair service will depend on the identified problem.

We can:

  1. Update your vents to meet the latest code compliance
  2. Replace termination outlets that are broken
  3. Remove any prohibited screws or fasteners that protrude into exhaust ducts
  4. Repair breaks line
  5. Replace broken duct supports
  6. Re-tape joins wherever necessary
  7. Replace vinyl or foil ducts with lasting and rigid metal venting materials.

After the repairs are completed, our technician will test the dryer vent to ensure it functions properly and safely. We also provide recommendations for maintaining the dryer vent and may offer a follow-up inspection to ensure the repairs were successful.

Dryer Vent Replacement

Our professional dryer vent replacement services typically involve completely removing the old vent and installing a new one. We will follow manufacturer’s instructions and Los Angeles building codes to ensure that the new dryer vent is properly installed and functions safely.

From the consultation and removal of the old dryer vent to installation, we replace plastic dryer vents and old flexible foil hoses, among other malfunctioning components.

Dryer Vent Rerouting

Our professional dryer vent rerouting services involve changing the route of the dryer vent to improve its functionality or accommodate changes in the home’s layout.

We will plan the new route for the dryer vent, taking into consideration factors such as the location of the dryer, the location of the exterior wall or roof where we will install the vent, and any obstacles that may need to be avoided.

Successful dryer vent rerouting will help provide proper airflow, reduce the risk of fire, increase dryer efficiency, and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

FAQs

Our dryer vent inspection will help identify any issues or blockages in the vent that could be affecting the performance of your dryer or increasing the risk of a fire.

It is generally recommended to have your dryer vent inspected at least once a year or more frequently if you notice any issues with your dryer.

During a dryer vent inspection, we will check the entire vent length for any blockages or damage. This may involve using specialized tools to access the vent and check for any issues.

Some common issues that may require dryer vent repair include a collapsed or kinked vent, a disconnected vent, or a vent blocked by lint or debris.

Some signs that your dryer vent may need repair include clothes taking longer than usual to dry, the dryer becoming hot to the touch, and an excess of lint visible at the lint trap or outside vent opening.

Our dryer vent inspection will also help identify any issues that may require repair.

There are several reasons you may need to replace your dryer vent, including if it is damaged or not functioning properly, if it is not up to code, or if it is too old and needs to be replaced.

Yes, a dryer that is not ventilated properly can take a long time to dry clothes. If the vent is blocked or damaged, it can reduce the airflow and prevent the dryer from functioning efficiently.