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The dryer vent you use is one of the most important components of the dryer. It is designed to get rid of moisture when drying clothes while pushing warm air outside. The length of a dryer vent will vary depending on the make and model. Other factors which contribute to length are the vent cover and the material. High quality dryer vents are comprised of rigid metal and have a large mouth or hood. While flexible metal is easier to handle, it can also cause lower air flow due to a design which is corrugated. Over time, this will lead to a buildup of lint.

Dryer vents become dirty over time due to lint and other debris. It will stick to the walls of the ventilation system, and with time will gradually restrict airflow. Not only will this affect the performance of the dryer itself, it can also promote allergens and potentially become a fire hazard. Maintaining your dryer vent is important, because should it become clogged and damaged, the costs needed to repair it can be steep.

Although most clothes dryers use a vent exhaust which consists of a basic duct, it can become problematic. Homeowners often wonder how it can be cleaned, and how often cleaning must be done. Most construction codes recommend that homeowners clean their dryer vents at least once every other year. However, depending on the level of usage, the dryer vent should be cleaned more frequently.

If your dryer vent has a length which is longer than 20 feet, or it features a large number of vent elbows, you will want to clean it more often. Other factors include the brand of the dryer, the frequency of use and how often the lint trap is cleaned. Cleaning the lint trap is extremely important, as this screen is responsible for the protection of the blower wheel. Ideally, the lint traps should be cleaned after each load.