Does your clothes dryer feel excessively hot and humid? Even though this appliance should heat up, your clothes shouldn’t burn you or feel damp at the end of the cycle. If this appliance issue sounds familiar, take a look at what you need to know about your humid dryer.
Is the Dryer Humid or Is It the Laundry Room?
Before you blame the humidity on your appliance, make sure it’s the dyer’s fault. A running clothes dryer shouldn’t raise the temperature or humidity in your laundry room. But if you’re not sure whether the dryer is the culprit or there’s another problem in the room, ask:
- When does the room get hot or humid? If the indoor environment only changes when the dryer is on, it’s likely your appliance has an issue that requires professional attention.
- Does the room feel more humid in only some seasons? Heat and humidity are summer-time (or late spring and early fall) problems. If the laundry room is consistently hot and humid in the warmest months of the year, chances are it’s not the dryer’s fault.
- Does the warmth or humidity disappear? What happens when you turn off the dryer and let the appliance cool down? If the room’s temperature and humidity level drops, chances are the appliance is the issue.
- Is the hose attached? If the vent hose is loose or isn’t attached properly, it can allow heat and humidity to leak into the room.
- Is the dryer installed correctly? Incorrect installation or venting can raise the temperature and humidity level in the dryer or in the laundry room.
Even though these questions can help you to better understand whether the dryer is at fault or not, you may still need an appliance expert’s advice. An untreated dryer malfunction could pose a serious safety risk. If you’re not sure whether the room, the weather, or the dryer is the true problem, a technician can inspect the appliance, diagnose the problem, and recommend a repair or replacement.
When Was the Last Time You Cleaned the Dryer Vent?
You empty the lint trap regularly. Is this enough to keep your dryer in top shape? Even though this is an essential maintenance activity, it isn’t the only way to care for your appliance. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), dryer dust, fiber, and lint is responsible for 26 percent of dryer-related fires.
A clogged dryer vent (or vent line) may cause:
- Excess heat. Do your clothes feel hotter than normal? A clogged vent blocks the flow of the hot air out of the appliance. This can overheat the dryer and everything in it.
- Excess moisture. The dryer vent doesn’t only allow hot air to escape the appliance. It also helps to eliminate the moisture. Without proper venting, the dryer may seem steamy when you open it.
- Damp clothes. Are your clothes hot, but damp, after the cycle ends? The excess humidity from a clogged vent may make your dryer slow to remove moisture from clothes.
- Long dry cycles. Does it take hours to dry your clothes completely? If the dryer heats and tumbles, it’s possible a clogged vent is at fault.
How can you determine whether the vent is clogged or the dryer has another problem? Go outside to the vent’s exit and feel for warm, blowing air. If you can’t feel anything or if the air trickles out, it’s likely the appliance’s vent is blocked. Again, this poses a potential fire risk. An appliance technician can inspect the dryer, remove the clog, and clean the entire length of the vent pipe.
Does your dryer need a professional repair? Contact Capital City Appliance Service for more information.
