7 Signs Your Dryer Vents Need to Be Cleaned

Dryer vents are the most overlooked appliance in your home and yet one of the most used. If you neglect to clean your dryer vents regularly, you may face some serious problems that can affect your safety, health, and wallet. Here are 7 signs that you need to have your dryer vents cleaned as soon as possible.

Dryer Vent Cleaning in Northwest Indiana

1. Your Clothes Take Longer to Dry:

This is one of the most obvious yet common signs of a clogged dryer vent. When the vent is blocked with lint, dust, or debris, the hot air cannot escape properly and the drying time increases. This not only causes your dryer to overheat but also can damage your dryer.

2. Your Dryer is Hot to The Touch:

If your dryer feels unusually hot after a cycle, it means that the heat is not venting out properly and is building up inside the machine. This can pose a fire hazard and damage your dryer. You also may notice your laundry room feels warmer or more humid than usual.

3. You Smell Something Burning:
This is the most serious sign that you need to get your dryer vents cleaned immediately. A burning smell indicates that lint has accumulated in the vent and is catching fire. This can quickly spread to your dryer and your home, causing a devastating fire.

4. You See Lint or Debris Around the Dryer Vent Opening:

This is a sign that your dryer vent is clogged and needs to be cleaned immediately. Lint or debris around the vent opening means that the air flow is restricted and some of the lint is escaping from the vent. This can also attract pests and rodents that can nest in your vent and cause even more problems.

5. Your Energy Bills Are Higher Than Usual:

If your dryer takes longer to dry your clothes, it also uses more energy and increases your utility bills. A clogged dryer vent will make your dryer work harder and consume more electricity or gas. By cleaning your dryer vent, you can improve your dryer’s performance and save money on your energy bills.

6. You Notice Mold or Mildew on Your Clothes or in Your Laundry Room:

A clogged dryer vent can cause moisture and humidity in your laundry room, which can lead to mold or mildew growth on your clothes or walls. This will damage your clothes and create health problems for you and your family. Mold or mildew can also indicate that there is water damage or leakage in your dryer vent, which needs to be repaired immediately.

7. Your Dryer Vents Have Not Been Cleaned in Over a Year:

Even if you do not notice any of the above signs, you should still get your dryer vents cleaned at least once a year. Over time, lint and other materials can build up in your vent and reduce its efficiency and safety. Cleaning your dryer vent regularly can prevent potential issues and extend the life of your dryer.

Need Help With Your Dryer Vents?

These are some warning signs that your dryer vents need to be cleaned by a professional immediately. A dirty dryer vent can reduce your dryer’s performance, increase fire risks, shorten its lifespan, and cause health issues for you and your family. Air Ductors Inc can help you keep your dryer vents clean and safe when you contact us for an appointment today! We offer dryer vent cleaning in Crown Point, De Motte, Valparaiso, and the South Suburbs area of Chicago! Learn more about the cost of dryer vent cleaning by clicking here!

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Decades in the Making: EPA Cites Source Control as a Best Practice for IAQ

By NADCA- The HVAC Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Association • September 10, 2025

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finally acknowledged what NADCA has championed for decades: source removal is a key strategy for improving indoor air quality. In its newly released Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) fact sheet , the EPA outlines three core best practices: source control, improved ventilation, and effective filtration and air cleaning. For NADCA and its certified professionals, this isn’t new guidance; it’s long-overdue recognition of the standards and best practices we’ve built our entire industry around. Now is the moment to amplify that message. NADCA’s Science is Already Leading the Way As IAQ takes center stage in conversations about public health and building safety, NADCA is helping move the industry forward with science-based standards and field-tested methods. Our members don’t just follow best practices - they help define them. This moment is an opportunity to reinforce the role that NADCA professionals play in delivering healthier indoor environments. Here’s how we support each of the EPA’s key strategies: Source Control - NADCA has long led the charge in advocating for source removal cleaning, the most effective method for eliminating contaminants inside HVAC systems. This approach is central to ACR, the NADCA Standard, which provides detailed protocols for identifying and removing dust, debris, and microbial growth. The EPA highlights source control as the first and most important step in improving IAQ (a practice that NADCA has recognized and implemented industry-wide for more than 35 years). Improved Ventilation - Clean ductwork enables HVAC systems to operate efficiently, ensuring that fresh air can circulate freely throughout a building. NADCA-certified professionals are trained to evaluate system airflow, identify restrictions, and offer solutions that improve ventilation and air exchange, which are key components of a healthier indoor space. Filtration and Air Cleaning - When HVAC systems are dirty, even the best filters can’t perform effectively. Cleaning the system helps restore filtration efficiency, reduces the chance of particle bypass, and supports the overall performance of air cleaning systems. NADCA’s training addresses this dynamic directly, equipping professionals with the knowledge to make filtration more effective through system hygiene. Standards Built on Science and Experience NADCA’s credibility in this space is rooted in science, continuous education, and real-world application. ACR, the NADCA Standard, is maintained by a committee of subject matter experts and grounded in research, collaboration with affiliated standard-writing organizations, and decades of field experience. NADCA also invests in studies that examine the impact of clean HVAC systems on airflow, energy efficiency, and occupant health. These efforts help ensure our standards evolve with the science, keeping NADCA members at the forefront of indoor environmental health. A Shared Mission for Cleaner Air While the EPA fact sheet brings welcome national attention to IAQ, NADCA’s work has been building toward this moment for years. As industry professionals, we all share the same goal: to create healthier indoor environments where people live, work, and learn. NADCA is proud to have a voice in this space by advancing standards, educating the public, and empowering our members to deliver on the promise of cleaner air. Together with public health leaders, HVAC professionals, and building managers, we’re making indoor air quality a priority and delivering scientific results that back common-sense practices.