Improper dryer vent installation can cause serious problems with your dryer's performance and create hazardous conditions. Here are five signs that you might need a new vent installation.

Hose Is Too Long

International Residential Code specifies that a clothes dryer's exhaust duct should be no longer than 35 feet from the dryer's location to the wall or roof termination. If there is a 90-degree angle bend at any point in the duct, that number should be reduced by 5 because of the additional airflow restrictions that a sharp angle creates. If you suspect your hose may be longer, you should measure. A hose that's too long will reduce the efficiency of your dryer and could become a fire hazard.

Interior Venting

If your dryer vent terminates on the inside of your home, such as in a crawlspace or attic space with no additional ducting to the outside, you need a new dryer vent installation. All dryer vents should terminate on the outside of the building. A dryer that terminates inside can create moisture buildup and mold growth. Occasionally a poor installation may result in a vent that terminates near an attic ventilator or into a chimney. This is also a problem.

Main Duct Is Flexible

Dryer vent ducting is often made of rigid metal ducting, semi-rigid aluminum, or insulated foil or plastic. In some cases, the choice of material is vital for the proper function of the vent. Flexible foil or plastic ducting is only suitable for transitions from the appliance to a more rigid main duct. If you have flexible foil or plastic ducting and it's installed as the main duct, you have a problem. One reason it's not suitable is that this material may become crushed. Additionally, flexible ducting can trap lint and become a serious fire hazard. Most building codes forbid flexible ducting as the main duct.

Bad Vent Location

Even if your dryer exhaust vent has been properly constructed to vent outside, that doesn't mean it's been correctly installed. Dryer vents should never be installed closer than 3 feet to another opening such as a door or window or closer than 10 feet to an air conditioning condenser. If your dryer vent is closer than these guidelines, you'll need to have a new vent installed in the correct location. If it's too close to these locations, moisture and lint can be sucked back into the home.

Restricted Airflow

Another problem that should be addressed is restricted airflow due to improper ducting installation. This may be caused by a duct path that has created too many sharp angles that don't allow for proper airflow.

To have a new vent system installed in your home, contact a dryer vent installation service in your area.

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