The most important thing your clothes dryer needs is clear exhaust; most dryers fail to operate as a result of inadequate dryer vent systems.  Improperly maintained dryer vent systems can lead to premature failure of bearings, drum rollers, motor, element and other critical parts.

Indications of improper dryer venting includes:

Longer drying time; more than one cycle to dry a load

Clothes are unusually hot at the end of the dryer cycle

Dryer is noisy - thumping scraping sounds

Dryer repeatedly shuts off before clothes are dry

Automatic sensors fail to shut off

Clothes have a moldy or smoky smell after dryer cycle

Dryer cabinet is hot when dryer is running

Dryer Vent Repair

Dryer vent repair is necessary if you are experiencing any of the above listed problems.  The dryer vent system through which dryer exhaust travels is critical in keeping your home free of excess heat and moisture.  The health of your dryer vent system is directly related to the stress that is placed on the dryer.  Failure to repair and maintain your dryer vent system will lessen the lifespan of your dryer.

Necessary Repairs

Check the dryer vent to be sure the clamps are tight; often a loose clamp causes a dryer vent become disconnected. 

Vinyl or flexible foil dryer venting is no longer considered acceptable for dryer ducts.  Replace this with 4-inch rigid metal piping.  Connect it to the dryer with a pipe clamp and seal joints with foil tape (not duct tape!)

If you have a good dryer vent exhaust system that meets city, state and manufacturer's codes and you are still experiencing problems then a good cleaning is necessary to remove lint build-up.

Dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually to maintain a safe, efficient clothes dryer.  Failure to maintain dryer vent systems is the number one cause of dryer fires and increased energy bills.

D. Benson is a corporate manager of Dryer Vent Wizard, the nation's largest dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation company with over 50 franchises across the US.  DVW specializes in all dryer vent exhaust issues.  Visit http://dryerventrepair.blogspot.com/ to learn more.